Do you tow (or have you towed) with a 3/4 ton pickup?

[rodsterinfl]

or it is a bad truck/brand

[ROBERT CROSS]

Do you tow (or have you towed) with a 3/4 ton pickup?

No...


Bob

[Gneiss Guy]

I can't speak for the Chevy/GMC, nor the Ram, but I have had two F250s. Both were/are SuperCab 4 x 2 with the long bed. My first was a 2002, which I drove until I purchased the 2016 Lariat. Both are gassers. I mostly use them to pull our FC 30, but I do drive them around from time to time. I suppose they both drive and handle like trucks. When not on a trip, however, I drop the tire pressure to 50# and it seems to be a bit smoother. I guess I don't understand how a truck can be suspended to drive like a car, while able to haul and control a large Airstream.

[Tsunami-v2]

Originally Posted by Countryboy59

Wait, is this the same 2006 you sold that you said was reliable?

Yes, because I made sure everything was fix/repaired. It took almost 2 years, but that truck was rock solid when I sold it. We went to Alaska and back with zero problems.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Tsunami-v2

Just sold my 2006 Chevy 3/4 ton duramax/allison, which I purchased new. It was a good truck, very reliable. I pulled our 28 ft AS to Alaska and back (13,548 miles) last year with no problems. Last week I purchased my 8th new Ford pickup truck. It's a 2017 F250 SD short bed, Ruby Red with Lariat Ultimate package. Glad to be back in a Ford. Tons of interior room, comfortable seats, huge power under the hood. Before owned the Chevy, I had purchased 7 new Ford F150's about every 2 to 2 1/2 years. Had great luck and really enjoyed the Fords. Chevy or Ford, it's a toss up. Good luck. Go drive them, drive them multiple times over different types of road. then decide.

Yep here is the post saying " It was a good truck, very reliable."

[franklyfrank]

[QUOTE=Gneiss Guy;2015354]I can't speak for the Chevy/GMC, nor the Ram, but I have had two F250s. Both were/are SuperCab 4 x 2 with the long bed. My first was a 2002, which I drove until I purchased the 2016 Lariat. Both are gassers. I mostly use them to pull our FC 30, but I do drive them around from time to time. I suppose they both drive and handle like trucks. When not on a trip, however, I drop the tire pressure to 50# and it seems to be a bit smoother. I guess I don't understand how a truck can be suspended to drive like a car, while able to haul and control a large Airstream.[

/QUOTE]

Yes, how about that, or vice versa. Using a lightly sprung car like vehicle doing it.

[staujx1]

We pull a 27fb with a 2500 Chevy Duramax. We have had 3 different Airstreams and it's been really great. You can always upgrade brakes with dimple slots, use a weight distribution hitch for towing, and what ever other bells and whistles you want. (back up camera with apple software if you have iPhones)
I myself would like to buy a new 3500 Denali, but that may be extravagant for us. That way should you choose to get a heavier trailer you will be set.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Over the years, I've owned vehicles from a lot of different manufacturers. Some vehicles have done better than others. Trying to paint this or that major outfit as "total junk" ... not so much. Each of them has done very well by me. Each of them has tossed me a bit of grief.

Bob

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by russingr

I'd like to find the smoothest riding 3/4 ton pickup that I can, since it is also my daily driver.

Previously, I had a Toyota Tundra and loved it, but with lots of gear and such in the pickup and trailer, it was just a tad too close to capacity for my peace of mind. I understand that many folks happily tow a 30' Airstream with a 1/2 ton pickup (or even an SUV or whatever), but that's not for me; I'm going to tow my 30' with a 3/4 ton pickup, so I'm not interested in discussion on that point.

I also am well aware that a 3/4 ton is going to ride rougher than a 1/2 ton, given the much stiffer suspension.

In 2014 I bought a used 2013 Ford F250 with a few thousand miles on it, and I'm driving it currently; it now has just under 80K miles on it. It has what Ford calls the SuperCab; it does have a back seat, but it's a small one. The previous owner had traded out the factory shocks for Bilstein shocks, and had also added Firestone air springs; I purchased the truck from a dealer, so I've never spoken with the prior owner. One of the reasons I bought this model was that I wanted to have a shorter wheelbase than the SuperCrew (the full back seat) so that it would have a tighter turning radius and thus be simpler to park when not towing. Now, I'm guessing I may have traded off a somewhat smoother ride that I might have gotten with the SuperCrew and longer wheelbase. On a very smooth highway, of course the ride in my current truck is fine; but given the poor condition of many interstates, in some places it feels like this truck is going to rattle the teeth right out of my head.

