Shopping the best truck to tow a 5th wheel
I'm so new at this and really appreciate all the answers I've received from this forum on my other topics. It's helped me make and change my decisions many times -- in search of the perfect (for us) ...
Forum Discussion
laknox wrote:Peg Leg wrote:
My 5er has the same GVWR as what your considering. I'm right at the towing limit but nowhere near the weight limit. Any gas engine for this size will need a low gear ratio (higher number) I ordered mine with the 4.10 gears as they are hard to find on a lot. I've drove SRW's with a 5er but the dually is the way to go for stability especially in the mountains. With 5,000 lb payload, I don't need to worry about over loading it.
I haven't had mine out west but Appalachians haven't presented me any problems. I wouldn't tow it up Pike's Peak either, been there with 11,000 lbs & truck camper. No problems just would not try it with a trailer.
I don't use the tow/haul mode very often. The shift points are to high for my driving style. I do use it for descents for the braking assist. I have almost 50,000 mi on the truck with over 30% of that towing. I really wanted a big block motor, but have been pleased with the 6.0 and 6 speed combo.
Good luck on finding the right rig for you and many happy miles to you.
Don't know about the most modern engines, but most gassers will actually get =better= mileage (yes, it's relative when towing, but noticeable) if you do run the RPM up higher, or let it =stay= high when climbing a grade; just slow down to match the RPM. The engine will work =less= hard at a higher RPM because you'll be in the power band rather than trying to use the torque at a lower RPM. I've seen it first-hand, though it was quite a few years ago with an old 3/4 ton TBI gasser I had when still farming. My dad and I towed a big trailer to our property in CA and he'd run one gear lower (Turbo 400 with GearVendor OD) than me and consistently got 1-1.5 mpg better than I did over the trip.
Lyle
Hmmm our diesel (Ram 3500 4wd) gets 20-21 without towing and 13 while towing (26 foot 5th wheel --- totally packed). That's pretty darn good!!!! I know when we get bigger RV, it'll go down. BUT, we had 2 Dodge Dakotas, gassers, that NEVER got over 17 mpg and only got 8 while towing this rig. :) :) We LOVE our diesel.....and BTW -- here, diesel is about the same, if not lower than gas!!!!!
