Tow Truck Advice

[Nelson428]

I like the 3/4 ton Duramax

[DustyTrails]

We just last month bought a 2021 Ram 2500 with Cummings Diesel engine for our International 25 FTB arriving in August. So the advice I have to give is not based on tow experience, but instead having just gone through these questions ourselves.

We REALLY wanted either a Ram 1500 or a Ford 150, but no matter how we tried to make one of those two trucks work for us, it just did not add up with the payload in a way that would not either seriously restrict what we bring or risk putting us over payload which we were not willing to do and certainly not from a liability standpoint.

We made the final decision on going with a 2500 while on a lot looking at them. We had calculated and recalculated what we kept reading was he payload on the 1500's, but when we actually looked on the individual trucks themselves, payload was NEVER as high as we read elsewhere. To build a truck out that would be enough payload, would have taken far more time than we had during this chip crisis for a AS arriving in August, and it would have meant we needed to sacrifice more on the truck than we wanted to. So we committed to a 2500 while on that lot.

Also just some advice when trying to buy in this chip crisis time, if you aren't finding what you need on the lot (and likely there is not enough time to build your own at this point before your AS arrives), ask at several dealers what will be arriving soon on their lots and also check their websites every couple of days. We found ours that had 90% of what we wanted only because I happened to check for the millionth time on a dealer an hour away and they got one in and we went the next morning and bought it. As soon as we left others came to buy the same one.

Lastly, you will NOT be disappointed with the 2500 should you go that route. I never expected to LOVE this truck and I do! I do not mind having it as my commute vehicle. We are Mini Cooper people and I can barely get in the truck, but it is such a comfortable ride and handles so very well. And I also love, love, love that Diesel engine. The way it handles on hills is amazing and we already know we will never regret our TV decision when the AS arrives.

Happy hunting!

[jondrew55]

Just went thru this decision process as we have a very light trailer (Jayco 212 QB), but know we'll be upgrading in the not to distant future. I never even considered a 1500. We were going to buy something more along the line of a 30+ bunkhouse like Jayco and others build, but are now thinking this is the time to go with an airstream and forgo the BH option. Pretty much looks like we're looking at a 30' model, not sure which one.

In any event, after looking at all the numbers and trying to find a tow vehicle we finally picked up a RAM 2500 Laramie Cummins. It's a beautiful truck and pulls that 5500 pound trailer around like it's a toy. It looks like the Airstream 30' spec out at about 10K max and an 800 pound tongue weight. Even though I've now gotten used to not using a WD hitch, from what I've seen so far I'll probably have to go back to one with this setup and the 30' Airstream.

As others have mentioned, the RAM 2500 has a huge towing capacity (15,700 lbs) and a payload of 2,070 pounds. The same truck with a gas engine and 2 wheel drive is about 1200 pounds more payload. Since there are just 3 of us and we don't bring a bunch of junk, we'll be fine with payload, although its closer than I might like. You can consider going gas and picking up that extra 1000 pounds, or going to a similar 3500 truck with a payload of 3,800 and towing capacity of 19880. I just did not feel it was necessary to go the 3500 route.

[David in Lex]

We towed our 2020 FC 30 RBQ over 10,000 miles with a 2020 F150 (3.5L EB, max tow package) and it did fine, including on scary steep, winding and narrow mountain roads in WV. (We also have the ProPride hitch.) The problem was payload, which was only approx. 1830 lbs. So last month we traded the F150 for a 2021 F250 (7.3 liter gas), which has a payload of over 3000 lbs. (We we’re very lucky to find exactly what we wanted.) We haven’t towed with it yet but are looking forward to the comparison. Bottom line: you need to check payload as well as towing capability. That will probably nudge you toward the 3/4 ton truck.

[Dick tracy]

Better get the 1 ton, don't mess around with these whimpy 3/4 ton diesels and their reduced payload. Go for it all, MAX payload, MAX tow capacity, MAX GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT, MAX bed length, because you never really know what you will encounter "out there" or what you will need eight years from now. You might adopt three Mastiffs that all have abandonment issues and have to travel with you everywhere you go.
You may not regret it today, you may not regret it tomorrow, but you will regret it soon and for the rest of your life.
Remember you have to avoid ALL risk at any cost.

