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Travelnfam's avatar
Travelnfam
Explorer
Sep 27, 2020

What truck do I need to pull this trailer

Hello guys. I'm looking for some assistance. My husband our three kids and myself are looking to take the family on a trip of a lifetime around North America. We have decided on a fifth wheel or toy hauler. Everything we are looking at is in the below weight range. We are looking for a USED diesel for under $40k. We would like a long bed so that we can carry extra fuel. What year and brand do you guys recommend, and, what do you recommend we avoid? It's been very difficult for us to find a truck that seems reliable.

Dry Weight 14,095 lbs. GVWR 17,000 lbs. Hitch Weight2,800 lbs.

GM: has major issues in 2011 to 2016 with very costly fuel pump/injector repairs.
FORD: 7.3L I love but it will not tow enough. Then very costly repairs for 2003-10 has major issues.
Dodge: Does any one know the best years?

Thank you guys, new here but, I hope to be the person answering this questions down the road.
  • ppine's avatar
    ppine
    Explorer II
    Sep 28, 2020
    That is a lot of trailer to haul around on a long trip and try to fit in dated camp sites. You will need a modern diesel made since around 2010. Some people prefer gas engines for reasons I will never understand.

    If you go some what lighter, then you would have more choices.
    I just looked up used diesel trucks. It is becoming more and more difficult to find a decent used one under about $45k that does not have high mileage.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Sep 27, 2020
    2014 3500 CTD Aisin 3:42 pulling 12,500 FW and 3000 lb utility trailer. Its had a few recalls but zero problems 110,000 miles. When stepping on it to merge it just pulls and pulls. It gets 9 to 10 most of the time and around 18 in town county combined. At 70 mph on a long easy ride 23 If I stayed out of the big mountains and run east to west On something like US 10 I might consider a gas model Its all great with a diesel unless something goes wrong with it. Filters and oil add up but overall mpg is good
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Sep 27, 2020
    There's no way that's going to have a 2,800 lb. pin weight loaded. The advertised pin weights are dry/empty. Count on a fully-loaded pin weight of around 3,900 lbs. and figure your truck payload numbers from there.

    Calculator

    Rob
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Sep 27, 2020
    For about $50k you can get a brand new F350 DRW crew cab w/hd towing with 7.3L gas and 10 speed transmission. Much easier to finance a new vehicle.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Sep 27, 2020
    Your fuel tanks will hold plenty of diesel. Save the weight of carrying extra fuel in the bed. About seven pounds per gallon.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Sep 27, 2020
    I agree with Jerry, Ford or Dodge. And probably a dual rear wheel truck. You may find it difficult to find a used one in your price range, especially a full sized bed.
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Sep 27, 2020
    My 2006 Dodge Dually pulls our 5th wheel of similar weight with no issues whatsoever. Plenty of power and no DEF.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Sep 27, 2020
    Fords were pretty good 11 and up, but best 15, and up. The Rams have been reliable over the years, but gained power in later years. A Ram HO with aisin, and 4.10 gears will handle a heavy load. Any model in the teens.

    Jerry

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