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digmed
Explorer
Explorer
I'm sure this has been discussed plenty. But I'm hoping to get some opinions based on my set-up.

I'm hauling a 30' Jayco 5200 dry & 7600 GVWR. I'll be in the market soon for a new truck. I'll apologize in advance to all the Dodge lovers including my son who thinks I should get one. But I have my choices narrowed down to a 1/2 ton pick-up.

Chevy Siveraldo or Ford F-150? Why?
71 REPLIES 71

Marsland
Explorer
Explorer
Hey Digmed,

What did you decide? Inquiring minds want to know.

Richard
1 (Re)tired DH
1 Terrific DW
2012 Keystone Bullet 284RLS
2012 Ford F150 S/Crew ECOBoost
ScanGaugeII

Tystevens
Explorer
Explorer
All seem to be making good trucks right now. Minor differences between them, really.

I can tell you that we tow a TT that is slightly smaller and lighter than the OP's. Our '10 Suburban tows much better than the '05 we had. That 6 spd transmission really pairs well with the 5.3. That said, I'm sure that the Ford (particularly the EB) and the Dodge would do just as well, if not better, due to their higher HP and torque ratings.
2008 Hornet Hideout 27B
2010 Chevy Suburban 1500 LT, Z71 package, 5.3/6A/3.42
2015 Ford F150 XLT Supercrew, 2.7 Ecoboost/6A/3.55 LS

Prior TVs:
2011 Ford F150 Ecoboost 3.5
2006 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax LBZ
2005 Chevy Suburban 1500 4x4 LT, 5.3/4A/4.10

Henry
Explorer
Explorer
Ford Chevy and Dodge are making good tow vehicles, so drive em and pick one.
Henry Holley
Snyder, Texas
2006 Chevy 3500, 6600 DuraMax
2004 Cardinal 33TS

ib516
Explorer II
Explorer II
Do you like Coke or Pepsi? Neither is a "bad" choice.
Prev: 2010 Cougar 322QBS (junk)
02 Dodge 2500 4x4 5.9L CTD 3.55
07 Dodge 3500 4x4 SRW Mega 5.9L CTD 3.73
14 Ram 2500 4x4 Crew 6.4L Hemi 4.10
06 Chevy 1500 4x4 E-Cab 3.73 5.3L
07 Dodge 1500 5.7L Hemi 3.55 / 2010 Jayco 17z
All above are sold, no longer own an RV

Dadoffourgirls
Explorer
Explorer
vacuumbed wrote:
Only with the Ford you can have the keyless entry keypad on the driver's door. That's a sweet option!


Only on the Silverado/Sierra can you unlock your doors, check your air pressure in tires, and know your oil life from your phone!

Oh, and start your truck from the airport terminal so that it is warmed/cooled when you arrive!
Dad of Four Girls
Wife
Employee of GM, all opinions are my own!
2017 Express Ext 3500 (Code named "BIGGER ED" by daughters)
2011 Jayco Jayflight G2 32BHDS

EcoBullet
Explorer
Explorer
gcloss wrote:
certified106 wrote:


Love the emoticon !!!


Me too! I've been kind of down today, but that made me laugh!
Me 1954, Nana 1954, Grandson 2003, Granddaughters 2005 & 2008
2014 Keystone Bullet Premier 22RBPR
2013 F-150 XLT Supercrew 4X4 Ecoboost Max Tow

vacuumbed
Explorer
Explorer
Only with the Ford you can have the keyless entry keypad on the driver's door. That's a sweet option!

MinnCamper
Explorer
Explorer
Duramax! What else. What ever you buy be happy with it.

Kevin_O_
Explorer
Explorer
rhagfo wrote:
Kevin O. wrote:
rhagfo wrote:
Aat wrote:
I pulled a 9200lb trailer from California to Virginia with a 2011 Ecoboost. That engine will pull all day, but has no compression braking. Coming down the Rockies and the Smokies made for some white knuckle drives and very hot brakepads. Based on those experiences, I bit the bullet and traded for a Duramax. Pulling isn't everything...


Ah Men brother!!
This is the part of the 1/2 ton TV, that just gets to me, an F150 or Chev 1500 can have GVWR of about 8,200#, at the GVWR they have 2,500 to 3,000# of payload (please note not exact figures, but close enough) so 8,200-3,000# puts the base truck at about 5,200#, that is light for something pulling a 35' to 38' TT with.

Next post with the 1/2 tonner is how do I cure my sway! When I get passed by a semi the trailer starts to sway, I have to hit the trailer brakes and get it under control. Real bad case of the tail wagging the dog.

To the OP, this is a hint! If you want to enjoy the tow as much as the camping get a 3/4 ton (250/2500) don't care if it gas or diesel, although I am a bit biased, diesel makes it even better.
I'm almost willing to bet my f150 weighs about the same as your 12 year old dodge...


I would not be too sure.