[fourleaf1]

Also agree with the 3/4 ton, had similar set up last year Ram 1500 we purchased 33' Classic FBT and pulled it to our camp about 30 miles. Stayed under 50 all the way and it was nerve wracking. Immediately went to dealer bought Ram 2500 gas (my preference and do not want to enter debate world of gas vs. diesel). Have towed at least 10K miles in last 12 months and not 1 issue, weight distribution hitch tow brake and away you go.
Grades of 6-7% interstate highways mountains etc. Not one issue, rides a little rough when not towing but it is a Dodge workhorse

[DeltaQueen]

Did the math, ordered 2020 Ram 1500 eco-diesel with max towing options. Pulling 2021 28' Flying Cloud RB is not a problem in the north GA mountains. Have towed with 2500 and 3500, looking forward to a long trip west next year. Using a Hensley Arrow tow system.

[jwpaquette]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

.... you might want to update your member info to reflect where you actually live ....

The decision is more between a 2500 and a 3500 than between a 1500 and a 2500.

We slowly added this and that to our "inventory". Ultimately that pushed us from a F250 to an F350 ( same decision / different brand ...). Options will matter, if you go diesel, that adds a bunch of weight. The same is true of 4x4.

Payload wise, the *only* thing you can trust is the sticker on the door post. The internet resources *always* are low compared to anything other than a truck with no options at all. ( you *will* want a tow package with power mirrors ....).

Given the wide $$$ difference between a fully optioned out truck and the base model, you can get a heavy duty tow vehicle without going insane price wise.

Bob

I agree with the sentiment that you should be comparing 2500 and 3500s. You’ll find that insufficient tow, payload and braking capacity will have you doing a never ending balancing act of what to take and what to leave. This includes people and pets. I know that some don’t like the ride of the one tons for local drives. I’ve never thought to myself as I rode down the road that I sure wish I had a half ton. I’ve had the 3/4 ton and the ride difference is immaterial.

As to gas or diesel. Diesel upkeep costs are a bit higher. Aside from an extra $40 for an oil change, a fuel filter every 20k miles and DEF, you get far far more then you spend (aside from the 9-11k up charge by the manufacturers for the diesel version of the same truck). So purchase costs aside, figure $200 extra per year depending on mileage.

The other consideration is that as your life and camping style and preferences grow, change and evolve, by buying your second pickup first, you’ll be able to drive that truck for a long time and it can likely meet your changing camper choices, sizes and weights.

Best wishes and blessings.

[Life is a Highway]

3/4 ton Truck. Unless you like trading back in 1/2 ton trucks. Gas or Diesel is ok

[BumpsAcre]

I’m pulling a 30’ classic with a 2500 Chev gasser. All good. Over and back Wolf Creek Pass. All over Big Horns. BLM land. Don’t see any need for diesel.

[Fungus]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

The decision is more between a 2500 and a 3500 than between a 1500 and a 2500.

What Bob said.

Payload is your problem.

Our rig: F-150 with max tow and 1610# payload, 2017 International AS, ProPride. Virtually no usable payload remaining.

I've pretty much settled on ordering the F-350...deciding between gas and diesel now.

[Vitaver]

Originally Posted by JayOhBee

Run the numbers with a 1500 and a 2500 and see where you are at: https://docs.google.com/document/u/1...0k/mobilebasic

I get tomorrow my brand new GT27 and in a week the new 2021 F150 hybrid, with a 7KW ‘generator’ built in that charges 7 lithium batteries. We do a lot of boondocking (with our current G23, now for sale).

The New F150 has so many toys… may not need to run the generator to power the furnace fan all night, to keep the batteries topped off. Have also a Honda 7000is 206 pounds dry, to power AC when out in the heat. The new F150 is supposed to have a totally new backup assist, it comes with all the extras for the max towing, etc. The 250 and 350 (had one, diesel) don’t have them. I wish the 150 could handle the GT27 over mountains (I drive mostly Rockies), but not at the expense of accident of constant white knuckle moments. Can I bother you asking for advice? Well, I just did it…

[Fungus]

Originally Posted by Vitaver

I get tomorrow my brand new GT27 and in a week the new 2021 F150 hybrid, with a 7KW ‘generator’ built in that charges 7 lithium batteries. We do a lot of boondocking (with our current G23, now for sale).

