New Tow Vehicle Advice Needed

BeerBrewer wrote:
I'm new to RVing and I'm looking for our first travel Trailer. After looking at quite a few travel trailers I've come to the conclusion that I may need to upgrade my Pick-up Truck (2006 Tundra with 57K miles on it) because it can only pull 7000 lbs (minus tongue wt) and most of the trailers we like are either out us right at that 7000 lb limit or just over. So I'm now looking for a new tow vehicle. The new GM, Ram, Ford half ton trucks (properly equipped) all claim to be able to pull over 10,000 lbs and the 3/4 ton (250 or 2500) almost all can tow more, but are A LOT more pricey.

We "think" that we'll be buying a trailer that will put in the 7000 to 8000 lbs range, well within the capability of a 1/2 ton truck.

Should I go with a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton truck? If so is it worth the extra cost?

Should I consider a diesel or stick with a gas engine?

Thanks

HD trucks don't really cost any more than 1/2 tons these days, especially a 1/2 ton truck properly equipped to tow the kind of TT you're contemplating. Personally I'd recommend driving all three of the HD trucks available, in both gas and diesel. Pick your favorite and enjoy. In the unlikely case you find that the ride is too harsh in all of them maybe contemplate trying to locate a max tow/heavy payload F150 (a rare unicorn).

My guess is you'll be very happy with any of the current HD offerings. They're all nice trucks albeit with various pros and cons relative to one another.

As far as gas versus diesel goes, everybody has an opinion. My recommendation is don't worry about the cost aspect because it's a wash in the end (diesel costs more up front but is cheaper to operate and worth more when you're done). Performance wise it's diesel all day.