Greetings all!I have decided to sell my car, buy a truck and plan to get a travel trailer to live in temporarily for the next year. I plan to get a travel trailer between 20-35ft long, and not more than 5000lbs (not a 5th wheel, just a TT). I've been doing some research on trucks, and the thing is, I'm not sure about buying new or used. I have good credit and buying new wouldn't be an issue as far as getting a good loan rate, but I don't HAVE to buy new. What concerns me about buying used is what has the truck been used for before me? I'm good to my vehicles and don't want something that pulled something too heavy and then got traded in, or whatever--to me, paying a bit more for something new would be worth it to have the peace of mind for the long run--know what I mean? Then lastly, I'm not sure what engine I really need. Can I get away with a larger V6? Further details of what I'm looking for is listed below. I fully welcome all input and suggestions.-engine with more than enough power to pull a 4k lb trailer (I read that you should have at least 10% more towing capacity than what you're hauling)-not a V8 if I can avoid it, since this will be my commuter vehicle as well. Not a far commute, but I think everyone can appreciate good gas mileage.-I don't need bells and whistles--but should I get something with the tow/haul button feature? I know I don't want or need 4x4 either-Oh, and I can drive a manual, so that's totally an option if it would be worth it.-Also, what class of tow hitch will I need? Is this something I should worry about getting with the truck, or deal with it on my own once I buy the trailer?-And, one more thing, what axle ratio should I shoot for? I read an article that said the higher it is, the more you can tow, but it also decreases gas mileage. So what do you think?Thanks ahead of time--I'll definitely stay tuned to the responses.

Pick your favorite brand of 250/2500 and move on. A 150/1500 would be sufficient for your lightest trailer picks, but a 2500 is way more at the end of the day. A gas motor truck will be a great pick.

donn0128 wrote:Pick your favorite brand of 250/2500 and move on. A 150/1500 would be sufficient for your lightest trailer picks, but a 2500 is way more at the end of the day. A gas motor truck will be a great pick.X2 on this. For the money compared to 1/2 tons Ford 250 or chevy 2500 can't be beat From my experience my trusty 20 year old f150 towed our 33ft 7500lb TT But after I bought a 2017 f250 6.2 liter gasser about 6k miles of towing I have to say nothing wrong with more truck than u need. Very comfortable experience towing mountains to the coast. Plus if a year from now u think u want a bigger TT you are covered. Over 10k lbs fifth wheel or TT. I would go diesel but only then.

sgfrye wrote:donn0128 wrote:Pick your favorite brand of 250/2500 and move on. A 150/1500 would be sufficient for your lightest trailer picks, but a 2500 is way more at the end of the day. A gas motor truck will be a great pick.X2 on this. For the money compared to 1/2 tons Ford 250 or chevy 2500 can't be beat From my experience my trusty 20 year old f150 towed our 33ft 7500lb TT But after I bought a 2017 f250 6.2 liter gasser about 6k miles of towing I have to say nothing wrong with more truck than u need. Very comfortable experience towing mountains to the coast. Plus if a year from now u think u want a bigger TT you are covered. Over 10k lbs fifth wheel or TT. I would go diesel but only then.Awesome! This is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for, stuff based on experience. I know there's lots of truck owners that bought certain models and had a good or bad experience and would swear they would or wouldn't buy that truck again. So cool, thanks for the specifics ????

Are you looking for a new or used truck? Will it be your tow vehicle (TV) only/exclusively, or also as a DD (daily driver)?I am partial to the 7.3L diesels, especially the Excursion for its family travel seating. Problem is the age. If you want all the bells and whistles and fancy stuff, they don't have them.Pricing is MUCH better than new, but if you aren't doing your own maintenance or know someone to rely on...remember, it's a 2000-2003 vehicle.If going new, many of the newer trucks ride like older luxury cars or modern SUVs. F250/2500 have a bit of a stiffer ride, but not as much as F350/3500 or dual rear wheels. They are nice, but designed with heavier suspensions. All depends what suits YOUR needs ;)A bigger challenge, I believe, will be finding a long trailer in that low weight range. Continue to ask, lots of good advice and TONS of experience on here ;)

donn0128 wrote:Pick your favorite brand of 250/2500 and move on. A 150/1500 would be sufficient for your lightest trailer picks, but a 2500 is way more at the end of the day. A gas motor truck will be a great pick.Before you jump on a 3/4 ton, check the price difference between it and a 1/2 set up for towing.A lot of people tow with a properly equipped F150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. It won't save you any fuel while towing, but it will when you are NOT towing (if you keep your foot out of the accelerator). The problem with an F150 is selecting the right options ! At a minimum you want the Max Trailer Tow Package (53C) AND the Heavy Duty Payload Package (627)

Truck recommendations based on experience | Good Sam Community

ScottG
Nomad
Aug 27, 2018
Skip the F150 and go with a 3/4T.
I prefer the engineering of the RAM.
MitchF150
Explorer III
Aug 27, 2018
To the OP.. 20-35 foot trailer that is not more than #5000 is gonna be hard to find these days...

My old 2003 Prowler is 22' from bumper to hitch and weighs every bit of it's GVWR of #5000...

If you want no more than a #5000 LOADED TT, any 1/2 ton truck will do it fine.

If you want a #5000 DRY weight trailer, then you will have to consider the CCC of it and how much you think you will load and on and on..

