Buying a tow vehicle question

If a significant amount of towing will be in the mountains, seriously consider one of the turbo engines.

While the naturally aspirated engines will do the job, they lose power with altitude. At 8000ft, you will be down 25-30% on power. The turbo engines compensate by force feeding more air into the engine, so you lose almost nothing.

But really, even a naturally aspirated V6 will do the job for such a small trailer.

If you think you might upgrade to a larger trailer in the near future, it doesn't hurt to look at the 3/4 ton trucks. They aren't much difference in price and depending on what you find on the lot that meets your needs, it might even be cheaper.

ram 4x4, 4 door, hemi(5.7), 8 speed, 3.21 axles
we tow a 6000 lb 26 ft, feels like a freight train ie unstoppable. long upgrades, it shifts as needed, maintains around 4000 rpm, 4500 max
awesome engine and transmission, just my humble opinion!!

Thanks to all who has responded. Last year I bought a 2015 f250 4wd to tow a 5500 dry weight tt. 3.73 axle. 6.2 gas burner. Haven’t pulled it anywhere much since I bought them both. Lived in the camper while waiting to get in a new house. Pulling it home on the interstate in hills and trying to keep speed about 65, the rpms were very high and I was concerned. Also, dropped to 7 mpg as long as I was in hills but mpg isn’t a major factor. Performance on the road is more important. Downsizing for traveling and want to make the right choice.

For Ram, you get a choice. It is either the 3.21 or 3.92 axle. Either will pull what you are describing easily in the 3.6 V6 or the 5.7 Hemi. The tyranny compensates well. Mileage can be much different based upon configuration. I avg 14 with the 5.7/3.92 4WD and E rated tires. This worst case scenario as I have the discontinued Outdoorsman (light off road package). Best is 2wd version 3.6 at 24 on the highway.

Whatever, get LSD (limited slip diff) AND IGNORE any salesman who says otherwise. The 3.6 might be a subjective issue with your screaming issue but would work well. Drive all and try. The 5.7 is nice and the growl is something I enjoy. It would likely check all your boxes. The 3.92 rear end is about 3 to 4 mpg. With regular tires and the 3.92, you will be in the 18 19 mpg avg. This is all based upon your stated trailer weight and other info in your post.

donn0128 wrote:
...Fords Eco seem to be real popular, but with prices for well equipped ones approaching 60K they might be out of your price range...

That's bogus. I got a Price sheet on a "Well Equipped" F150 Super Crew, XLT, 3.5L Ecoboost, 10 spd transmission, HDPP, and more - the MSRP is $48,500 and that includes over $6,000 worth of options.

Define "screaming engine". All three of those trucks with naturally aspirated V8 engines will be turning 4000-5000rpm at time in order to maintain 60mph up steep grades (or even not so steep grades). That is where each of them make peak power. While this is how these engines are designed and can reliably perform this way for 200k+ miles, some people call that screaming while others call it harmonious music. You'll need some self evaluation to determine if appropriate.

Today's half tons with forced induction will likely maintain lower engine speeds, like 2000-3000rpm where Ford's Ecoboost line and Ram's Ecodiesel make their peak torque.

Anything with those engines regardless of axles or options will pull that little camper easily. You could pull that with a midsize. Happy truck shopping.

For small light trailers any of the current crop of half tons would work well. Sadly though with current prices you might find a better deal on a 3/4 ton.
Fords Eco seem to be real popular, but with prices for well equipped ones approaching 60K they might be out of your price range. Just be cautious about how you choose. The smallest motor offerings rarely have an advantage and usually lots of disadvantages. Truck brand prpulaeity is very regional and dependent on dealers.