Newbie towing recommendation
Looking to get the family into RV'ing. Here what I have: 2013 Ford F-150 supercrew Cab 3.5L EcoBoost 3.55 gear ratio. And tow package from factory. GCWR 15500lbs GVWR 7200lbs Trailer Sprin...
Forum Discussion
aclay wrote:
I see so many posts like this, with people just starting. And I did it too, we had a Yukon XL towing a Jayco 26BH, and it was just a struggle. I realize a diesel rig is not for everyone, but it's more than just the facts and figures. I think of brakes and transmissions, and safety. It's one thing to be able to get going, it's another to bring it all to a stop, and to control on descent grade without burning up either brakes or transmissions. I'll never go that close to the limits again, especially after pulling with a diesel.
X2. My thoughts exactly. My first TV was '96 Ford Explorer pulling a 21' "lite" TT. Didn't know better then, but I do now: was towing that TV into the ground on long pulls in this mountainous territory. Next TV was a 1/2 ton F-150 pulling a 31' "lite" TT for 10 years (see my post above). Same result.
We all learn by doing. My current 3/4 ton Duramax diesel/Allison tranny TV "seems" and "is" safer for towing, not only because I feel the power up and over the mountains, but also because of the security of compression brakes, etc. slowing it coming down the other side. Saves my brakes for another day.
I had plenty of uncertain, unsettling emotions coming up and over the mountains on hot summer days back in the day with my underpowered TV's. Much safer and more fun now. "Overpowered better than underpowered" - so true.
