Buying a Tow Vehicle

There are some on here who believe a person needs a one ton dually to tow a pop-up, but there are those who tow way over loaded also. Just be realistic.

A TV is an expensive purchase. I would recommend getting something that will do more than you currently need (not way over but breathing room).

I have towed with my 2WD Ram Quad-Cab since 2005. My first TT was an HTT that had a GVWR of 4800lbs, the second TT had a GVWR of 7000 lbs and the new one has a GVWR of 7800lbs.

The quad-cab may work for mans best friend to rind in the back seat.

TBammer wrote:
Once I got educated on towing, payloads and such, I dumped the 1500 with 3.08 rear end and got a 2500HD with a 4.10. It will handle anything I would have reason to tow. Also, as far as 4wd is concerned, 4 wheel low comes in real handy moving the trailer around the yard on wet grass and stuff.

DITTO!

I really think it's the gears, the TUNDRA is a 4:10 (or 4:11 I'd have to go look) but the engine 5.7 is about the same as the Chevy 350 CI or the DODGE HEMI the key with most of the purchase is, how long do you plan on keeping it and re-sale value...That can be checked on KBB
I too only used my F-250 4WD only twice, both times was getting out of a "close place" where you needed that nudge...

Once I got educated on towing, payloads and such, I dumped the 1500 with 3.08 rear end and got a 2500HD with a 4.10. It will handle anything I would have reason to tow. Also, as far as 4wd is concerned, 4 wheel low comes in real handy moving the trailer around the yard on wet grass and stuff.

I have never had a use for 4wd while towing. I live in CA where our inclement weather usually means triple digits so I don;t have snow and rain to worry about.

If you're planning on boondocking and heading out off road with the trailer i'd recommend 4WD.

We bought a TOYOTA TUNDRA SR5.

LOADED, the State of Georgia Certified scales say truck weights 7420 lbs, Trailer axle is 7200 lbs. Truck came with BRIDGESTONE DUELER'S "P RATED, I WOUD DEFINITELY STEP UP TO "E RATED TIRES" (WHAT THEY INSTALL ON 3/4 ton P/U's). For sure get the tow haul package and class 4 receiver. Order the truck with the towing mirror's and the premium radio with bluetooth (will be used for the tire sensors on the trailer tire monitors). Equalizer 14000 lb WDH

We're getting 11 miles per gallon and burning regular gasoline, the truck performs just great, no problems and we're approaching 5000 miles!

It's your choice and investment. We used to tow with an F-250 7.3 diesel 4 WD, but it just got too expensive for us, engine cost, oil cost, fuel cost and maintenance. TOYOTA even pays for the first 5 oil changes.

The need for 4wd is dependent on when and where you travel. Do you plan of venturing off the beaten path on dirt and gravel roads? Do you plan on traveling where you might encounter snow?

Me personally, I won't own a non 4WD truck, even though I rarely need to use 4wd. the time I had the ability to shift in to 4wd, I'm glad I had it.

There are a few medium sized SUV's with tow ratings above 7,000 lbs, including the VW Touareg, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Range Rover Sport. I wouldn't hesitate to tow up to 5,000 lbs with any of those.

If that's not enough trailer for you then a Ford Expedition with towing package will do 9,200. Chevy Tahoes, Dodge Durangos, and Nissan Armadas are a little less but still at least 8,500. I'd probably do up to 6,000 lbs with any of those.

Any more than that and I'd go for a truck with a crew cab. Our F350 gasser had a huge back seat that was bigger than most SUV back seats. Plenty big enough for 2 dogs back there, and the vinyl + rubber floor was super easy to clean. Just blow it out with a leaf blower after a trip.

Thank you all. I am considering a truck too if I can teach this old dog that a ramp is a wonderful thing:) She will probably need it in the suv also. In the process of cleaning out the house, jury duty, getting rid of stuff and looking at what I want my mind is spinning. I need to settle on one thing, research more, read your forums even more then will feel better about what decision I make. All of the info you so freely provide is so helpful and appreciated. Nothing like experienced rvers to get the facts. I will probably have more questions but I know that help is available.

Not all SUV are up to snuff. My old burb yes. New stuff not s chance

2451lbs payload 4 quads. Screw the rear row seat.

Our golden doddle rides behind the front seat of our F-150 super cab on a board bed I built for him. He loves riding sprawled out across the back seat on the 4" foam cushion.