Advice on purchasing a towing truck

[Campersfriend]

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

[jmtandem]

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.

[azdryheat]

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

[Silverback98042]

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.

[braindead0]

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.

[MrWizard]

Moved from technology