You know those words really resonate with me. I started at the dangerous small end towing my TT home with a 06 Explorer Ltd. I learned about tongue weight on that tow, even with the dealer installed (yes they let me leave like this) WD bars tight the rear of the Explorer was really really sagging. I made it home (40 miles) during a snow fall so I had to use 4x4 to back into my snow filled driveway. I immediately bought a 00 Excursion V10 (4.30) and left soon for my first of trip of 3300 miles with no problems. I got ADD with TV's so from that I had a Suburban 2500 (7.4), a 99 GMC 3500 CC DRW (7.4), 02 E350 ext van V10, to a 03 Navigator. I then decided to try diesel so a 03 Excursion Ltd (6.0L) but loaded with trailer approached (if not exceed) the GVWR so I went to a 07 F250 KR CC SB (6.0l) that handled that trailer much better because of the stronger springs in the suspension.
I liked towing so much I got a part time job transporting RV trailers so I leased a company 15 F250 XLT CC LB (6.7l), I wanted a 350 DRW but they were out. I towed trailers from 19' TT's to 37' 5ver's in all types of weather and traffic and those experiences really transformed me from my minimalist perspective. I now see why people with the bigger trailers get 350/450/550 or even MDT's. I actually had a 08 F450 for a short while until those mpgs from the 4.88 got old with me. I understand there are budgetary limits but I am now a firm supporter of getting the biggest you can to comfortably take the limits of your trailer weights. I also understand that many like me might have to deal with the constraints of what you already have.
Grapehound wrote:
Also agree with several writers that you are risking your life if you try to skimp on your tow vehicle and live near its upper limits.
With the Ram 3500 dually and a half-ton towable fifth wheel, I have excess suspension and stopping power for towing which having reduced weight and improved trailer stability behind me. It just feels safer. More $$ for the bigger truck but much more peace of mind.
