Forum Discussion

MMarty's avatar
MMarty
Explorer
Nov 27, 2015

Help me decide

Hey all. My lease on my 2014 ram 1500 is about up and I am looking for a truck to pull a toy hauler. The toy hauler I'm looking at is a coachman freedom express. hitch weight is 800 lbs, gvwr is 9500lbs, and is 30ft long. I know another ram 1500 won't do it but how about a f150 super crew long bed ecoboost? I only tow about 6-7 times a year with the farthest being 400 miles one way. On paper the ford is very close to handling it ok. I've towed many miles with different rigs and understand proper hitch setup and loading to prevent tail wagging dog senario. I definately don't want diesel but would buy a 2500 gasser for extra safety if I had to but 80% of my miles will be empty. Thanks.
Tow Vehicles
  • Greene728's avatar
    Greene728
    Explorer
    Nov 27, 2015
    250/2500, or even better (if stepping up to a fiver), 350/3500 series with the gas engine.
    Why order a 1/2 ton "special" equipped to just barely handle it?
    Use the right tool for the job and life is so much more enjoyable!
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Nov 27, 2015
    You could order a F150, that you could make work for towing that trailer, and might be better for non towing. Myself, I'd rather go with a truck that works great for towing, and still make a good daily driver.

    Take a new 250/2500 for a drive, I think you will enjoy it. Fuel use about the same towing, and a little more non towing, than a 150. My 250 is smooth on the highway, and good city streets. In the back country non towing, the ride is more harsh.

    Jerry
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 27, 2015
    Get a tow vehicle that can handle the GVWR of trailer then you don't have to play around with will it or won't it

    In other words........250/2500 (at least)
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Nov 27, 2015
    MMarty wrote:
    Hey all. My lease on my 2014 ram 1500 is about up and I am looking for a truck to pull a toy hauler. The toy hauler I'm looking at is a coachman freedom express. hitch weight is 800 lb, gvwr is 9500lbs, and is 30ft long. I know another ram 1500 won't do it but how about a f150 super crew long bed ecoboost? I only tow about 6-7 times a year with the farthest being 400 miles one way. On paper the ford is very close to handling it ok. I've towed many miles with different rigs and understand proper hitch setup and loading to prevent tail wagging dog senario. I definately don't want diesel but would buy a 2500 gasser for extra safety if I had to but 80% of my miles will be empty. Thanks.

    That hitch weight is empty, fill'er up you will be closer to 1500 lb. I really suggest you look at an F-250/2500 for an enjoyable towing experience.
  • SouthpawHD's avatar
    SouthpawHD
    Explorer
    Nov 27, 2015
    Since so much of your time and mileage is empty, look at the Ford 5.0 or GM trucks with max tow. Each of those trucks are about half way be tower and 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton.
  • rich_and_char's avatar
    rich_and_char
    Explorer
    Nov 27, 2015
    shepstone wrote:
    FishOnOne wrote:
    You need to step up to a 250/2500 truck.

    X2


    X3 a 250/2500 would be a much more comfortable tow.

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