Tow Vehicle research

[GregK]

Although we're having our 2010 Eagle 351RLSA delivered and set up at our seasonal site I'm starting to consider buying a truck capable of pulling it.

I have never owned any HD model truck and I'm so sticker shocked at the new trucks, especially once you "build" a tow package!

I've started considering buying used but have no idea where to start. I see 2011 models with what I would consider insanely high mileage but the lower mileage trucks aren't exactly a great deal either. I currently have a 2011 Nissan Titan that I own outright and it's loaded with goodies so a private sale on it should get me some decent cash.

The trailer weight specs (to save you from looking them up) are:

Dry Weight (lbs/kg) 11050 / 5012.3
Payload Capacity (lbs/kgs) 3900 / 1769
GVWR (lbs/kgs) 14950 / 6781.3
Hitch Weight (lbs/kgs) 2560 / 1161.2

I'm not a Ford fan by any means and I've heard the Powerstroke diesel is the weakest of what's available out there, but it's only what I've heard here and there.

It's time to ask those that have HD trucks and actually use them as trucks what your experiences have taught you, good and bad. I also want to use the truck for general purpose, family driving and the like.

I'm ready to absorb it all, so let's hear it.

[KD4UPL]

You'll want a dually for that trailer. If looking at modern diesel pick-ups I'd expect to get well over 200,000 miles out of a truck so you may need to change your definition of high miles. My own '05 Chevy Duramax dually has over 170,000 miles on it with virtually no problems and still going strong. I'll be rather upset if I don't get 300,000 miles out of it.
Ford diesels have been the poorest choice from about 2003 thru 2010. The 6.0 and 6.4 engines were quite problematic and the 6.4 got very poor fuel mileage. I drive an '03 6.0 for work and it is a complete pile. Comparing it to my Chevy there is no contest.
You will hear lots of people tell you the "they all have their problems." These are normally Ford owners. The GM diesel and trans. have been pretty much problem free since '06. The Dodge Cummins has been a very good engine for many many years. Their early auto transmissions were pretty poor but that got straightened out around 2005 or so with the 68RFE transmission.
If you want a Ford for some reason the 2011 and up 6.7 diesel seems to finally be a winner for them.

[laknox]

GregK wrote:
Although we're having our 2010 Eagle 351RLSA delivered and set up at our seasonal site I'm starting to consider buying a truck capable of pulling it.

I have never owned any HD model truck and I'm so sticker shocked at the new trucks, especially once you "build" a tow package!

I've started considering buying used but have no idea where to start. I see 2011 models with what I would consider insanely high mileage but the lower mileage trucks aren't exactly a great deal either. I currently have a 2011 Nissan Titan that I own outright and it's loaded with goodies so a private sale on it should get me some decent cash.

The trailer weight specs (to save you from looking them up) are:

Dry Weight (lbs/kg) 11050 / 5012.3
Payload Capacity (lbs/kgs) 3900 / 1769
GVWR (lbs/kgs) 14950 / 6781.3
Hitch Weight (lbs/kgs) 2560 / 1161.2

I'm not a Ford fan by any means and I've heard the Powerstroke diesel is the weakest of what's available out there, but it's only what I've heard here and there.

It's time to ask those that have HD trucks and actually use them as trucks what your experiences have taught you, good and bad. I also want to use the truck for general purpose, family driving and the like.

I'm ready to absorb it all, so let's hear it.

IMO, you're firmly in 1-ton dually territory. Yes, a SRW would probably handle it, but why take the chance. You're looking at close to 3500 lbs on the pin at GVW. Personally, I'm a GM guy so would look at a Duramax/Allison combo. With diesels, "high mileage" is somewhat relative. My D'max didn't really break in (and I did notice a difference in how it ran) until > 70k miles. Unfortunately, it took a long time to get there so the rest of it shows its 11 years. Personally, if I had the money, I'd =build= a truck, no later than 2007 model year, with fully updated engine and suspension. In AZ, it's registered as an '07, no matter how much it cost and only has to meet '07 emissions. 🙂

Lyle

[Michelle_S]

A lot depends on your usage. Just a short trip once in awhile or do you plan on longer trips and more of them. Ideally a Dually would be the way to go, but if doing limited travel/distance and watching what you pack you may be able to get by with a newer SRW. Be cautious of older SRW TVs as many had pretty low carrying capacity. So there's lots of factors to consider before putting the money down.

[BB_TX]

I agree with above. With that kind of pin weight you should be looking at 350/3500 trucks. And if you are looking at 2011 models or later then any of the big 3 will be good. And there is little difference in power of any of the diesels of the 3. Don't believe everything you hear/read, including here. Test drive any/all of them and get what YOU like best.

