Hey Everybody!!My family and I love the outdoors and we are giving up our timeshare to get into RVing! We are beginning to research what type of RV we want to purchase, but wanted to know what would be a good starter. We have a 3 year old son and a yellow lab that would be going with us. We have been looking at highwall pop-ups and 26'-29' travel trailers. The problem we have is that I am 6'7" and some RV's I don't fit in. I have been liking what I see on the Jayco Jay Flight travel trailers. Any thoughts?Also, I currently drive a 2010 Ford F-150 Supercrew 4x4 w/ 5.4L V8. I do have a leveling kit and running 31" tires. I drive this as my every day driver, as I am in Roofing Sales. I average 500+ miles a week on my truck for my job. Since I am 95k miles on it, I am looking at trading it in. I have been looking at the following vehicles and would like to know which would fit the bill. I'm looking a gas burners right now, as for $$$, but not opposed to desiel. I just have heard issues with desiels when they go wrong can really take a hit on your wallet.Gas Burners1. 2015 Toyota Tundra Crewmax w/ 5.7L 4x42. 2015 Ford F-150 Supercrew w/ 3.5L Ecoboost 4x4Desiels1. 2013-15 Ford F-250 Supercrew 4x42. 2014-15 Ram 2500 Megacab 4x4Thanks for your help as we become an avid RVing Family! Hope to see you all on the open roads soon!!!

Look at ot this way, either of the half tons you could comfortably pull up to about 25 foot TT. The Ford probably a bit easier than the Tundra. The 3/4 tons would allow you to to 30+foot trailers easily, plus you would also then have the option of some smaller fifth wheels.Dont be scared of the newer diesels. Have you checked the price for a turbo for your current eco?

My advise would be to rent one for a couple of weekend or a week trip. a 1K investment for a trial is a lot cheaper than a 25 or 30K mistake. JAyco are nice units, there are SO MANY others that you really need to get yourself a shortlist. When my wife and I decided we wanted to go from a trailer to a 5th wheel we looked at dozens. Found one we loved then looked at many more to make sure we had made a great decision. RV shopping can be lots of fun, just don't get too pressured. As far as tow rigs, no one has ever said they wished they had a gas over a diesel to tow with. They may say they want to go back for other reasons but not when they tow. What you really need to do is keep an eye on truck payloads and tow ratings because numbers can really sneak up on you. It is a tricky game when you don't have one or the other and you will probably get lots of advise here. Chris

At your mileage rate, get a diesel 3/4 or better 1-ton. Thank me when you sell it in 5 years with 100k miles. Resale will be significantly higher and you get to enjoy all the 800+ ft-lb or torque.If you stick with half tons, watch the payloads. If some are under 1000 pounds and others over 2000. Check the as equipped payload per the tire and loading sticker when you open the driver;s door and check them out. You'll want enough for 1000 pounds of tongue weight, 200 pounds of camping gear in the bed, and your passengers.

Thanks guys for the advice! I think I have made the decision to go with a 3/4 ton diesel for my TV. It makes the most sense, as it allows me for upgrade RV options down the road. Also, the cost of the F150 is same as F250, plus I know with a diesel, I can put up to 300k+ miles on it!! As for the RV, I have thought about renting them to see which ones we would like. There is an upcoming RV show in Dallas middle of September that we are thinking about going to.

You're fooling yourself if you think you can get an F-250 diesel for the same price as a F150. If it were me, I would compare the price of a F150, 3.5 Ecoboost with the max tow package and heavy duty payload package (you'll have to order it to get it). You'll have everything you get with the F-250 but in my opinion, a better package.

New to RVing & Towing | Good Sam Community

2112
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2015
Keystone Outback has some nice high center ceiling TTs. I'm 6'4" and had headroom to spare in our 277RL.
If you do get a more capable truck consider a Fifth Wheel for more headroom.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2015
Buy the TV that can tow your next (second) TT. Other things to consider:

The Ram 2500 gassers with the 6.4 hemi have cylinder deactivation to save gas while not towing.

