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michelb's avatar
michelb
Explorer
Dec 23, 2014

Suggestions for older pickup to tow 18k lbs 40'+ FW

Because of our growing family, we're looking at trading our 40' DP for more family friendly FW so I need to get a tow vehicle. The truck would pretty much just be used to pull the trailer and we'd drive it for in-city transportation when we're on vacation.

I'm not a truck guy and don't know much about them or what I should be looking at. I'd like to spend $5k-$10k (or less). Need to be able to sit 5 comfortably. I'd rather not get a DRW since I'd rather drive a SRW when we're not towing. Do I need 4x4 or is 4x2 okay? I'd like to get a diesel but would consider gasoline. With diesel, I'd like to get an exhaust brake.

My first thought is something like a 04-07 Dodge Ram 3500 Megacab (not sure if it's even in my budget) but I'm open to suggestions. Please don't make this into a brand X is better than brand Y. I'm really looking for something like "Brand X, model Y with this engine would fit your needs and budget ...".

Thanks
Tow Vehicles

39 Replies

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  • Stefonius's avatar
    Stefonius
    Explorer
    Dec 23, 2014
    Ivylog wrote:
    I would suggest one of the last years of the Ford 7.3 (2003.5) but a low miles one will be at you upper amount. I would get the manual 6 spd (auto tranny weak link) and the turbo can be tricked into beind a surprisingly good exhaust brake for $10. It can also be chipped into putting out a lot more than the stock 275 HP.
    The weight police will jump in that you cannot pull your 18K with a 03 F350 but I do it often. If you could find a F450 crew cab 7.3 even the weight police MIGHT back off. Nah they will say you need a MDT.
    I tow my FW with a 2003 F450 crew cab dually with the 7.3 liter diesel. It can carry a pin weight of 8,000 pounds, so the size of the fiver isn't an issue. It used to be a landscaping truck, and I found it very cheap on Craigslist.
  • C-Bears's avatar
    C-Bears
    Explorer
    Dec 23, 2014
    I'm not sure if you are thinking an 18,000 pounds FW weight prior to all your stuff loaded, or that 18,000 pounds would be with all you stuff in/on it.

    Doesn't really matter, with those kinds of weights you are needing a 1-ton dually and probably diesel. My guess would be you could find some really old high miles unit out there in your price point. Say for example a 10 year old unit with tons of rust, ripped up interior, and 300,000 miles on it.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Dec 23, 2014
    None of the older 5k-10k dollar LDT's have even close to a 18k lb tow rating. Your looking at trucks 20+ years old at that price.

    I doubt you could even find a "dependable" MDT or a single axle HDT at that price.

    A 5k-10k dollar figure for a truck means a 25'-30' trailer.
  • schlep1967's avatar
    schlep1967
    Nomad
    Dec 23, 2014
    What 5th wheel are you figuring on? I'm guessing it has to be a toy hauler. You can get a 2015 open range 3X 427 BHS (the 3x is well insulated and the BHS stands for bunkhouse it has the capacity to sleep 8) whith a max weight of just over 16K.

    I guess what I am getting at is a different trailer might open up your truck options unless you are getting that trailer for a heck of a deal.
  • 2003silverado's avatar
    2003silverado
    Explorer II
    Dec 23, 2014
    Unfortunately as others have pointed out a truck that is capable of the trailer you are looking for will have to be a diesel dually and most likely out of the price range you mentioned.

    Out of curiosity why do you feel a truck/fifth wheel combo would be more family friendly than the motor home with a toad? Seems like the comfort of a motor home while going down the road would be more family friendly than being crammed in a truck for long periods of time.
  • 6_7_tow_rig's avatar
    6_7_tow_rig
    Explorer
    Dec 23, 2014
    With that budget a diesel isn't going to happen. Even a 1995 Powerstroke with 300k miles is going to be at the very top end of that range. Depending on how heavy you are pulling you may not need diesel. I personally have a trailer that weighs right at 10k pounds and have tried both and will never, ever, ever go with a gasser again. Just my opinion. 4x4 vs 4x2 is again preference. Me personally, I wouldn't own a two wheel drive anything due to our lifestyle. Yours may be different. It does nothing in regards to towing. Just do yourself a favor and dont buy a 6.0 Powerstroke.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Dec 23, 2014
    How about a MDT or a HDT? That is really what you will need for that much trailer.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Dec 23, 2014
    I would suggest one of the last years of the Ford 7.3 (2003.5) but a low miles one will be at you upper amount. I would get the manual 6 spd (auto tranny weak link) and the turbo can be tricked into beind a surprisingly good exhaust brake for $10. It can also be chipped into putting out a lot more than the stock 275 HP.
    The weight police will jump in that you cannot pull your 18K with a 03 F350 but I do it often. If you could find a F450 crew cab 7.3 even the weight police MIGHT back off. Nah they will say you need a MDT.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Dec 23, 2014
    IMO you're pretty much out of luck trying to find a truck at that price point. An older truck would have to be a dually and a diesel to boot, and even then I think you're going to find that an 18,000 lb. 5th wheel is too much trailer for what you're considering.

    I pull a 15,000 lb. 5th wheel with my 2001 Dodge dually and I'm right at the edge, and a little over, when it comes to capacity. You need to either look at newer, and more expensive, trucks or a smaller/lighter 5th wheel.

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