What size truck?

[boblizzy]

we have recently entered into the A/S Society with the purchase of a 25' Soverign. We want to purchase a new ford 150 - is this sufficient? Any thoughts on the matter... Thanks so much

[TomW]

Originally Posted by boblizzy

we have recently entered into the A/S Society with the purchase of a 25' Soverign. We want to purchase a new ford 150 - is this sufficient? Any thoughts on the matter... Thanks so much

If you are planning to purchase a tow vehicle, a 3/4 ton vehicle will ultimately give you more peace of mind while towing.

Just my opinion,
Tom

[RivetED]

The short answer is yes, it's sufficient.

The full answer is more complicated. There is a wealth of info on this site, use the 'search' feature.

This month's "Trailer Life" features a review of the F-150's towing capabilities w/approx. 7000lb. travel trailer (bumper-pull). They also included a Chevy, Toyota, & Nissan (Dodge to be reviewed later). All were 1/2 ton models. Very interesting reading!!!!

[Scaler113]

Originally Posted by boblizzy

we have recently entered into the A/S Society with the purchase of a 25' Soverign. We want to purchase a new ford 150 - is this sufficient? Any thoughts on the matter... Thanks so much

We tow our 1995 21 foot Sovereign with a 2002 F150. The F150 is an extended cab 4WD, large gas V8. With the 17 inch wheels the GVWR is 6500 lbs, GCWR is 12,500 lbs. I have weighed this set uo when we left on a trip.
This is what I had
Truck front axel 2,920 lb
Truck rear axel 3,200 lb
Trailer 5000 lb
Total 11,120 lb
94% of GVWR
89% of GCWR

This set up works. We crossed the continental divide 8 time in Montana and Idaho this spring. Have your electronic brake controller set up properly and manually down shift up and down steep grades. If I had it to do again I would get a better rear end ratio and 16 inch tires. We bought the truck before we relized we wanted a trailer.
Phil

[boblizzy]

Thanks Phil

We appreciate the info - GCWR seems to be sufficient- just don't want to under buy and regret later!

Originally Posted by Scaler113

We tow our 1995 21 foot Sovereign with a 2002 F150. The F150 is an extended cab 4WD, large gas V8. With the 17 inch wheels the GVWR is 6500 lbs, GCWR is 12,500 lbs. I have weighed this set uo when we left on a trip.
This is what I had
Truck front axel 2,920 lb
Truck rear axel 3,200 lb
Trailer 5000 lb
Total 11,120 lb
94% of GVWR
89% of GCWR

This set up works. We crossed the continental divide 8 time in Montana and Idaho this spring. Have your electronic brake controller set up properly and manually down shift up and down steep grades. If I had it to do again I would get a better rear end ratio and 16 inch tires. We bought the truck before we relized we wanted a trailer.
Phil

[boblizzy]

Thanks for the tip - Oddy, info I read was that the Nissan Titan had more
pulling capacity than all the rest, BUT, they only been out about 20 minutes - we'll probably go with tried and true

Originally Posted by Ed & Debbie

The short answer is yes, it's sufficient.

The full answer is more complicated. There is a wealth of info on this site, use the 'search' feature.

This month's "Trailer Life" features a review of the F-150's towing capabilities w/approx. 7000lb. travel trailer (bumper-pull). They also included a Chevy, Toyota, & Nissan (Dodge to be reviewed later). All were 1/2 ton models. Very interesting reading!!!!

[Scaler113]

Originally Posted by boblizzy

we have recently entered into the A/S Society with the purchase of a 25' Soverign. We want to purchase a new ford 150 - is this sufficient? Any thoughts on the matter... Thanks so much

Another thought. Is your 25 foot AS heavier then our 21 foot? We have an empty weight of just under 4000 lbs. When I weighed this at the start of our trip we were 75% full on propane ( 2 - 30 gal tanks) and had 50 gallons of water. Most people travel lighter.

Phil

[RivetED]

Originally Posted by boblizzy

Thanks for the tip - Oddy, info I read was that the Nissan Titan had more
pulling capacity than all the rest, BUT, they only been out about 20 minutes - we'll probably go with tried and true

I hope you don't confuse my mention of the T/L article as an endorsement or concurrence with their findings or opinions!!! I have a 3/4 ton, crew-cab, American Iron, turbo-diesel, aux-fuel tank, Tim-the tool-man Taylor, mo-power pick-up with NO intentions of changing...

P.S. Coming Soon: 'Banks' or other after-market boost 'kit'!

[silverback]

We towed our 22' with a 1/2 ton (Toyota Tundra) and had no power issues. What we did have was unacceptably low miles per gallon. So when we upgraded to a 25' trailor we moved to a 3/4 ton diesel. It's a very nice fit. Regarding the Nissan Titan vs. the new F150, 4-Wheeler magazine picked the Nissan. Also in my opinion they're both brand new. I'd go drive both and pick your favorite (that's what I did with the diesels). One last thing, and probably the most important, know what your trailor weighs and also what the tongue weight is. Then do the tow vehicle math (as stated previously there is a wealth of content on this site on this topic. Maybe the number 1...).
Enjoy,
Ken

[john hd]

another option is the chevrolet 1500HD, a "half ton" in name only.

they are essentially the old 3/4 ton with a gvw of 8600 lbs. -or- you can go with the chev. 2500 non HD model, same truck and gvw.

they would have plenty of reserve capacity if you decided on a larger trailer at a later date.

john

[biggerbadbrad]

I 2nd what John said. Pulling that size of trailer with a 1/2 ton is like living on the edge. It will be sufficient in most cases, but if you are travelling in hilly terrain you will appreciate the increased suspension and braking capabilities of a 3/4 ton. I sold my 1/2 ton Ford and purchased a 3/4 ton Chev recently and was very thankful I had after travelling through the Canadian Shield this summer pulling my early 70's 31' Airstream. Depending on the weight of your 25', you may be too.

bbb

[nickcrowhurst]

Boblizzy, FWIW my humble view is that a used 3/4 ton diesel for the same money as a new 1/2 ton is a better buy. That was my decision 3 years ago, and I pull the same size trailer as you. Whatever tool I use, I prefer to work at no more than about 70% of its maximum capacity when working for extended periods. Those who spend a lot of time with drills, routers, saws, lathes, milling machines, etc will get to feel that comfort level. With a 3/4 ton truck you will be in that comfort zone. I would not tow at 95% of the tow vehicle's maximum legal capacity. Nick.

[eubank]

It all depends on the weight, determined in large measure by the year. For example, the dry weight of our 1967 30' is 4650 lbs. By contrast, the dry weight of a basic 2003 30' is 7230 lbs. (Dry weight comparison because GVWR isn't available for the 67.) We tow the 67 through the mountains with a 2000 F150; we wouldn't even try it with the 2003 model.

Lynn

[Janets Husband]

I get about 17 mpg with my Duramax towing my 7000lbs utility trailer and 18.5 mpg towing my 20' Minuet.
I did the "too small" thing, twice in two years and it cost a bundle.
Buy BIG and you won't regret it.

[boblizzy]

Thanks to all who responded on the tow vehicle question. We are picking up the trailer this weekend, we will soon know if the Ford will handle it. Thanks again