Don't let tow capacity be your guide. Payload limit will be reached before tow capacity is exceeded.

A diesel will have a lower payload due to the heavy diesel engine.
Samsonsworld
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015
If I drive 500 miles per week, I buy a diesel.
Walaby
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2015
I assume you're looking at brand new tow vehicles, not used. From what I read, I think Ford appears to have overcome their issues with the EcoBoost. Earlier vehicles had problems with them.

I know folks have had good luck with their F150 Eco. They appear to have amazing tow/cargo capacity. I almost went down that path, but instead opted for a GMC Sierra half ton. Just didn't want to deal with potential issues with the Eco Boost.

All things considered, and assuming the prices are roughly or reasonably close, I personally would opt for the 3/4 ton. I say that even with me owning a 1/2 ton today. I think the diesel will have a better resale value with over 100K miles than a V6.. turbocharged, or not.

Mike
murhodge
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015
wing_zealot wrote:
You're fooling yourself if you think you can get an F-250 diesel for the same price as a F150. If it were me, I would compare the price of a F150, 3.5 Ecoboost with the max tow package and heavy duty payload package (you'll have to order it to get it). You'll have everything you get with the F-250 but in my opinion, a better package.

I was looking at the sticker prices for both and the trim level I wanted. The dealerhsip I went to had the F-250 stickered at the same price as the F-150 (sticker prices only). I'm sure after negoatiations, I might can get the F-150 at a lower price, but I do most of my vehicle shopping on Sundays (no sales reps around to bother me) and online.

I will look into the ecoboost, as I hear great things about them. Thanks for your advice.
wing_zealot
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015
You're fooling yourself if you think you can get an F-250 diesel for the same price as a F150. If it were me, I would compare the price of a F150, 3.5 Ecoboost with the max tow package and heavy duty payload package (you'll have to order it to get it). You'll have everything you get with the F-250 but in my opinion, a better package.
murhodge
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015
Thanks guys for the advice! I think I have made the decision to go with a 3/4 ton diesel for my TV. It makes the most sense, as it allows me for upgrade RV options down the road. Also, the cost of the F150 is same as F250, plus I know with a diesel, I can put up to 300k+ miles on it!!

As for the RV, I have thought about renting them to see which ones we would like. There is an upcoming RV show in Dallas middle of September that we are thinking about going to.
APT
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015
At your mileage rate, get a diesel 3/4 or better 1-ton. Thank me when you sell it in 5 years with 100k miles. Resale will be significantly higher and you get to enjoy all the 800+ ft-lb or torque.

If you stick with half tons, watch the payloads. If some are under 1000 pounds and others over 2000. Check the as equipped payload per the tire and loading sticker when you open the driver;s door and check them out. You'll want enough for 1000 pounds of tongue weight, 200 pounds of camping gear in the bed, and your passengers.
csamayfield55x
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015
My advise would be to rent one for a couple of weekend or a week trip. a 1K investment for a trial is a lot cheaper than a 25 or 30K mistake.

JAyco are nice units, there are SO MANY others that you really need to get yourself a shortlist. When my wife and I decided we wanted to go from a trailer to a 5th wheel we looked at dozens. Found one we loved then looked at many more to make sure we had made a great decision. RV shopping can be lots of fun, just don't get too pressured.
As far as tow rigs, no one has ever said they wished they had a gas over a diesel to tow with. They may say they want to go back for other reasons but not when they tow. What you really need to do is keep an eye on truck payloads and tow ratings because numbers can really sneak up on you. It is a tricky game when you don't have one or the other and you will probably get lots of advise here.

Chris
donn0128
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2015
Look at ot this way, either of the half tons you could comfortably pull up to about 25 foot TT. The Ford probably a bit easier than the Tundra. The 3/4 tons would allow you to to 30+foot trailers easily, plus you would also then have the option of some smaller fifth wheels.
Dont be scared of the newer diesels. Have you checked the price for a turbo for your current eco?

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