I've been out of the RV world for 5 years now, but need a new vehicle and thinking of getting a trailer again so looking at trucks -- just a "half" ton though. Here are some impressions:- They have sure gotten expensive.- I'm so excited about backup cameras and integrated brake controllers. But disappointed to read about the issues with the Ram's controller.- Glad to finally see small diesel and turbo gas options, but wish there were more. A little disappointed the Ecoboost doesn't get better mileage.- Dealers still don't order these things right. IMO any truck with a class IV hitch should have the full package -- backup camera, brake controller, towing mirrors, lower gears, etc. A lot of the Rams did, but none of the Fords I saw had the mirrors and many didn't have the brake controller, and the lower end ones didn't even have a camera. And disappointed Ford makes you spend a fortune on a tow package for basically just a trans cooler and upgraded stabilizer bar that ought to be standard equipment.Not sure what I'll do but given that I'm trying to keep the price as low as possible I won't be able to get what I want, but the Ford 2.7 looks like the best overall option. I only plan on getting small trailer.

There are a lot of really good used trucks out there. Many with low miles.A lot of folks buy trucks and then realize it's not for them. You may be able to find one equipped like you need for a more reasonable price.Now days there are some good extended warranty companies so you don't have to worry about big expenses in case of problems

Sounds like it's time to go for some test drives. I work with a guy who has the 2.7 and he loves it, and it seems to get pretty good mileage. It's very fast too. I don't think they're rated to tow all that much, though, so make sure it has enough capability for what you're wanting to pull.If you end up liking the Ram be sure to check out Dennis Dillon's pricing in Caldwell. You're not too far away and it may save you thousands. I worked on five dealerships including the famous Dave Smith up in Kellogg and wasn't able to get very close to Dillon's advertised "Sale Price", which they'll give you without any negotiating.

You will soon find a sad fact. 1500 series trucks can be and often are more expensive than a decently equipped 2500 series.

donn0128 wrote:You will soon find a sad fact. 1500 series trucks can be and often are more expensive than a decently equipped 2500 series.The co-worker I mentioned above paid $4k less for his truck than I did for my CTD Ram, and they're equipped with roughly the same level of amenities. He doesn't pull anything and has only hauled his family around so his truck probably fits his needs better, but I got a far more capable truck for just a little more money. I don't think it's any less comfortable to drive it around on a daily basis, either. I suppose the main negatives are slightly poorer fuel economy and more expensive maintenance (bigger tires, two batteries, fuel filters, etc).

My F150 is a 2010 model. Not a huge change from the current model, but I do have the last of the 5.4L V8s.I bought mine new, but had all the goodies I wanted. The max tow package included a hitch, flat and round trailer plug, relay with heavy wire to charge the trailer's battery while towing, backup camera system, transmission cooler, an integrated brake controller WITH built-in sway control (see video), much larger - extendable towing mirrors, longer rear springs for better load handling, and a tighter turn ratio steering system. Quite a few things.Ford integrated sway control system.The 1/2 ton term doesn't mean anything anymore. Mine is called a 1/2 ton, yet has a 11,100 lb towing capacity, and a 1810 lb payload capacity. The hitch has a 5000 lb tongue capacity when using a W/D hitch.If you're considering a Dodge, please do some research on them, and read reports on how they perform with coil springs while towing. If you want a truck, buy one with a truck suspension. A close friend learned this le$$on the hard way.I paid $8K below sticker price. I went to Edmund's website, built the truck of my dreams, then selected a number of dealerships to contact me with what they had, and their "internet price". This assumes the buyer is savvy enough to have done their homework, and know what the truck is really worth. No haggle price. It was a good deal for me, and still love my truck 6 years later.Good luck on your purchase!

Time for a new truck | Good Sam Community

IdaD
Explorer
Apr 15, 2016
donn0128 wrote:
You will soon find a sad fact. 1500 series trucks can be and often are more expensive than a decently equipped 2500 series.

The co-worker I mentioned above paid $4k less for his truck than I did for my CTD Ram, and they're equipped with roughly the same level of amenities. He doesn't pull anything and has only hauled his family around so his truck probably fits his needs better, but I got a far more capable truck for just a little more money. I don't think it's any less comfortable to drive it around on a daily basis, either. I suppose the main negatives are slightly poorer fuel economy and more expensive maintenance (bigger tires, two batteries, fuel filters, etc).
donn0128
Explorer II
Apr 15, 2016
You will soon find a sad fact. 1500 series trucks can be and often are more expensive than a decently equipped 2500 series.
IdaD
Explorer
Apr 15, 2016
Sounds like it's time to go for some test drives. I work with a guy who has the 2.7 and he loves it, and it seems to get pretty good mileage. It's very fast too. I don't think they're rated to tow all that much, though, so make sure it has enough capability for what you're wanting to pull.

If you end up liking the Ram be sure to check out Dennis Dillon's pricing in Caldwell. You're not too far away and it may save you thousands. I worked on five dealerships including the famous Dave Smith up in Kellogg and wasn't able to get very close to Dillon's advertised "Sale Price", which they'll give you without any negotiating.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Apr 15, 2016
There are a lot of really good used trucks out there. Many with low miles.

A lot of folks buy trucks and then realize it's not for them. You may be able to find one equipped like you need for a more reasonable price.

Now days there are some good extended warranty companies so you don't have to worry about big expenses in case of problems

Forum Discussion

Time for a new truck

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Time for truck tires.

Truck warranty

Which Truck?

Truck caps

Truck camper mileage