My Friends: Thinking of selling or trading our '05 3500 Ram for something newer/smaller. We don't have our 5th wheel any longer, so no need for a diesel, plus without offending brand loyalists, this truck over the 8 years I've had it has nickel/dimed me with mostly non-powertrain issues, but costly nonetheless. Discovered the truck has fairly decent value as a trade or private sale if I go that route. I'm considering recent models (2013-2015) half ton, likely an F150 crew cab, preferably with the V8, XLT trim, & tow package if I can find one.My Questions:Our trailer is a 2013 Jayco WhiteHawk 27 DSRL, max. loaded weight 7500 lbs. which makes the max. tongue weight in the neighborhood of 1125 lbs. The hitch to bumper length of is 31'8". We have a Reese StraitLine hitch with 800 lb. trunnion bars.1. Does the F150 crew with V8 and either 3.55 or 3.73 rear axle and tow package have adequate payload/tow capacity to handle our trailer? When we travel, just the two of us and the cat, so we wouldn't be contributing much addition payload to the combination.2. In crew cab configuration with the 5.5 ft. bed, am I looking at a 140.5" wheelbase. With weight distributing hitch, would this combination be a comfortable/stable towing experience, compared to the Ram which has a 160.5" WB.In no particular hurry, just pondering my options and appreciate any input, particularly from F150 owners with real life experience.

I can fully understand your reasoning to downsize. However I think you will be doing yourselves a diservice dropping clear back to a 150/1500 series. Instead go for a 250/2500 gas motor truck. You will not sacrifice much if any in fuel economy and will gain a stronger towing platform.

I agree,,, a 250/2500... better platform.. regardless of Brand.my 30 foot TT is 8,300 empty... I have a F 250 GAS 6.2L, would not want a smaller/lighter truck in front of this trailer.my opinion.

Since we have become empty nesters, our travel style and (anticipated) trailer weight fall into the same range as you mention. My Ram 1500 has similar dimensions and likely less payload than your projected F150, but I would have no problem towing that trailer. And based on my current trailer which is admittedly shorter and lighter, I expect no problems. But if it would have fit in my garage, I would have liked a 3/4 ton for that extra payload. You never know when it might come in handy.

I should add we sold our home a year ago with our only future 'real estate' purchase plan being the cemetery! :B Therefore, I don't envision needing a 'Home Depot' capable truck payload. Since we're both retired, we would also love to eliminate our car and get down to one vehicle both of us can drive, with a half ton being more 'car like' The wife has tried to learn to love the Ram 3500, just hasn't happened in 8 years.Point it down the Interstate at 70 mph, she's fine, city traffic not so much. Me cussing trying to park that thing in a mall lot hasn't helped. Pretty sure the Navy's largest aircraft carrier can turn a tighter circle.....PS: Crew cab a necessity, gotta have somewhere to stow the grandkids! ;)

I drive a 2012 F-150 S/C 4x4 6.5 ft bed as a work truck. It is a great truck; very reliable, quiet and handles excellent. Saying that I have towed a light plant trailer with it several times and let me say, you know it's there! Both in power and the way the truck handles it. As much as I'm sure the trucks you are speaking of can handle your trailer I'm not so sure you will find it enjoyable after having a 3500 with a fifth wheel. Get ready for a lot of high RPM operation and a lot of transmission shifting.How many miles are on your 3500? Is it in good condition? As much as it's frustrating to have some issues with a vehicle, your truck is considered to be the holy grail of the Cummins 5.9L trucks that are known for reliably going exceptionally high miles. I can assure you that no half ton will handle your trailer as well as your current truck, and they will not get anywhere near the fuel mileage either. If the truck is in overall good condition I would consider putting some $ in it for some repairs and upgrades and keeping it. Saying that, you are correct in that the truck still has good value and you will have no problem selling it privately for top dollar should you decide to. In my area they sell for obscene prices within a day or two.Good luck and please keep us posted! :)

Another 'New Used' Question | Good Sam Community

donn0128
Explorer II
Feb 12, 2017
I can fully understand your reasoning to downsize. However I think you will be doing yourselves a diservice dropping clear back to a 150/1500 series. Instead go for a 250/2500 gas motor truck. You will not sacrifice much if any in fuel economy and will gain a stronger towing platform.
Chuck_thehammer
Explorer
Feb 12, 2017
I agree,,, a 250/2500... better platform.. regardless of Brand.

my 30 foot TT is 8,300 empty... I have a F 250 GAS 6.2L, would not want a smaller/lighter truck in front of this trailer.

my opinion.
TurnThePage
Explorer
Feb 12, 2017
Since we have become empty nesters, our travel style and (anticipated) trailer weight fall into the same range as you mention. My Ram 1500 has similar dimensions and likely less payload than your projected F150, but I would have no problem towing that trailer. And based on my current trailer which is admittedly shorter and lighter, I expect no problems.

