Ok guys, I wanted to start a new thread because the other one was bogged down. My husband and I have an 08 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab, 4WD, with the 3.92 gears. It has the hemi also. I mean it is a nice truck, but we really want a crew cab, and would like something that we might feel is a little more durable. WE have had friends with the hemi that their truck has had a lot of issues and transmission issues. These are the trucks we have considered trading for and I want to know thoughts and if these would pull good? Our TT will be 25 feet, 5800lbs loaded. -2012 F150 crew, 5.0-2011 F150 crew, 3.5 Ecoboost (both of these have 3.55 gears)-2013 Silverado 1500 LT Crew (3.42 gears, 5.3L)-2009 GMC Sierra Denali AWD (3.42 gears, 6.2L)-2009 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi crew (the only reason I would consider this is I have heard this gen hemi is better, but this has 3.55 gears)WE have considered these diesels also but I just wonder if thats overkill? -2007 F250 6.0 Crew, long bed-2008 F250 6.4 Crew, short bed

What would you carry in the TV? Weight estimate.

The two Ford diesels your considering are so problem prone I would never suggest one to anyone.Of the rest, I would pass also. Get a 2500 series and go happy. Stronger frame, better tires and wheels, stronger overall trucks. Of the earlier version 2500 trucks in diesel, I would suggest a 5.9L Cummins if you can find one. Prices are usually sky high for a reason.

By 2500 are you talking only Dodge or Chevy/GMC also? We have mainly had Chevys and have always been solid trucks for us. I think the older 5.9 Cummins are out because I cannot seem to find one that someone is not asking a fortune for it and wont work with my bank. We have to stick with an 07/08 or UP for my bank to finance for me. Also the TV with us, gear, etc I would say would carry 750-800lbs?

There's a reason the 6.0 and 6.4 Ford diesels are so cheap used. I toyed with the idea of buying one and then bulletproofing it but in the end I just didn't want to deal with it. I don't know what sort of budget you are working with but I would look a little at new trucks too. I started out intending to find a used truck but the prices were so silly it made sense to go with a new truck instead - it takes a lot of years/miles to get much of a discount from new.Edit - it doesn't sound like you need a HD truck but you might like one. They are heavier built with stronger components. The only real downside is a stiffer ride (and poorer fuel economy if gas).

I forgot to add that we are looking at a 2013 Silverado 1500 with 143K, 4WD crew also. I guess we can eliminate the diesels, we had a 7.3 before and it was great, but these 6.0 and 6.4 I have heard stories about and I dont want to deal with it I guess. Its not worth it.

Need more help with tow vehicle/truck trade/purchase!?

Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 23, 2017
"Look at original message. Travel trailer that weighs loaded 5800."

"AND what will you carry in TV. You ask for opinions...supply reasonable answers to reasonable questions."

And gear there? You gear me and I'll gear you....
Aimcat
Explorer
May 23, 2017
It's just my husband and I no kids and 3 small dogs. Doing some BBQ competitions too so have 2 smokers and gear there.
riven1950
Explorer
May 22, 2017
We are towing 6000lbs +/- with a 2013 f150 CC Eco. Tows just fine. 25' box / 28' overall.

Problem you may have ( depending on family size ) could be with payload unless you get max version. We do not have that version but there are only 2 of us. We travel pretty light but are still close to our max payload with us and 2 kayaks.
phillyg
Explorer II
May 22, 2017
The newer F150s can easily tow 5800lbs. I don't think you need a diesel, and yes, some of the 6.0 Fords were problematic. I don't know anything about the others except to say higher rear axles are generally better for towing.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
May 22, 2017
Aimcat wrote:
The only diesels that fit our budget are the 6.0 and 6.4 so we have eliminated those.

Wise decision.
Aimcat
Explorer
May 22, 2017
The only diesels that fit our budget are the 6.0 and 6.4 so we have eliminated those.
wowens79
Explorer III
May 22, 2017
You might be well suited with a 2500/250 gasser. You get the added payload and beefier frame, but it will be much cheaper than a diesel. My TT loaded is just under 8000lbs, and I pull with a Chevy 6.0 gas engine. It pulls it fine, you slow down on steep hills, but it will get you there.

The Chevy 6.0, is a proven engine that lasts a long time, I've got 202k miles on mine and it still runs great.

Every one wants the diesels, and the price shows. I'd like to go diesel, but I have a hard time justifying the price.
Aimcat
Explorer
May 22, 2017
I have to trade mine so private party isn't a factor.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
May 22, 2017
Aimcat wrote:
Oh yes I would love a tundra! I just cannot seem to find any 4wd in our budget!

I bet you can. Ignore the dealer's "advertised price". I my area, the Tundra I sold was being advertised by Toyota Dealers for $21-23K. Absurd. High Blue Book on my Tundra was $16.5K and that's what I sold it for. Granted, mine was 2WD. I advertised it for a while for $19K but only had dealers calling me, ie, no bites. Check private party sellers.
Aimcat
Explorer
May 22, 2017
Oh yes I would love a tundra! I just cannot seem to find any 4wd in our budget!

Forum Discussion

Need more help with tow vehicle/truck trade/purchase!?

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Purchasing a New Coach -> Trading Old

Electric truck - tow vehicle of future ?

Pickup truck tow vehicle stability tests

VIDEO: BEAR Adventure Vehicles Light Truck Camper

Rental tow vehicles (Enterprise truck rentals etc)