Tow vehicle for 30' AS Classic slideout

[nickmeloy]

Originally Posted by DL46

I'm in the process of buying a 2005 AS Classic 30" with SO. The GVWR is 9100. Need to buy a new truck for towing. I'm assuming a 3/4 T diesel based on trailer weight. Several friends here have suggested the Chev Silverado 2500, GMC 2500 Sierra/Denali with Duramax/Allison and 13,000 towing capacity, or, Ford F250 with 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8 and 14,000 towing capacity. Will probably go for crew cab, short bed and 2WD.
Thanks for any recommendations based on your personal experience.
David

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If the AS is equipped with E/H disc brakes, then one had best confirm that the truck will operatge the system before buying the truck. Ford will, but I am uncertain of the other truck mfgs.

[4RXLA]

4WD on my Ford is not to be used on level pavement per the owners manual. a cousin of mine just blew out her 4WD because she towed on flat pavement with it.

[newroswell]

I'll second what Bill said. Never drive a regular 4x4 with all 4 wheels on a dry nonslip surface like asphalt or concrete. But there are a few fancy new all wheel drive systems out there now that are designed to be engaged full time. So we're not sure what your salesman is driving or maybe he's never owned a 4x4 or pulled a trailer...

As for the need for a 4x4 tow vehicle, a well kept secret is that the best places to camp aren't concrete pads at the end of paved roads. And sometimes you need the 4x4 after you've unhitched and are exploring.

[au_ee]

Originally Posted by nickmeloy

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If the AS is equipped with E/H disc brakes, then one had best confirm that the truck will operatge the system before buying the truck. Ford will, but I am uncertain of the other truck mfgs.

I read an article in Trailer Life a while back that was talking about the built in brake controllers on Ford, GM, and Dodge. At that time, the only built in controller that would work with electric over hydraulic disc brakes (kind used in AS Classic) was the Ford. I believe the Ford is provided by Teshkona which is probably why it works with AS.

[pappy19]

We have a 2002 30' Classic SO and couldn't be happier. That extra room is worth it, even if you are just camping. I tow with a 2008 F-250 Supercab Shortbed V-10 and after 81,500 miles, I couldn't be happier with it either. No doubt that diesels have more torque and some even get better mileage, but we have been down this road before as to gas vs diesel. Plenty of threads to read on that subject. Suffice it to say that any 3/4-1 ton vehicle can tow most any AS comfortably, regardless of engine type or size.