The New F150 has so many toys… may not need to run the generator to power the furnace fan all night, to keep the batteries topped off. Have also a Honda 7000is 206 pounds dry, to power AC when out in the heat. The new F150 is supposed to have a totally new backup assist, it comes with all the extras for the max towing, etc. The 250 and 350 (had one, diesel) don’t have them. I wish the 150 could handle the GT27 over mountains (I drive mostly Rockies), but not at the expense of accident of constant white knuckle moments. Can I bother you asking for advice? Well, I just did it…

I'd like to see the door sticker for the hybrid. Lots of bells and whistles. But I'm curious about payload. With full fuel, two adults, 206# genny, 1000# tongue...I wonder how much payload is left.

[1StreamDream]

Originally Posted by Fungus

What Bob said.

Payload is your problem.

Our rig: F-150 with max tow and 1610# payload, 2017 International AS, ProPride. Virtually no usable payload remaining.

I've pretty much settled on ordering the F-350...deciding between gas and diesel now.

Fungus, I hope this helps you a little. I know you mention an F-350, I have an F-250 (gas) with the 7.3 "godzilla" and the 4.30 rear end. I have plenty of power, and for my needs plenty of payload. My truck is a 4x4 Lariat SuperCab, and the door sticker says I have just over 2900lbs of payload. I special ordered mine about a year ago (well before the current chip shortage surfaced) No HD suspension options or upgrades. My prior truck was an F-150, 5.0l, it also had plenty of power but payload was 1900 lbs and my trailer was "pushing" the truck around way too much for my comfort zone. My F-250 door sticker pasted below ... note I also specified the 10,000lb GVWR option, not sure if/how that influences the overall payload rating number, but my Ford rep assured me it had *no* impact on how the truck was built , it is simply a sticker that benefits me when it comes to annual license fees.

[Mikebrady62]

We tow our 27' with a Chevy 1500 6.2L with the tow package. I am comfortable towing my trailer and probably a 28' (actually shorter than 27) but I would not tow a 30' with this truck through the mountains of WY,CO, MO area consistently. Could you do it? Sure but I wouldn't want to regularly.

[wilsodf]

One issue with a gasser vs diesel is you get better mileage with a diesel. We just towed our 27FB from NJ to New Mexico last week and got 14.6 MPG. I heard some people say on this forum that they only get 10 MPG with the 7.3L gas engine . We have a 2020 Ford F-350 diesel with the 10 speed transmission
and have about 3400 payload. We also use TSD Logistics RV fuel program and can save up to 60 to 80 cents a gallon at the right truck stop.

For those towing with a 3/4 or 1 ton truck with a gas engine, what is the real world mileage you are getting ?

[1StreamDream]

Yep … I’m one of those reporting 10 mpg (towing my 6300lb 25’ Airstream) and that is on the good side of my avg. In high wind or hill climbing regions it gets worse. Non towing I can get 15+ mpg @ 72mph highway cruise. I also have the 4.30 rear end gear, that’s for towing muscle and my mpg suffers slightly for it. For me and the way I analyze (big picture, not an accountant) the mpg gain of diesel is offset by the significant purchase premium of a diesel truck. Then, the higher maintenance cost and my lack of experience in diesel maintenance pushes me to the gas engine as my preference. Bottom line I say get what *you* want, not what I like.

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by Harry Hedaya

I have a 30' Globetrotter arriving in August from the factory. I was thinking of getting a RAM1500 to tow it but wonder if it has enough performance to carry the load in mountainous regions ( I live in Wyoming) or weather a 2500 may be more appropriate for the job.

I have not made a decision on which truck/brand to buy yet so if anyone has some advice on any particular one I'd appreciate it.

5.7 nope…3/4 ton 394 hemi …or 6.7 cumalong