Looking for recommendations on new TV purchase

[KatFieler]

Buying a new TV, looking for advice. We currently have an Airstream 25' Safari. TV is a Dodge Ram 1500 5L Hemi.

TV is fine in hilly/flat terrain. In the mountains, the truck is not always firmly in charge.

Looking to upgrade to a 2500 diesel (wish list = jake brake). We boondock a lot but probably don't need 4 wheel drive.

We like the Ram but we're not married to it. We're looking for a truck that definitively does the job.

Recommendations on make, model, must-have options, best to have ... are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[wulfraat]

Well, you have 3 choices - ford, ram or gmc. None of the diesels have a Jake break but all have an exhaust brake.

All have the same capabilities and emissions controls frankly. Just comes down to styling preference IMO [emoji4]

We chose a 2500 gmc duramax Denali trim. Works well for us.

Must haves for us were a DECKED raised bed / drawer system and an ARE topper with side windows that flip up.

Stream on!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Stay away from anything OLED...ours burned in badly.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Hans627]

We had a RAM 1500 and it did OK but at times I felt like it was being taxed. When we bought our 27' GT we decided it was time to get a bigger TV.

I looked at all of them and ultimately decided on a RAM 2500. We went with diesel but many RAM 2500 owners really like the 6.4 hemi. Plus the gas version has a lot more payload, about 800 pounds more! The diesel has an exhaust brake which works very well.

As to make, I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. But since we have our RAM 2500 diesel I think we are hooked!

[fclewis]

I recently purchased a new F-150 Diesel FX4 to tow my 2016 FC 25'. I previously had a 2013 F-150 Ecoboost FX4 which pulled same AS for over 25,000 miles. Love the new diesel and although it does not have a jake brake it has a 10 speed transmission which is an excellent compromise. I have pulled the AS over the rocky Mountain ranges numerous times with excellent results. It has almost 11,000 lb towing capacity which I think is a fair amount more than the Ram. I highly recommend it if you don't want to go with a 250 or 2500. Good luck!

[Rgentum]

I traded in my Ram/Cummins 2500 to get a Ram/Cummins 3500 WITH RAMBOXES, which I have come to believe to be invaluable. I was quite impressed with the GMC/Duramax 3500, but chose the Ram because:
1. Only the Ram has Ramboxes, WHICH I REALLY LIKE.
2. I couldn't get the GMC in white, which I wanted, and the Ram comes in white seemingly as its most popular color.
3. The GMC cost $5K more that the Ram with the same trade-in.

I also don't understand why Airstream pullers don't choose a 3500 instead of a 2500. It's price increase is insignificant, a few $100, and at least in my opinion, my 3500 pulls and rides better than my prior 2500 did towing my AS.

[Pilotsaul]

We tow our Globetrotter 27FB with a Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel 4x4. Perfecto! Wouldn't change a thing. The power is unbelievable and the automatic exhaust brake is excellent too. I hardly touch my brakes on steep descents because the truck automatically downshifts and engages the exhaust brake as needed. Also, I would consider a 4x4 truck if you guys like to boondock. Ya never know when you might need the extra traction on a muddy or snow covered road. Have fun!

[moosetags]

We switched over to Diesel about ten years ago, and have never looked back. We originally towed with 3/4 ton gas Suburbans. The did OK but that's about it. We went to Duramax Silverados and have been very satisfied. I think that you will be happy with any of the 3/4 to Diesels. We prefer Chevys, but they are all great trucks.

Briaan

[jamiecherry]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

Well, you have 3 choices - ford, ram or gmc. None of the diesels have a Jake break but all have an exhaust brake.

All have the same capabilities and emissions controls frankly. Just comes down to styling preference IMO [emoji4]

We chose a 2500 gmc duramax Denali trim. Works well for us.

Must haves for us were a DECKED raised bed / drawer system and an ARE topper with side windows that flip up.

Stream on!

We're new to all of this, and hope to be in a TV/Trailer by October. With a decked system and ARE topper, where do you keep your portable generator? Thanks in advance!
Jamie

[Skaliwag]

I recomend before buying a different tow vehicle to consider a tow system that will make your rig handle. I use the Husky Centerline anti sway system and pull my 27ft Airsteam easily with my half ton pickup.

[wulfraat]

Originally Posted by jamiecherry

We're new to all of this, and hope to be in a TV/Trailer by October. With a decked system and ARE topper, where do you keep your portable generator? Thanks in advance!

Jamie

Sorry I meant ARE CAP, not topper....

Generator, portable fridge, the dog and other things go in the back.... have Victron 120v /500w inverter plus 12v power back there too.

[pjshier]

If you are a Ram fan, it can be tricky to change brands, and there is good advice above. We tend towards Ford, in part because the systems are similar considering the bride's Explorer and the commuter truck are running similar software. Sheesh... can't believe I said that; "I remember when..."!

Must haves include a really sweet entry system. If you go two-wheel drive - with a locking rear end - you may not feel the need. But for 4X4, the retracting steps are outstanding. They end up a little lower than the static version when deployed, and are out of the way when stowed.

