Tow Vehicle Advise

[hinterlandvt]

Hi All,
We're in the process of getting a 2018 International Serenity 28RB and now I need a vehicle to pull it. I'm new to trucks and really don't know where to start. I don't have a large budget, and I'm quite short so I'm looking for something I can physically drive and also see out of. Any advise on what you all prefer that won't break the bank? I'm thinking the Chevy Silverado, but would love input.

Thanks!

[N95556]

It’s going to be tough to get any truck in this market without a large budget. Used trucks are going for more than the same truck new. You can get a F250 with stock pedal adjusters and running boards.

[Dennis C]

Your best bet for a trailer that size is a 3/4 ton. I’m fond of GMC trucks, but any of the big three make good trucks. Unfortunately, used 3/4 ton trucks really hold their value and they’re quite expensive. Your best budget move will likely be a slightly used Silverado 2500, mid level trim with a gasoline engine. Diesels are more expensive and they hold their value really well. I’d look for a truck with running boards and adjustable pedals as mentioned above. My GMC has them, and I would assume they are optional on Chevy trucks also.

[1StreamDream]

you pick new or used, and the brand of your liking ... I think you should have at least a 3/4 ton truck

[Daquenzer]

I have the same AS (2017) and use an 2020 F150XLT 3.5 Ecoboost Max Payload Crew Cab. Does just fine. Plenty of power. Payload is around 1800lbs. Get the 20” tires and your rear axle weight goes up 200lbs. I also put on a roadmaster suspension system ($650) which eliminates axle wrap and porpoising. I use a Propride Hitch to eliminate sway. Works great. Truck handles great. No problem getting around. Pack the bed of the truck with your light stuff, and any heavy stuff (generators) in the trailer.

It’s a great daily driver (21mpg) and I get around 10 to 12 mpg while towing. I can park the truck fine, it fits in the garage, etc. Get towing mirrors by the way. If they don’t come on the truck you can get them after market pretty reasonably.

The 2021’s have more horsepower and torque. My guess is you’ll have to wait until late Summer to get the 2021’s due to chip issues.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

A *lot* depends on just what you will have along as you head out. If it's always going to be just you and nobody else, that's different than a family of six. Bringing along an ATV and a couple of dirt bikes is different than an empty bed on the truck.

You *can* get by with a 150 / 1500 sort of truck *if* it has all the right options and you don't have much to bring along. On the other end of things, with the right (wrong ...) combination, a 350 / 3500 truck may be challenged to do what you are trying to do.

If you fill in some of your "member info" we could better guess where you might be towing. Pulling along the flat gulf coast is very different than bumping over the Rockies on a regular basis.

Next up is how much experience you have towing. I'm guessing not a lot, but that could easily be wrong. In general, it's better to go a bit "more big" if you don't have a lot of experience.

Pretty much any modern truck will have a trim level that includes power seats / pedals / steering wheel. From what I've seen, they will accommodate just about any sized driver.

In a normal market used trucks would save you some money. This is not a normal market for trucks. When that will change is very unclear. Some have suggested that this is the new normal through next summer. There's no way to know ....

Good luck !!!

Bob

[moosetags]

You would probably be much happier with a 3/4 tow vehicle for an Airstream of that size. I prefer Diesel, but some find gasoline trucks sufficient. We toe our 2015 25FB with a 3/4 ton Silverado Diesel.

Brian

[Daquenzer]

My suggestion is that you search this forum. This has been a topic of discussion ad nauseam.

[tjdonahoe]

The best bargain is new..I like our 4x4 ram with 6.7 cumalong

[Daquenzer]

https://tfltruck.com/2021/06/video-s...ing-challenge/

This is interesting.

[JayOhBee]

Take a look at this to begin your sizing exercise
https://docs.google.com/document/u/1...0k/mobilebasic

[renderit]

6.6 Duramax at 910 ft/pounds torque and 445 HP at 2800 rpm...

Stump puller.

Priced like an Italian sports car now in all but the base trim level.

If you get it in a work truck and add what you need as you can afford it they are much more affordable.