I am a 60 something retired individual I want to purchase a towing truck for a 25 foot pull behind trailer or a lightweight 25 foot fifth wheel I am thinking about a Ford 250 or a Toyota Tundra I would also maybe consider a Ford 150 Any and all suggestions and comments would be appreciated Thanks

The devil is in the details, trailer weights can vary greatly. Also tow vehicle capabilities can vary greatly based on how they are equipped (engine, trans, gear ratio, cab size, bed length..etc.). I would suggest deciding on the trailer/fiver first.

Of the three trucks you listed, the F250 is a 3/4ton, the other two are 1/2ton. I'd have to have a good reason not to get the 3/4ton.

Me, I wouldn't pull anything without a diesel.

There are two issues. What you can pull with the truck and what you can carry as payload with a truck. A fifth wheel will typically have about 20-25 percent of the total fifth wheel weight on the pin plus add the hitch that can weigh another 150 plus pounds and you will soon run out of payload with most half ton trucks. For a travel trailer the rule of thumb is 13 percent of the total travel trailer's weight on the tongue. Never use brochure weights. Then add about 500 pounds or more for water, stuff, and don't forget to add the weight of people, dogs, etc. Most half ton trucks can tow the weight, many cannot stay easily within the truck's payload. Go for the three quarter ton truck and if you go fifth wheel a one ton is not excessive or overkill.

Advice on purchasing a towing truck | Good Sam Community

Campersfriend
Explorer
Aug 01, 2016
Ok thx for the advice will do
bikendan
Explorer
Jul 28, 2016
llr wrote:
I would strongly suggest looking at campers first, even if you don't plan on buying for a few years. then decide on the truck.

x2!
Campersfriend
Explorer
Jul 28, 2016
I am looking at Ford because it usually wins in consumer choice polls for best truck to pull trailers I agree I would rather have more power then less power currently I pull with a V8 Toyota 4 Runner but looking for a better towing vehicle with a little more towing power Thanks for all the suggestions and recommendations
Campersfriend
Explorer
Jul 27, 2016
My trailer is a trail sport by r vision it is an ultra light I am single so I have everything to do myself not wealthy either so still working part time Hope to get a Forest River product next time
SoCalDesertRid1
Explorer
Jul 27, 2016
I don't recall Ford ever making a 3.0 liter (183 cu in) 8 cylinder engine.
Silverback98042
Explorer
Jul 27, 2016
I think you meant 5.0 eight cylinder.
As stated, I'd rather have too much truck than not enough. When I need to use my truck, I don't want to be undergunned.
Alabama_Jim
Explorer
Jul 27, 2016
We have a 24 TT and pull with an F-150. The truck is a 3.0 eight cylinder and we have no problems. Ford is pushing the 6 cylinder with eco boost now days. They say it has just as much torque as the 8 cylinder and saves on gas. Not sure it really works that way. We sure like our 8 cylinder gas guzzler.
mowermech
Explorer
Jul 27, 2016
Personally, I would (and did) get a Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins.
But, that's just ME. If you want an F250, go for it.
I seldom read on any forums a complaint that "I bought too much truck!"
But, I sure see the "I didn't buy enough truck!" complaint a lot.
I agree, find the trailer you want, then get the truck you NEED to tow that trailer. In fact, it might be smart to get a little more truck than you really NEED!
llr
Explorer
Jul 27, 2016
I would strongly suggest looking at campers first, even if you don't plan on buying for a few years. then decide on the truck.

Or as others said get the 250 and be prepared for almost any TT and many FW
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Jul 27, 2016
Look at all the brands. Many buy 1/2 tons and immediately wish they had bought a 3/4 or 1-ton. Enjoy shopping.