Rv full time

I have a RAM 2500 gasoline engine TV. It's been a great truck. Plenty of power for mountains, acceleration to get onto any freeway while pulling the TT, easy to find fuel.

But it is a bit more thirsty than a diesel.

If I want to go to a bigger, heavier trailer than 36 ft / 10,000 lbs fully loaded - I need diesel.

Diesel slightly better fuel mileage will NEVER pay the cost difference between purchase of a gas engine and a diesel engine vehicle. Nor will maintenance savings make up the cost difference.

But after 26,000 miles towing my trailers, averaging 24.809 cents per mile for fuel - I will tell you that diesel is the way to go if you can afford the $8-11,000 higher purchase price for the diesel engine.

Buy the most truck with the highest towing rating you can get. Also, very, very important - check the door stickers and compare the cargo capacity number between different vehicles on the dealer's lot. I've found some recent RAM 3500's with 1,000 lbs less cargo capacity for a fully loaded model vs a simplier model.

That translates into 1,000 lbs less hitch weight. It might be the difference between the fifth wheel you want, and having to settle for less.

Ram has 14,000 off MSRP
great deal

If you plan to full time, I'd first spend time nailing down your ideals for the Toy Hauler. We tried to load ours with the features that would last us for 10 years of travel, and have been in a Grand Design 380TH for 2 years. It take a 1 ton diesel dually to effectively and safely handle it. We spent a year deciding on the rig we wanted, then bought the truck that would handle it. For us that was an F350 DRW diesel, but the choice of rig AND tow vehicle will include your personal preference. Just make sure to get more truck than you need to haul the rig you choose, and use the manufactures towing statistics to help you choose the right tow vehicle.

Buy the truck 1st. My recommendation, get the biggest you can afford, then it won't limit you in what RV you can get. Take a look at the truck in the signature. With it, I knew that I could tow anything on any RV lot.

Sounds like you are looking at a 376TH? We have a 385TH and overall it has been a great experience.

^^^^^ yes ^^^^^

You don't hear many complaining about having too much truck

When I was looking to buy a 5er I bought the pickup just before I bought the Rv ( 2 months ) BUT I had a good idea of the Rv size and weight requirements just not the specific one. One other thing , Don't buy "just enough" pickup. Somehow it always ends up being just a bit short of what you should have and spend money trying to up grade it.

I first checked around on what different trucks would pull and load, and for the cost. Then we went and bought a 5er we liked while understanding it's weight requirements. Then, we bought the truck. Worked for us.

darsben1 wrote:
Buy the P/U first as the weight ratings on the vehicle will determine the trailer you can safely haul.

X2. Not to mention you don't want to have to pay someone to bring it to you, or leave it sitting at the dealer after you've bought it. Also, let the dealer set up your hitch system correctly, and show you how to do it yourself.

Buy the P/U first as the weight ratings on the vehicle will determine the trailer you can safely haul.

I've always heard don't get the cart before the horse