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RVJimofOregon's avatar
RVJimofOregon
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013

Any input on my choice of tow rig?

We sold our Motor Home about 2 years ago but miss R/V & camping (did it for 40 plus years) so going to give it another try. As our long trips and spending winters in AZ are a thing of the past, we got a travel trailer; it is 28 feet long and weighs 6,500 lbs. empty. Need a rig to pull it, I think we will have maybe a max weight of 8,500 lbs. load (both rig and trailer).
I want to get a used rig with no more than 50,000 miles and 5 years old but condition will be the overriding factor.
I have narrowed my choice to an auto transmission and gas motor (because it will be mainly used as a second car, with short trips) to one of the following;

Suburban 2500

A pickup ¾ ton either a crew cab with short box or extended cab with short or long box. I don’t want a crew cab with a long box as overall length is a factor in parking (most mileage will be as a second rig and parking lots are a concern).
What I want to ask for is for some insight into my thought process on a tow rig and if I have overlooked something. Comments on motors will be appreciated also. I found a 2009 Dodge Ram 6.7 diesel but after talking to my diesel mechanic guy, I am convinced it is not a good around town motor.
RV Jim
Tow Vehicles

6 Replies

  • roverdover's avatar
    roverdover
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2013
    A 3/4 GM with he 6.0 of any of those years will do a good job with that size tt.
  • campigloo's avatar
    campigloo
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2013
    I think you would be much happier with the 3/4. If you are not pulling very many miles, the gasser may be the better choice. I like the diesel, but I pull 10-12 thousand a year. My advice is going to small will be a strain on the truck and will show on your nerves and body.
  • Tankcar's avatar
    Tankcar
    Explorer
    Oct 25, 2013
    Hi.
    First thing: What Size of, and type of RV are you looking for or at?

    Then find what will it handle ie: wieght, pulling and STOPPING?

    Rule of thumb guide: up to 24 foot, a 1500 series should handle it well! 25 foot, and up a 2500 should be OK, 32+ foot, a 3500 is ok, after that a 4500/5500 is your last chance.

    An HD really dosen't make that much difference.

    Hope this helps?
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Oct 25, 2013
    I'd try to find a used 2500 with an 8.1 L engine unless you are concerned about the mileage when not towing. Our old 8.1 Suburban got around 9 mpg whether towing or not! Our 6.0 L Suburban gets around 9+ when towing our 7500 lb. travel trailer and about 12 mpg around town. It gets 16 mpg on the highway when not towing but we are rarely in that situation.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Oct 25, 2013
    I would agree with your mechanic. The 6.7L is a terrible in town car. My '08 got terrible "gas milaege" in town, and had numerous problems due to the short trips (big one being carbon buildup causing the turbo to stick which destroyed the transmission, along with cooling system issues).

    8500 pounds is light enough to be pulled with any of the newer gas motors. I love my V10 but you don't need that much motor for 8500 pounds. A smaller motor would use less fuel in town, and still be adequate towing.

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