crcr wrote:
Hi, We’re shopping for a used truck for a tow vehicle & second vehicle. We have a used TT in mind to purchase after we buy the truck -- a Jayco 256rks (apparently last year of production was the 2012) --a 28’ TT, dry tongue weight of 680, dry weight of 5690, GVWR of 7500. So of course we are are being realistic and plan on 7000 to 7500 lbs loaded for camping.
We want a crew cab, short bed, 4WD, gas. I would like factory tow package with related differential gearing & HD cooling (we live in the desert), The truck won’t get very many miles put on it per year, so a bit older is fine, but it must be in well maintained condition because of the extreme hot climate we live in, and towing duty in this climate. We would like to keep the purchase cost in the budget range of $8,000 - $12,500 if at all possible.
With so many on this forum who have so much experience towing and with trucks, I would like a bit of information and advice for those who wish to share. I’m wondering how and where do I find the factory specs for used trucks? Specifically, I will want to know what ratio rear end, whether it has OEM tow package, an upgraded transmission cooler, and/or a larger optional radiator, and payload. Do I have to take the VIN# and run it somewhere to find out how it was factory equipped? Should all trucks have the yellow sticker with payload, etc., and where is it usually located? If the yellow sticker is missing, how does one find out payload?
We prefer half ton if we can find one that has adequate specs for our needs, though we would consider a ¾ ton if it is deemed necessary. I have owned a Ford van with a V10, and know the quality of that engine, but would rather get by with a V8 if possible, due to the difference in gas mileage.
I want to avoid any engine or make with a history of cooling problems, again due to our climate.. I would be interested in engine recommendations. I would like a used Ecoboost F150, but those debuted in 2011 so are still out of my price range. It seems like I have read that the Ford 5.4 V8 is not that powerful of a tow engine -- is that correct or no? How is the Chevy 5.3? I’m not averse to the Ram with a 5.7 V8, but one thing I don’t like about the Ram is that the crew cab is not as spacious as we would like, and the Mega Cab seems to bring quite a premium, plus I don’t much care for the looks of the Mega Cab model. However, the Ram is still a consideration. We’d be interested in a Toyota Tundra if it had the necessary payload, but the resale on those probably put them well out of our price range.
For payload purposes, when we go camping, myself and the wife weigh 300 lbs combined, plus a 65 lb dog, plus the typical camping equipment we would put in the bed of the truck. I would of course use a weight distribution hitch, and would like to move the two 6V batteries I have on our present TT, to the Jayco 28’ TT. The battery box I have for the two 6V batteries is thick heavy duty plastic, so not much weight added there, but obviously the two 6V batteries add weight over one 12V battery -- I’m going to say add 100 lbs to the tongue for the battery switch out.
If any of you can shed light on my questions about a truck selection, and/or how to get the real OEM specs on used trucks, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
With a budget of $8k-$12k, IMO condition trumps a long list of wants, needs, and factory specs.
IMO, your best bet is to buy a stripped, low-mileage, 1/2 ton truck in great mechanical condition without much regard to make or model. Most V8 equipped 1/2 tons can safely tow 6,500-7,000 lbs. I'd much rather make it to my destination with a little less power and space, than be broken down on the side of the highway with plenty of sleeping space and a big tow capacity.
Good luck!
