Tow Vehicle Choice - New Member
Hi, My name's Mike, and I am planning on getting back into RVing. I was big into it 30+ years ago, when I had just a pickup with the camper on the back. Things have changed ALOT since then. Im st...
Forum Discussion
A 150, or 1500 will do you fine IF you get the right one. Not all 150s, and 1500 are created equal. Some have a payload of only 1000lbs, and they are the true 1/2 ton trucks. As 1000lb is a 1/2 ton. However. From there 1500s, and 150 can payloads from that 1000lb to 2500, and more. You just have to pick the right one.
When you go look go armed with the information you need. It is up to you to check out the truck. The salesman will just say, yes it will, But it prolly won't.
So do your home work. Find out what Ford, GM, and Rams axle codes mean. You are going to want no less than a 5.3, 5.4, or Eco Boost with a 3.55. A 3.73 or lower gear would be best. Read the sticker so you will know the GVWR. the higher the GVWR the higher the payload can be, and so the higher the GCVWR, or towing capacity will be.
You are spending your money. So be careful and get a truck that will do what you want. WE can't tell you which you need, as there are just so many different configurations of so called 1/2 ton trucks.
As for the Ram diesel. Be very careful with that one, as after the diesel is in, there may not be much pay load left to carry much of anything. Or sop I've read. Again, do your own research, Even going so far as to weigh it, and subtract that from the GVWR.
As for the TT. In 2009. It became a requirement for the manufacturer to weight each TT at the end of the line, and post that weight on a yellow sticker. And if the dealer adds weight, then it has to be added to the yellow sticker. So that the weight on that sticker is exactly what the RV sitting in front of you weighs. All you have to do is figure how much YOU will add to it. My family added 650 lbs. Only you know how much stuff you will carry. some take everything they own, and others, like us, only take what they need. Your choice.
Above all. Enjoy.
When you go look go armed with the information you need. It is up to you to check out the truck. The salesman will just say, yes it will, But it prolly won't.
So do your home work. Find out what Ford, GM, and Rams axle codes mean. You are going to want no less than a 5.3, 5.4, or Eco Boost with a 3.55. A 3.73 or lower gear would be best. Read the sticker so you will know the GVWR. the higher the GVWR the higher the payload can be, and so the higher the GCVWR, or towing capacity will be.
You are spending your money. So be careful and get a truck that will do what you want. WE can't tell you which you need, as there are just so many different configurations of so called 1/2 ton trucks.
As for the Ram diesel. Be very careful with that one, as after the diesel is in, there may not be much pay load left to carry much of anything. Or sop I've read. Again, do your own research, Even going so far as to weigh it, and subtract that from the GVWR.
As for the TT. In 2009. It became a requirement for the manufacturer to weight each TT at the end of the line, and post that weight on a yellow sticker. And if the dealer adds weight, then it has to be added to the yellow sticker. So that the weight on that sticker is exactly what the RV sitting in front of you weighs. All you have to do is figure how much YOU will add to it. My family added 650 lbs. Only you know how much stuff you will carry. some take everything they own, and others, like us, only take what they need. Your choice.
Above all. Enjoy.
