So, after a decade of having a big trailer on a permanent site as our mini cabin for the family, my wife and I are looking at a couples coach travel trailer. We are looking at a 25' or less ultra-lite travel trailer and I am hoping to keep the trailer under 8500 GVWR.So, with that said I am looking to buy a truck. I am looking at either new or late model used crew cab. I would really prefer a 1/2 Ton, but we plan on taking this camper all over the country and that includes the mountains. I want to make sure that whatever I buy can handle long trips and mountain grades. I really don't want to spend more than say $45K and less than that if possible. We tend to keep vehicles for a long time, so I am looking at this as a 8-10 year investment.Finding unbiased information on trucks is almost impossible. Trucks brands have their diehard fans and it is tough to sort through all the chafe and find good recommendations. I am open to all of the full size truck manufacturers.What are your recommendations and why???Thanks for your assistance!Scott

Get a 2500. There really is no downside and the upsides are many

The general rule is to buy or select the TT first, then match a TV to it. 8500 pounds will...challenge...a half ton of any make in my opinion. I’m at 5100 with a Tahoe and happy. Add two thousand more and I probably wouldn’t be.

2500 is the way to go. It will provide extra safety by providing plenty of laod/towing capacity instead of being near maximum with a 1500. I also always choose longbeds. I need the room and they seem to have a less choppy ride when towing or empty.Our family for many years used suburbans for our tow vehicles...plenty of passenger and cargo room. Everything safe and secure inside the vehicle vs in the pickup bed.I've always had GM trucks and haven't had any out of the five that has had unexpected issues only wear and tear stuff.

Up to around 7k loaded any of the newer 1/2 tons will do. Test drive them all and pick your preference, then go look for a deal. Above 7k you'll be more comfortable in a 3/4 ton.If it were my primary tow vehicle to tow across the country full time I would go with a diesel for better pulling power, especially in the mountains, and better mpg while doing it.

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donn0128
Explorer II
Oct 20, 2017
Get a 2500. There really is no downside and the upsides are many
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Oct 20, 2017
The general rule is to buy or select the TT first, then match a TV to it. 8500 pounds will...challenge...a half ton of any make in my opinion. I’m at 5100 with a Tahoe and happy. Add two thousand more and I probably wouldn’t be.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Oct 20, 2017
2500 is the way to go. It will provide extra safety by providing plenty of laod/towing capacity instead of being near maximum with a 1500. I also always choose longbeds. I need the room and they seem to have a less choppy ride when towing or empty.

Our family for many years used suburbans for our tow vehicles...plenty of passenger and cargo room. Everything safe and secure inside the vehicle vs in the pickup bed.

I've always had GM trucks and haven't had any out of the five that has had unexpected issues only wear and tear stuff.
jarata1
Explorer
Oct 20, 2017
1/2 ton will be to small
camp-n-family
Explorer
Oct 20, 2017
Up to around 7k loaded any of the newer 1/2 tons will do. Test drive them all and pick your preference, then go look for a deal. Above 7k you'll be more comfortable in a 3/4 ton.

If it were my primary tow vehicle to tow across the country full time I would go with a diesel for better pulling power, especially in the mountains, and better mpg while doing it.
kerrlakeRoo
Explorer
Oct 20, 2017
While a 2500 series will cost you a few thousand more, when you consider that against the 10 years or so you intend to own it, doesnt the heavier duty truck make more sense? And if on the tail end you get an additional chunk of that back as well, it would seem that the larger truck is not going to cost any more than a couple hundred a year more for the extra capability and safety.
ScottG
Nomad
Oct 20, 2017
donn0128 wrote:
Get a 2500. There really is no downside and the upsides are many

X2.
You wont complain that a truck is too capable.
IdaD
Explorer
Oct 20, 2017
You could get by with a 1/2 ton on that size trailer but for your intended use I'd really recommend a HD model. Your preferred flavor 3/4 ton or 1 ton. For $45k you could even squeeze into a diesel if you keep the options limited, and even though your trailer size doesn't require one a diesel would give you an effortless towing experience with considerably better mileage and range.

I tend to agree with the others who have stated there's not really any downside to HD trucks versus half tons but there are a lot of upsides.
hornet28
Explorer
Oct 20, 2017
At minimum buy a 3/4T/2500 diesel and don't be afraid of a 1 ton diesel if you come across a great deal
bikendan
Explorer
Oct 20, 2017
For a 25' and shorter, you'll be fine with a well equipped 1/2 ton.
UNLESS you might get something bigger in the future.

We have a 26' couples TT with a similar GVWR and we tow with a well spec'd F150 Ecoboost. Absolutely no problems and we love both.
We have no plans to ever upgrade to something bigger.