"Downgrading" trucks

Test the waters. Go to a dealership and see what it's worth as a trade.

Right now, at least in Texas the 1/2T Rams have some really good rebates and dealer discounts trying to clear the lots for the 2020's that will soon be hitting so it is a REALLY good time to buy.

Had been a Ford person for years, switched to a 3/4T Ram. Had to have my truck in service so I had a `19 Ram to drive for a couple of days. It was mid-trim level and it was nice. Ram has stepped up their game and is way, way better than the Ford I had. only problem with the Rams is payload is on the low side so keep than in mind.

Keep the truck and then tune it. It will feel like a whole new truck and you will also get the fuel mileage of most half tons. You don't need to delete it to tune it either. Most(if not all) emissions intact tuners just turn off the EGR so there is not more exhaust going back into the engine.

Been there. We sat on the equipment and only camped 1-2x/year for quite a few years. Worth it for us as truck and trailer were paid for and old enough to not be worth much anyway.

We're pulling out of it all now, travel sports are pretty much over for us and only a few more years till both kids are off to college (or whatever is next).

We got back into RVing last year again and decided to sell the trailer (still kept the van though) and move to a motorhome. So one could certainly argue that the 5 or so years that the trailer sat in our yard getting used 1x/year was a waste of money, but to me it was worth it for those 1-2 trips with the family.

Even if it was only a few trips, both kids feel like they grew up camping.

Anyway, to the point, no I did not do what you are proposing. But when we did get back into RVing several years later, our needs had changed significantly and we're now in a motorhome instead of a truck/trailer. So one could certainly argue that the smart move would have been to sell everything way back then, and rent for the one trip/year. But hindsight and all that, it's hard to predict. I always went into each year thinking, 'this is the year we get out camping again!' only to end up at softball fields every weekend lol.

My divorce helped me downsize (everything) :) !

I had to sell my 2014 RAM 2500 and ended up in a 2001 Chevy Malibu and sold the RV. Now I'm back to RV ownership - albeit a small one and a 1/2 ton truck with high miles. I couldn't be happier.

I really enjoy the small RV and the truck. That said, going from a 3/4 ton diesel to a 1/2 ton (gas presumably), the only improvement you will see is in ride comfort and maybe save a little on maintenance. With a 10k tow rating (or more, but realistically 7-8k), you can tow a decently sized RV if you want. So, those are the PROS for swapping.

Buying new vs owning something that's paid for is a bad financial decision generally speaking, but so is owning an RV. Sometimes it's just about getting what you WANT.

I have no regrets about downsizing the truck and RV. In fact, I like the smaller combo much better. Many of the campgrounds we frequent in the Canadian Rockies have a very limited spots (if any at all) for anything over 25 feet long.

If I could change anything, I would rather have a hard sided RV instead of the hybrid, and only because the hybrid gets cold as most nights in the Rockies near the glaciers etc. get down to just above freezing at night.

Another thing to think about; Will the new truck down the road work as well as the one you have now in that time? Maybe keep the HD, and add a beater car? You would have a truck as you need, and make a point to use it once a week, and fix what you find wrong..
I drive my pickup every Tuesday. When the gauge down to quater tank, I put in 5 gallons. Ready to go camping, fill with fresh...

I recently downsized (somewhat). Didn't go all the way from 3/4 ton to 1/2 ton. Went from F250 short bed crewcab, to a Nissan Titan XD (XD version is bigger than standard size Titan). Both with gas engines. The Nissan is a little bit smaller than the Super Duty, with slightly less tow capacity and payload. I gained a little maneuverability, better performance, 5 - 6 MPG, and still have capacity to tow my 8000 lb travel trailer. Also gained in
towing capability, in that the Titan came with factory prep for gooseneck hitch. I'm now set up (with added accessories) to tow bumper pull, gooseneck, or fifth wheel. I don't tow often so, the biggest benefit is the jump from 12 to 18 MPG.

I too, was considering my age and the age of the F250. I'm 64 and the F250 was 11 years old. I figured, if my new truck lasted 11 years, I would be 75, and probably won't be interested in dragging that trailer around.

Paid for or not.....if not used frequently SELL IT

Get max $$$ now and use to purchase the 1500

I have sold 250's to buy 150.....sold 2500 to buy 150....sold 150 to buy 1/4 ton truck ----sold the 1/4 to buy 150----sold the 150 to buy 3500


Right tool for the right job at the right time!

If it's paid for ... keep it!

keep the HD