New Truck Question

Noles17 wrote:
I just not came back and saw all the replies, I appreciate all the help! Even the disagreements and difference of opinions have taught me things. The problem I am running into is budget, and then availability of anything in the 250/2500 used with decent miles for a decent price.

I have been looking hard at the F150 ecoboost. I am not a full time camper, we go around once a month for a long weekend and typically don't go far. I am just looking for something that won't be completely maxed out and will tow comfortably. Will the F150 get it done? My Ram gets it done, but struggles, as well as very poor gas mileage. I am reading that the F150 is much better on that as well.

Our new ecoboost towed our 32 foot, 8500 lb trailer flawlessly. And got almost 12mph towing. Power, smart transmission, no sway, just a solid feel. This was in AZ going up and down some 6% grades.

I have also been looking at RAM 2500 with the same engine I have now, the 5.7 HEMI. Max tow is 11,100, payload is 4000.

Are you sure about that payload number? I have a '14 Ram 2500 crew with the 5.7 Hemi and my payload is only 2300lbs. The 6.4l has higher payloads (not sure why) but still only around 3000lbs for the crewcab. I don't think you'll find 4k unless maybe in a regular cab stripped model.

Noles17 wrote:
I have also been looking at RAM 2500 with the same engine I have now, the 5.7 HEMI. Max tow is 11,100, payload is 4000.

What are everyones thoughts on that set up?

The Ram 2500 you are looking at is a major step up from what you have now with your 1500. As you mention, almost double the payload capacity just for starters. It will have far better stability out on the road while pulling your trailer also. Finding an F-150 with both max tow and max payload at the same time will be very difficult, and they will command a high price, and still have a semi-floating rear axle which is much weaker than a full-floater. The eco boost is great on power, but engine related repair costs are much higher than the non turbo V-8 alternatives. The Hemi has proven to be a durable engine after many years of service.

Noles17 wrote:
I have also been looking at RAM 2500 with the same engine I have now, the 5.7 HEMI. Max tow is 11,100, payload is 4000.

What are everyones thoughts on that set up?

Much, much better. Your new TT is likely to be well within your limits for payload and Rear Axle weight.

The other part of your question about struggling may be due to your comfort levels running appropriate gears and RPMs for the task at hand. Look up the 2500's specs for what RPM has max torque and what RPM has max HP.

For hills you should be somewhere between those two numbers to maintain speed. And I'll bet that target RPM range sounds too fast/loud to you compared to daily driver duties. But that's where those engines are designed to operate under heavy loads.

I don't think I said I was paying 30K for a new TT? I also don't think I asked for questions about the money I was spending or why I am spending it.

I am just looking for knowledge on good setups while keeping the best budget in mind.

I am curious about the F150, but I think the payload is just to high. So I do agree, the 3/4 is what way to go. Right now based on the numbers I just don't think I need a diesel, and I am thinking the 5.7 will do it.

Wait, you're willing to spend $30k on a new TT and maybe $10k for a different truck and aren't willing to spend the extra $3k for a 3/4 ton? Get the HD truck now and wait a year or two until you can afford the new TT.

It has the 3.73 rear end, so the tow capacity goes up from the 8900 I am at right now. Also, the payload more than doubles with going to the 3/4 ton.

My TT weights 7K dry right now, then I have 3 kids, a wife, and the******they like to bring along. So while I dont think I am completely maxed with tow right now (very close), I know I am over on payload.

Noles17 wrote:
I have also been looking at RAM 2500 with the same engine I have now, the 5.7 HEMI. Max tow is 11,100, payload is 4000.

What are everyones thoughts on that set up?

If it has the same rear end, 3.55, you're going to have the same struggle. You could probably fix your current struggles by just changing the rear end in your current truck. A $600.00 fix. But then if you go with a bigger trailer you'll still may need a bigger truck depending on how all the weights come out.

I'll say this - nearly every place that rates long term dependability puts Chrysler Corp vehicles at the bottom of the list. Not near the bottom, but the bottom. GM Seems to be slightly above average and Ford around average. I'd not touch any Chrysler vehicle (Ram included) with a 10 foot pole. They had to be bailed out TWICE, that says something about the caliber of their vehicles.

I also think I found the source of my bounciness when towing - checked the tire air pressure today. 3 out of 4 were under 30 PSI cold, and one was barely over. Pumped them all up to 50 PSI (Max is 51) and we'll see how she does. I'm betting a LOT better.

I have also been looking at RAM 2500 with the same engine I have now, the 5.7 HEMI. Max tow is 11,100, payload is 4000.

What are everyones thoughts on that set up?