I tow what I tow because I don't really need anymore trailer.. Plus, don't want to get rid of a great trailer that has been trouble free since new.

I really like my F150 and getting a 3/4 or one ton truck would just be a waste in my case...

Gotta do what you gotta do in the end however.

Good luck!

Mitch
rbpru
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2018
I tow a 25 ft. TT with an F-150, it matches the truck's max cargo when we are loaded for the road. It serves us well.

That said an F-250 would have been a better choice for towing, simply because of the excess capacity. You can never have too much truck.

You can however have too expensive a truck. Maintenance and non-towing mileage should be taken into consideration.

Make, model and features are mostly a matter of opinion and what you can afford. Personally, I like gassers and few features, others like all the bells and whistles.

Good luck.
frisbeekev
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
misspeabodi wrote:
sgfrye wrote:
donn0128 wrote:
Pick your favorite brand of 250/2500 and move on. A 150/1500 would be sufficient for your lightest trailer picks, but a 2500 is way more at the end of the day. A gas motor truck will be a great pick.

X2 on this.
For the money compared to 1/2 tons Ford 250 or chevy 2500 can't be beat

From my experience my trusty 20 year old f150 towed our 33ft 7500lb TT
But after I bought a 2017 f250 6.2 liter gasser about 6k miles of towing I have to say nothing wrong with more truck than u need.

Very comfortable experience towing mountains to the coast. Plus if a year from now u think u want a bigger TT you are covered. Over 10k lbs fifth wheel or TT. I would go diesel but only then.

Awesome! This is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for, stuff based on experience. I know there's lots of truck owners that bought certain models and had a good or bad experience and would swear they would or wouldn't buy that truck again. So cool, thanks for the specifics ????

I agree. I have a 2016 f250 xl 6.2 an it is great. The xl trim will have tow haul, and is simple but effective , and in the end be very affordable
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2018
“I plan to get a travel trailer between 20-35ft long, and not more than 5000lbs (not a 5th wheel, just a TT).”

Thirty-five feet and 5000 pounds or less. Fantasy. Thirty feet and 5000 pounds or less. Dreamworld. Do some research.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2018
donn0128 wrote:
Pick your favorite brand of 250/2500 and move on. A 150/1500 would be sufficient for your lightest trailer picks, but a 2500 is way more at the end of the day. A gas motor truck will be a great pick.

Before you jump on a 3/4 ton, check the price difference between it and a 1/2 set up for towing.

A lot of people tow with a properly equipped F150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. It won't save you any fuel while towing, but it will when you are NOT towing (if you keep your foot out of the accelerator). The problem with an F150 is selecting the right options ! At a minimum you want the Max Trailer Tow Package (53C) AND the Heavy Duty Payload Package (627)
DiskDoctr
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
Are you looking for a new or used truck? Will it be your tow vehicle (TV) only/exclusively, or also as a DD (daily driver)?

I am partial to the 7.3L diesels, especially the Excursion for its family travel seating. Problem is the age. If you want all the bells and whistles and fancy stuff, they don't have them.

Pricing is MUCH better than new, but if you aren't doing your own maintenance or know someone to rely on...remember, it's a 2000-2003 vehicle.

If going new, many of the newer trucks ride like older luxury cars or modern SUVs.

F250/2500 have a bit of a stiffer ride, but not as much as F350/3500 or dual rear wheels. They are nice, but designed with heavier suspensions.

All depends what suits YOUR needs ;)

A bigger challenge, I believe, will be finding a long trailer in that low weight range.

Continue to ask, lots of good advice and TONS of experience on here ;)
misspeabodi
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
sgfrye wrote:
donn0128 wrote:
Pick your favorite brand of 250/2500 and move on. A 150/1500 would be sufficient for your lightest trailer picks, but a 2500 is way more at the end of the day. A gas motor truck will be a great pick.

X2 on this.
For the money compared to 1/2 tons Ford 250 or chevy 2500 can't be beat

From my experience my trusty 20 year old f150 towed our 33ft 7500lb TT
But after I bought a 2017 f250 6.2 liter gasser about 6k miles of towing I have to say nothing wrong with more truck than u need.

Very comfortable experience towing mountains to the coast. Plus if a year from now u think u want a bigger TT you are covered. Over 10k lbs fifth wheel or TT. I would go diesel but only then.

Awesome! This is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for, stuff based on experience. I know there's lots of truck owners that bought certain models and had a good or bad experience and would swear they would or wouldn't buy that truck again. So cool, thanks for the specifics ????
sgfrye
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
donn0128 wrote:
Pick your favorite brand of 250/2500 and move on. A 150/1500 would be sufficient for your lightest trailer picks, but a 2500 is way more at the end of the day. A gas motor truck will be a great pick.

X2 on this.
For the money compared to 1/2 tons Ford 250 or chevy 2500 can't be beat

From my experience my trusty 20 year old f150 towed our 33ft 7500lb TT
But after I bought a 2017 f250 6.2 liter gasser about 6k miles of towing I have to say nothing wrong with more truck than u need.

Very comfortable experience towing mountains to the coast. Plus if a year from now u think u want a bigger TT you are covered. Over 10k lbs fifth wheel or TT. I would go diesel but only then.
donn0128
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2018
Pick your favorite brand of 250/2500 and move on. A 150/1500 would be sufficient for your lightest trailer picks, but a 2500 is way more at the end of the day. A gas motor truck will be a great pick.

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