Ready to tow with just me in it it weighs 7,400#

I have an in bed tool box that holds the pin stabilizer, some light weight fencing for the dogs, Maybe 200# at most, and about 120# or less for the hitch.
That and I have a 1,000# engine up front!
Wow that thing is heavier than i thought.. I looked it up quick and i think the weight i found was not 4x4 and was not a diesel. My bad....:B
KEVIN :C
DW-Debbie :R
DS-Tyler 11yrs old:D
DD-Makayla 8yrs old:p
MERIDEN,CT
2001 Ford Powerstroke F350 Lariat
2012 Keystone Outback 292BH-OLD
2016 Jayco 29.5BHDS-NEW

rhagfo
Explorer III
Explorer III
Kevin O. wrote:
rhagfo wrote:
Aat wrote:
I pulled a 9200lb trailer from California to Virginia with a 2011 Ecoboost. That engine will pull all day, but has no compression braking. Coming down the Rockies and the Smokies made for some white knuckle drives and very hot brakepads. Based on those experiences, I bit the bullet and traded for a Duramax. Pulling isn't everything...


Ah Men brother!!
This is the part of the 1/2 ton TV, that just gets to me, an F150 or Chev 1500 can have GVWR of about 8,200#, at the GVWR they have 2,500 to 3,000# of payload (please note not exact figures, but close enough) so 8,200-3,000# puts the base truck at about 5,200#, that is light for something pulling a 35' to 38' TT with.

Next post with the 1/2 tonner is how do I cure my sway! When I get passed by a semi the trailer starts to sway, I have to hit the trailer brakes and get it under control. Real bad case of the tail wagging the dog.

To the OP, this is a hint! If you want to enjoy the tow as much as the camping get a 3/4 ton (250/2500) don't care if it gas or diesel, although I am a bit biased, diesel makes it even better.
I'm almost willing to bet my f150 weighs about the same as your 12 year old dodge...


I would not be too sure.

Ready to tow with just me in it it weighs 7,400#

I have an in bed tool box that holds the pin stabilizer, some light weight fencing for the dogs, Maybe 200# at most, and about 120# or less for the hitch.
That and I have a 1,000# engine up front!
Russ & Paula the Beagle Belle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 Aisin DRW 4X4 Long bed.
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS, 32' GVWR 12,360#

"Visit and Enjoy Oregon State Parks"

Lessmore
Explorer II
Explorer II
Unfortunately many of the comments you will get will not be subjective. Some from brand loyalists who will always promote their favourite brand, no matter what.

Some from self appointed experts who gloss over particular vehicle issues...as that's their favoured brand.

What to do. Try each truck out...see which ergonomically is the best 'fit' for you, family and needs.

Then check the manufacturer's towing specs against the weight, size of the trailer.

If you have any specific towing questions....then I would put them in the 'Towing' forum of this website.

Also check out recalls, warranties of the particular trucks you like.


I would also not dismiss Dodge or Toyota from your list for consideration.
Hope this helps separate the wheat from the chaff....response wise.

DarylSue
Explorer
Explorer
Lessmore wrote:
I'd get the Chevy, not the F 150 with the EB V6. Some issues seem to be surfacing.

The F 150 with the 5 liter V8 would be my preference for a half ton Ford.

I would also consider the Dodge 1500 with the Hemi....in fact I think that would be my choice.


just read this yesterday.....

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/05/15/ford-owners-sue-saying-ecoboost-engine-defective/
Daryl/Sue, part time kids and 2 GC

2013 Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE
2012 Chevy Silverado CC 4x4
w/HD tow pkg.
Voyager BC
Reese Dual Cam/WD

krobbe
Explorer
Explorer
Payload designations such as 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-ton are little but nods to the past practice of naming a truck according to its actual payload, and don't accurately describe total or per-axle payloads. The payload range I've seen for a 1/2-ton is 1500 to 2000 lbs depending on engine, axle ratio, and cab options with curb wts of 4500 to 5400 lbs. 3/4 and 1-ton pickups can carry far more than their name would suggest. A 3/4-ton Reg Cab Chevy with a GVWR of 10000 lbs can carry 4212 lbs in addition to its wet curb weight of 5788 lbs. A 3/4-ton Crew Cab has a max payload of 3247 lbs with a curb wt of 6253 lbs. A Chev dual rear wheel 1-ton gasser has GVWR somewhere north of 13000 lbs and rear axle rating of 9825 lbs (the two extra tires allow for the extra weight), which gives them a maximum payload of up to 6900 lbs.
An equally outfitted 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton has a MSRP price diff of about $1600. For medium duty towing(5000 to 8000 lbs), I'm putting my money on a 3/4-ton.
Me'62, DW'67, DS'04, DD'07
'03 Chevy Suburban 2500LT 4WD Vortec8.1L 4L85-E 3.73 CurtClassV
'09 BulletPremier295BHS 33'4" 7200#Loaded 1100#Tongue Equal-i-zerHitch Tires:Kumho857
Pics

Kevin_O_
Explorer
Explorer
clutch1 wrote:
I have a friend with an EcoBoost. He paid far more than it is worth and he even gets to use it between trips to the dealer. It has been in the shop a LOT.
HOW IRONIC, I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAD THE SAME TRUCK AS YOU AND HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT BECAUSE OF ALL THE EMISSIONS******.. EVERY MANUFACTURER GOES THROUGH GROWING PAINS... SORRY FOR THECAPITAL LETTERS, PHONE IS SCREWED UP.
KEVIN :C
DW-Debbie :R
DS-Tyler 11yrs old:D
DD-Makayla 8yrs old:p
MERIDEN,CT
2001 Ford Powerstroke F350 Lariat
2012 Keystone Outback 292BH-OLD
2016 Jayco 29.5BHDS-NEW