I would like to trade this truck for another 3/4 ton pickup with a smoother ride. I have not begun test driving Chevys or Dodges (or Fords with a longer wheelbase) yet, but I will begin that soon.

Do you have experience with a longer wheelbase truck that made a significantly smoother ride?

Do you have (or have you had) a 3/4 ton pickup that you can recommend as having what you considered to be a smoother ride?

I'm well aware that "smoother ride" is highly subjective, and depends on an individual's perspective and opinion.

Thanks in advance for sharing any experience you may have in this area.

As there aren't any AS trailer "requiring" a one-ton class truck, it's more a matter of solo use. As always, solo use spec predominates. Thus if solo payload is too much even for the steroid-loaded halfftons of today, it comes to design per suspension, handling and steering. This truck size is otherwise a mistake.

The IFS truck is superior. Same for rack & pinion steering. Comparative lower ride height. WB is a non-starter as what's past 130" has no benefit in ride and then worsens handling.

Disadvantages include 4WD and beam axle front & rear.

These are basics. Roadgoing stability is foremost.

Ride quality may be subjective, but it can be altered (improved) by either high tech factory shock absorbers and/or aftermarket offerings.

Keldermann air ride (and other suppliers) as well.

Tire choice also matters. Quality, plus pressure per actual load (scale numbers per axle as used for solo or towing; different values).

OP, work with the truck you have now. Start with tire pressure. Shocks are next.

.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Simply *finding* a 2WD pickup is darn tough. That alone should tell you that most of the world loves 4x4's. It's also easy to note that 99.9% of the time 4x4 does not get turned on at all. From what I've seen, in the other 0.1% of the cases, it may get you in as much trouble as it gets you out of. Yes, I have a 4x4, I follow the herd.

I'm not exactly bashful about "exploring" interesting ... errr.... roads. I've lived my whole life in snow country (here in PA and much further north). In 50 years of driving in the snow, I can't think of very many cases where 4x4 actually was needed (as opposed to good tires, locking rear, some care driving ...). Can you get stuck? Of course you can. 4x4 *may* encourage you to do really dumb things. I've seen a *lot* of that over the years. I've driven by abandoned 4x4's in my 2WD and gone back to focusing on what I was doing many times.

There is no *guarantee* that a 2WD suspension will be better than a 4x4 suspension. They *do* make crap 2WD's. There's no guarantee that a 2WD will come with a locking rear end (you need to check that box ...). You *can* put a 48" lift kit on your 2WD It's not a magic answer. You still need to poke into this and that. Getting it wrong is still quite possible.

Going with a 2WD means ordering a truck from the factory. You aren't going to find one new on a dealer lot. Finding a used one .... good luck (yes you can do it). Ordering new is generally not ideal cost wise. When you go to sell the truck, nobody wants a 2WD. You will take a hit on resale. If you drive the truck 80,000 miles a year for 20 years, that may not be an issue If you trade every 2 to 4 years, it's worth thinking about.

Lots of details ....

Bob

[joshjack]

Originally Posted by Countryboy59

If a truck (any brand of the big 3) doesn't go 200,000 miles you're doing something wrong. But you have to actually maintain them. I think some people get in too deep buying a $60,000 pickup on time then are surprised when they have to buy tires, brakes, and ball joints before the payments are done.

This is a good post! I love my RAM but I did put new tires on at 30k. I replace both fuel filters every 15k miles or so; and hitting 60k it’s time for the first brake job. Oil changes take A LOT of oil compared to a gasser.

But I wouldn’t trade it for anything, well except a 2018...

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by joshjack

This is a good post! I love my RAM but I did put new tires on at 30k. I replace both fuel filters every 15k miles or so; and hitting 60k it’s time for the first brake job. Oil changes take A LOT of oil compared to a gasser.

But I wouldn’t trade it for anything, well except a 2018...

Well, my Ford 6.2 is a $100 synthetic oil change if I do it myself, as much as any diesel I've had. But I used Rotella in the diesels.

[PaulnGina]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Simply *finding* a 2WD pickup is darn tough.

Bob

Good points made.

The fact that the world loves 4x4's is why I got such a great deal on our 1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke, 4x2. We have had it now for 6 years or so. It was found on our local Craigslist and at the time it had 70,000 miles on it..... barely broken in. I had seen it listed for over a week. Finally got it for $6850. I think that the fact that it was 4x2 weeded out a lot of potential buyers. My preference would have been a 4x4 F350 non-dually, but when this one showed up, I knew it would fit our needs just fine. So, we got a really nice truck for pulling our Avion, and it now only has 125,000 miles on it.
I could have used a 4x4 maybe twice...... usually in our back yard, moving the Avion from its parking spot to get it out of the back yard, which involves an incline before I do a 180 and head out the gate. If the grass is really wet or the ground is soft, it is easy to spin the rear tires of the truck, even with all of the tongue weight on the ball of the hitch. One time, I unhitched, got the 1981 Bronco (4x4) out of the garage, and moved the Avion with it. That little bit of extra grip by the front tires was all it needed.