But if it would have fit in my garage, I would have liked a 3/4 ton for that extra payload. You never know when it might come in handy.
thomasmnile
Explorer
Feb 12, 2017
I should add we sold our home a year ago with our only future 'real estate' purchase plan being the cemetery! :B Therefore, I don't envision needing a 'Home Depot' capable truck payload. Since we're both retired, we would also love to eliminate our car and get down to one vehicle both of us can drive, with a half ton being more 'car like' The wife has tried to learn to love the Ram 3500, just hasn't happened in 8 years.Point it down the Interstate at 70 mph, she's fine, city traffic not so much. Me cussing trying to park that thing in a mall lot hasn't helped. Pretty sure the Navy's largest aircraft carrier can turn a tighter circle.....

PS: Crew cab a necessity, gotta have somewhere to stow the grandkids! ;)
blofgren
Explorer
Feb 12, 2017
I drive a 2012 F-150 S/C 4x4 6.5 ft bed as a work truck. It is a great truck; very reliable, quiet and handles excellent. Saying that I have towed a light plant trailer with it several times and let me say, you know it's there! Both in power and the way the truck handles it. As much as I'm sure the trucks you are speaking of can handle your trailer I'm not so sure you will find it enjoyable after having a 3500 with a fifth wheel. Get ready for a lot of high RPM operation and a lot of transmission shifting.

How many miles are on your 3500? Is it in good condition? As much as it's frustrating to have some issues with a vehicle, your truck is considered to be the holy grail of the Cummins 5.9L trucks that are known for reliably going exceptionally high miles. I can assure you that no half ton will handle your trailer as well as your current truck, and they will not get anywhere near the fuel mileage either. If the truck is in overall good condition I would consider putting some $ in it for some repairs and upgrades and keeping it. Saying that, you are correct in that the truck still has good value and you will have no problem selling it privately for top dollar should you decide to. In my area they sell for obscene prices within a day or two.

Good luck and please keep us posted! :)
kw_00
Explorer
Feb 12, 2017
Ford really makes a well rounded F150 truck, so many choice packages to choose from. I believe with looking for the max tow or HD package you could find one that suites your needs. Also I have seen the F150 with a four door and 6.5 full sized bed. I'm thinking some real world F150 owners will chime in soon. The combination your suggesting seems doable to me. If not then a gas 3/4 ton would be an easy fit/find, but that's not what asking for so a properly equipped 1/2 ton could do the job in my opinion.
patperry2766
Explorer II
Feb 12, 2017
Yes, a properly optioned out F-150 would handle the load. More than likely, you'd have to order one because they'd be few and far between.

Since the new F-150's, 250's, 350's all share the same size cab configuration it might make it easier to go the direction of the F250
SouthpawHD
Explorer
Feb 13, 2017
Why not look at a Chevy/GMC max tow truck (or the Ford version as mentioned above)? They might be a nice middle between the 1/2 tons and 3/4 tons, perhaps the best of both worlds for you.
2001400ex
Explorer
Feb 13, 2017
I personally wouldn't go back to a half ton. I almost did three years ago and I'm so glad I didn't. If you do go back, at least get the heavy payload version as it's more about payload than power train now days. They all have plenty of power, but not strong enough to handle the load.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Feb 13, 2017
blofgren wrote:
I drive a 2012 F-150 S/C 4x4 6.5 ft bed as a work truck. It is a great truck; very reliable, quiet and handles excellent. Saying that I have towed a light plant trailer with it several times and let me say, you know it's there! Both in power and the way the truck handles it. As much as I'm sure the trucks you are speaking of can handle your trailer I'm not so sure you will find it enjoyable after having a 3500 with a fifth wheel. Get ready for a lot of high RPM operation and a lot of transmission shifting.

How many miles are on your 3500? Is it in good condition? As much as it's frustrating to have some issues with a vehicle, your truck is considered to be the holy grail of the Cummins 5.9L trucks that are known for reliably going exceptionally high miles. I can assure you that no half ton will handle your trailer as well as your current truck, and they will not get anywhere near the fuel mileage either. If the truck is in overall good condition I would consider putting some $ in it for some repairs and upgrades and keeping it. Saying that, you are correct in that the truck still has good value and you will have no problem selling it privately for top dollar should you decide to. In my area they sell for obscene prices within a day or two.

Good luck and please keep us posted! :)

Our holy grail 05 ram nickel and dimed us too. The front differential not shifting was the last straw.