Another feature we enjoy is the Adaptive Cruise control, or equivalent in other mfgrs. Didn't think I'd care for it, but it is very effective.

And if you want to escape the cable macramé, consider the full-tilt towing packages that include TPMS and backup images displayed on the vehicle's own glass panels.

Of course this assumes the following: adequate payload on the door sticker, tow mirrors, large fuel tank, correct tires and wheels for towing, etc...

[JohnTF]

Most anyone that has not used 3/4 ton , have no idea of the difference .
After decades of talking a friend into a 3/4 ton , he couldn't believe and will never go back .
It starts with LT - Light Truck 10ply tires , they are stiffer - this does many things that keep the truck in control and compared to anything under the 3/4 ton LT tires .
Less sway , better control , better braking ---- this is another big point - more braking - bigger shoes / drums , calipers / rotors .
Next is more in the suspension system - shocks , springs etc.

But the world has been taken over by chineez thinking - buy the least cost and run on narrow margins , vs. engineered concepts of at least 20% headroom - same with little generators needing help to run AC .

Then question what went wrong when there are failures ;(

With the diesel issue , and have been an auto / truck tech for over 40 yrs.
Spending more upfront - diesel , pays off all along the long run .
But there is a learning curve on do's & don'ts - but again most people do not bother to learn those with gas either .
If you expect to do a lot of miles , then there is no question - the MPG deference ---- if you learn - with the extra torque from a diesel - you can take advantage of the gear ratio options .
A gas rig needs higher ratio to tow - that makes for less MPGs , 3:73 at least if not 4:10s , with a diesel you can do 3:53s using the diesel torque to keep the ratio lower --- and that allows for better MPGs .

[Sailorjamie]

Like Rgentum said. I have a GMC 2500 Duramax and my only regret was not buying a 3500. I was sure I didn't want the 1500. So the obvious choice was the 2500. Unfortunately for me I didn't know to look at 3500s and I didn't realize how small the price difference was between the 2500 & 3500. The decision most people should be making is between a 1500 and a 3500.

You'll never regret having some extra payload capacity.

[Kim06]

Originally Posted by KatFieler

Buying a new TV, looking for advice. We currently have an Airstream 25' Safari. TV is a Dodge Ram 1500 5L Hemi.

TV is fine in hilly/flat terrain. In the mountains, the truck is not always firmly in charge.

Looking to upgrade to a 2500 diesel (wish list = jake brake). We boondock a lot but probably don't need 4 wheel drive.

We like the Ram but we're not married to it. We're looking for a truck that definitively does the job.

Recommendations on make, model, must-have options, best to have ... are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Exactly what I have. 2018 Ram Diesel, dual battery with class 5 hitch. Factory engine brake and trailer brake. Back up camera of course. Basic, not a lot of fancy (options). Just a TV. Four door cab, 2 wheel drive. Love it.

[pmclemore]

I am preparing to sell my 2004 Duramax which I bought new and have used it mainly to tow my Airstreams (three to date). 235,000 miles and runs great.

Crew cab, hard tonneau, pre-DEF, LT trim.

This is just a preliminary note - if you want to get into a diesel at a low entry price point, this will be a way to do it. I will post the truck on the Forums before I advertise it out to the masses.

Pat

[JohnandDonna]

Don't think you really need a diesel for your AS. Pull my 30' Intl with a Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi and 4.10 rear end, works great. But if you really want a diesel you might want to consider the 1 ton. You give up too much carrying capacity in the 3/4 ton. There will be a lot of opinions on here but most of my buddies love the Cummins diesel. We went with Ram because we loved the space that the MegaCab provides (had to order it). 2nd choice would have been the GMC Denali HD. Unfortunately the new Chevy front end is UGLY! And as far as the Ford, the interior sucked, too much hard plastic for cost of that truck. Again, Ram interior was another deciding factor. We are loving our truck!!! And our AS!!! Good luck with whatever you decide.

[oldenavy]

We LOVE our RAM 2500 Diesel for towing the AS. Engine brake is great for mountain driving! Previously owned a Ford F150 but it wasn't up to handling our 28' TT (SOB) and upgraded to F250 diesel. It pulled the TT well but I didn't like the handling of that truck. It wandered on rough roads. Moved over to RAM when we needed a dually to tow our 5th wheel while full-timing. At that time, the Ford duallys were ugly & the RAM duallys are really nice looking. Once we drove the RAM, there was no going back. I find the RAM has better road manners & wife likes the cabin comfort more. Maybe the newest model Fords handle better, I haven't tried them. We've downsized to a 2500 to tow our AS and are very happy with it.

I can't comment on the GM products, I have never looked at them.

[bibbs]

I am continually promoting passenger window vans as a superior tow vehicle, they come in diesel as well. All that room, dry lockable space, easy access, extra seats if you need them.

[JonDNC]

We have a F350 platinum diesel great truck. But all of the big 3 make a competitive truck at the 250/350 level. Look at them all and figure out which is best for you. As someone said each of the big 3 is stronger in one area or another. It’s a 6 of one half dozen of another. I’d love the tech that GMC has with the seats and interior of mine. But I can’t Oh well.