I plan on keeping the F250 for a long time!

[gypsydad]

I have used my TV's 4x4 capabilities several times in the snow when traveling without the AS, and also several times with the AS in certain camping areas or poor weather. In the past 4 months with the new F250, I used it 3 times, where a 2WD TV would not have gotten us out of a situation pulling the AS. First, we were in Titons few weeks ago when weather went cold and rain/snow became an issue getting out of our camp spot. 4x4 helped make the pull out safe. One week later in Santa Fe NM when we went up into Black Canyon camp grounds. We went beyond the first campground, to look at the next camping area with electric hookups. We turned in and went up a dirt road, with some rain starting to come down...we got half way up when it got very steep and there was no place to turn around...one way drive. The the rear wheels started slipping with the weight of pulling our 28' FC up the incline, until I selected 4 WD. You never know when you might need the 4x4, but you will be glad you have it when you do! By the way, Black Canyou was one of the cleanest, nicest, $5/night campgrounds we have stayed!

[russingr]

From the original poster: Thanks so much for all the great information on this thread responding to my questions. This is a tremendous help as I figure out what to do next. Once again, this forum is an amazing resource. Thanks again.

[Tater]

I have a Silverado 2500 4x2 with 70k miles. I do order my tricks and will be ordering another 4x2 later this year. Get what you want one time and you will be happy. As one of the above posters said everything on the dealers lot is 4x4.

[featherbedder]

I live rural. My job was RR conductor for 40 yrs. last 15 or so commuter trains to Chgo. Mandatory to get into town to work. Have had to drive across fields to get to work as our town ship very lax in plowing roads. Point is w/out 4 wheel drive wouldn't have made it. I had to do this many times as our rd. drifts in and closed, not even emergency veh. can get thru. I have called 911 about our rd. and stranded vehs. operator couldn't believe conditions that bad most other rds. good shape. Those that live in subdivisions or cities don't have a clue about conditions in country. Some of RR crews live in town can't make it to work, IM O bunch of pampered wimps and to lazy to shovel snow or try. Just take easy way CAN'T MAKE IT. In total time on RR got stuck one time but made second trip of day after going across field w/volkswagon, promptly got rid of 2wheel drive pick up for 4 whd even last 4 cars all wheel drive. If stranded and at zero temp. won't last long. Bottom line my wife and I are die hard 4 whd owners as both sons are, also having been raised in country and still living rural. As for 2 or 4whd it's your choice. As for safety we will stick to 4whd. Follow up our rd. is not isolated as many many cars use as short cut to highways, and major school bus rt. Yes I'm opiniated but at 83 Ive earned that right.

[Pat Cassity]

I have been going back and forth trying to decide on a GMC 2500 or 1500 with a 6.2 v8 and max tow. I also wanted the smoothest ride possible for ever day use. Yesterday I Test drove a 2500 Denali thinking that the magnetic ride would help smooth it out. I found out that the magnetic ride is only available on the Denali 1500. My test ride just about beat me to death! I have the 1500 ordered and will stay with it. Also disappointing was the Denalis payload. A little over 2000 lbs on a 2500!

[uncle_bob]

Hi

There is only so much magic they can do with a suspension. Optimizing for a soft ride when empty generally means that you have a challenge when it comes to a full loaded towing situation. Yes, if you go with all sorts of auto adjust stuff, it could compensate. I have yet to see that sort of gear in a pickup truck.

Bob

[thoreau2104]

Originally Posted by Pat Cassity

I have been going back and forth trying to decide on a GMC 2500 or 1500 with a 6.2 v8 and max tow. I also wanted the smoothest ride possible for ever day use. Yesterday I Test drove a 2500 Denali thinking that the magnetic ride would help smooth it out. I found out that the magnetic ride is only available on the Denali 1500. My test ride just about beat me to death! I have the 1500 ordered and will stay with it. Also disappointing was the Denalis payload. A little over 2000 lbs on a 2500!

Are you sure that is right? As per sticker? I had a 2500 gmc Denali package standard bed and payload was the 2800~. I have a 3500 now or I would go take a pic. But it certainly wasn't anything near 2000lb payload.

The 2017 F250 xlt standard is listed at 3300. My buddy has the f250 xlt power stroke and his sticker says 3100. I would imagine Ford would be touting its payload vs GMC until the cows come home if that much of a difference.