Recommend Tow Vehicle

A three quarter or one ton diesel is the answer. I get up to 24 mpg in a 2002 Ford. They are not hard to mainatain and very dependable. There is room for everything. I sleep in the back frequently. Three dogs fit. I love my truck. It is going up in value. Gas trucks cost less but decline in value much faster.

Gas 3/4 ton is really reliable and very easy to live with. I have an 09 gmc and love it, 6.0 with 4x4 crew cab.

With that size camper you would be fine with gas or diesel. I'm pulling about the same size TT, and I'm starting to get ideas for a new truck about a year from now, and I'm looking at around $30k also.

What I'm seeing at that price range is that a diesel at that price will have about 40-50k more miles on them. I'd really like to go diesel, but its hard to pass by a truck with 50k miles to spend the same money on a diesel with 100k miles.

DiskDoctr wrote:
Is this for a dedicated TV and how often do you want to travel?

A big consideration is the comfort and runabout-ability while you are traveling. If it needs to do more than just get you there, think about how you'll use it, cab/inside storage/etc.

5th wheels are quite flexible in their features and there are some really beautiful models out there. We chose a bumper pull in the approx 33' or so size and SUV because of how we use our Diesel Excursion for people and stuff when towing and not towing.

Challenge there is the 15yr age of it has its own challenges of keeping it maintained and in good condition.

Our last trip had 6 in the Excursion and gear and camper all towed and fit comfortably (except for A/C issue that we had to address, LOL )

It will be a tow vehicle and daily driver for me which is about 60 miles each day. As far as distance traveled, most of the time we will be going within 2-2.5 hours of our home town of Reno, NV. I would anticipate at least one trip of further length each year as well, up and down the west coast/other western states that would involve a more significant time investment in the vehicle.

IdaD wrote:
If buying used I wouldn't care at all if it was a 3/4 ton or 1 ton - they're so similar or in some cases the same that it doesn't matter. If there is a difference you can easily fill the gap with some aftermarket equipment or different tires.

Gas is a better deal used because they depreciate more. Also if you can live with the less popular configurations you can save some money as well. A regular cab or extended cab will be cheaper than a crew cab. Also, 2wd would be less than 4wd although that's a compromise I wouldn't be willing to live with.

I was leaning toward diesel as that seems to be what most people recommend, but I'm not totally against looking at a gasser. Unfortunately, I am also looking for the more highly desired 4x4 and crew cab so my family can fit comfortably. Budget may need to be adjusted a little to accommodate, but hopefully I'm able to find something. I have until Winter/Spring I think. I just wanted to start keeping an eye out is all.

Is this for a dedicated TV and how often do you want to travel?

A big consideration is the comfort and runabout-ability while you are traveling. If it needs to do more than just get you there, think about how you'll use it, cab/inside storage/etc.

5th wheels are quite flexible in their features and there are some really beautiful models out there. We chose a bumper pull in the approx 33' or so size and SUV because of how we use our Diesel Excursion for people and stuff when towing and not towing.

Challenge there is the 15yr age of it has its own challenges of keeping it maintained and in good condition.

Our last trip had 6 in the Excursion and gear and camper all towed and fit comfortably (except for A/C issue that we had to address, LOL )

Hi ... I suggest a 250 or 2500 .. Diesel is my pick... However good used diesel are hard to find at least in colorado. If you are using it for a lot of town driving the short bed is easier to find parking ... Jim2007

If buying used I wouldn't care at all if it was a 3/4 ton or 1 ton - they're so similar or in some cases the same that it doesn't matter. If there is a difference you can easily fill the gap with some aftermarket equipment or different tires.

Gas is a better deal used because they depreciate more. Also if you can live with the less popular configurations you can save some money as well. A regular cab or extended cab will be cheaper than a crew cab. Also, 2wd would be less than 4wd although that's a compromise I wouldn't be willing to live with.

IdaD wrote:
I'd lean towards a heavy duty truck for that size range. They're comfortable enough as daily drivers and handle tow duties much better. Pick your brand preference, and gas or diesel will work. Being in Nevada you might enjoy a diesel more depending given the terrain and elevations in surrounding areas.

Edit: just noticed the possible fifth wheel part - I'd definitely go heavy duty. You might need to go used to maintain your price point.

Used is certainly what I'm looking at. I just am looking for something comfortable and with as few miles as I can find. Like I said it will be a daily driver (about 60 miles a day) and we tend to drive vehicles for a long time.

I'd lean towards a heavy duty truck for that size range. They're comfortable enough as daily drivers and handle tow duties much better. Pick your brand preference, and gas or diesel will work. Being in Nevada you might enjoy a diesel more depending given the terrain and elevations in surrounding areas.

Edit: just noticed the possible fifth wheel part - I'd definitely go heavy duty. You might need to go used to maintain your price point.