[NC_Hauler]

GregK wrote:
Although we're having our 2010 Eagle 351RLSA delivered and set up at our seasonal site I'm starting to consider buying a truck capable of pulling it.

I have never owned any HD model truck and I'm so sticker shocked at the new trucks, especially once you "build" a tow package!

I've started considering buying used but have no idea where to start. I see 2011 models with what I would consider insanely high mileage but the lower mileage trucks aren't exactly a great deal either. I currently have a 2011 Nissan Titan that I own outright and it's loaded with goodies so a private sale on it should get me some decent cash.

The trailer weight specs (to save you from looking them up) are:

Dry Weight (lbs/kg) 11050 / 5012.3
Payload Capacity (lbs/kgs) 3900 / 1769
GVWR (lbs/kgs) 14950 / 6781.3
Hitch Weight (lbs/kgs) 2560 / 1161.2

I'm not a Ford fan by any means and I've heard the Powerstroke diesel is the weakest of what's available out there, but it's only what I've heard here and there.

It's time to ask those that have HD trucks and actually use them as trucks what your experiences have taught you, good and bad. I also want to use the truck for general purpose, family driving and the like.


I'm ready to absorb it all, so let's hear it.

GVW of almost 15,000# would give you a hitch weigh of around 2800 to 3,000#, possibly be higher....Kick out the dry weight's, they're a joke.

If not going any heavier, and you're going to probably buy, "used"...I'd look for a 1 ton dually, or a 1 ton SRW truck that will handle the weight....Doesn't matter if it's Ford, Chevy/GM or Dodge/Ram...Get into a 2010 and up and any of the big three will do the job for you. Just have to make up your mind which route you're going to go with a TV, I believe an older 3/4 ton wouldn't work as well as a 1 ton SRW truck would, and a dually would take all the guess work out of it...Probably a lot of great deals out there on 13' that are being closed out....Guess it'll also depend on your budget, but don't crimp on the TV

[wski]

The 2013 Dodge RAM 3500 would be my choice. Couple it with the factory 5th wheel prep package and get yourself an Andersen ultimate 5th wheel hitch. From what I am reading, this is the most popular hitch going. Good luck....

[Bumpyroad]

check with your insurance agent and state requirements to be sure you don't get stuck in a commercial class with a 450/550 etc.
bumpy

[nremtp143]

I would also suggest a 350/3500 in what ever model you choose as well. Any of the Big 3 have a truck that will do the job. I take it by saying "Powerstroke" that you are looking at diesels? I would strongly suggest one for that weight, especially if you are going to tow quite often. I would not say that the Ford is the weakest one out there. All 3 have their little flaws. Ford just produced its 500,000th 6.7L this week.If you are talking about the 6.4L Ford, it has its flaws as well with less than average fuel economy and EGR system but by no means is 'weak'. Dodge now has a world class transmission behind its Cummins now that people are really enjoying. GM has the Duramax/Allison which is a great truck too. My advice is, if looking used, is to go to the dealer of each and test drive each of the trucks you are thinking about. Go online to all of the forums where these guys/gals hang out and you will learn LOTS about the trucks. Both good and bad. Dealers in your area is bound to have a used diesel truck in each of the Big 3 on the lot. Go drive them and get familiar with each. Good luck in your search. I hope you find the 'truck' that suits you well!

[mrkoje]

With those weights you will want a 1ton (350/3500). With a GVWR of 14950 expect a pin weight of 3700lbs. Yes it could be less but it's easier to plan for the max than worry about it later.

Most of the new 1ton pickups have payload capacities of 4000lbs or more. You will want to plan for 3700lbs of pin weight plus any cargo and passenger weight inside of the truck. I would say a payload rating of 4500lbs and up should get you to where you would want to be.

Which brings me to - do you want a dual rear wheel pickup or not? While you will most likely be able to get by with a single rear wheel setup the "dually" or "DRW" will offer better stability while towing and even greater payload ratings. However they are not the best for "around town" driving.

Best of luck to you.

[TakingThe5th]

Bought my Powerstroke new in 2005 with the 6.0 diesel. I expected the worst but as yet have had zero problems with the truck. It is completely stock, tows wonderfully, and is all that I hoped for.

Yes, this truck has a bad reputation but I have also noticed that many people who remind you of a truck's problems are the people who stand to make a nice profit at the expense of the truck owners. But it is true that Navistar and Ford had a pretty bad relationship when this truck was made.