Need help!

[MFOX]

We are looking ito a new tow vehicle. Right now we have a kz frontier travel trailer but we are looking into a 5th wheel eventually. We are looking at Ford f-250 and f-350 or Dodge Ram 2500. Please be nice with your answers. We don't want to go diesel or dually because it is used as a daily vehicle too. Thank you for your help.

[TurnThePage]

Any of those are very capable. Select the lower gear ratios (higher numerically) for the most capability. I've noticed most of the vehicles on the lots are geared for the best fuel economy, thus sacrificing towing capability. For the Ford it's the 4.30, for the Ram it's 4.10. I don't know what the GM products offer, but I'm sure it's similar.

[fla-gypsy]

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
F350 with 6.2 gas V8 and 4.30 gears is the most capable gas single rear wheel pickup currently available for pulling a fifth wheel.

X2

[dwayneb236]

Use my F350 diesel drw as a daily driver. I also have a motorcycle that I ride when it's not ridiculously hot outside like it has been lately.
I've always had no problems parking the big truck. Just have to walk a little farther. Good for me. Pulls like a monster too. No longer limited to what I can tow but I already seem to have the last trailer I'll need. So far.

[mkirsch]

As long as you are willing to COMPROMISE and choose a 5th wheel that is within the capacity and capability of the truck, any of those trucks will do.

[Bedlam]

The F250/2500 are artificially capped by classification at 10,000 lbs GVWR which make it look like they have low payload. They typically are just as capable as the F350/3500 SRW if you configure the options correctly. If you live in an area where heavier vehicles are not allowed to park or there is significant higher registration or inspection cost, it is an option.

If you do not have these restrictions, start at the F350/3500 SRW and configure it for the maximum payload by selecting the highest rated tires/rims and heaviest suspension.

If you decide on a short bed, you may need a slider hitch to safely back up a fifth wheel and not cause cab damage. This hitch will be more costly and heavier than the basic fixed model, so try to get the long bed. Some manufacturers use a smaller fuel tank with the short bed (this was my biggest peeve of owning one).

Get the highest ratio axle gears available for a gas engine since it makes power at higher RPM's. You will get slightly worse unloaded mileage, but a better towing experience. If you later find that the gearing is too low, you can always upgrade to a taller tire when the OEM's wear out.

[Houston_Remodel]

Our 2014 Ram 2500 diesel gets 14-16 around town towing a small trailer every day

[SoCalDesertRid1]

F350 with 6.2 gas V8 and 4.30 gears is the most capable gas single rear wheel pickup currently available for pulling a fifth wheel.

[DutchmenSport]

I'll try to be "nice", but may I suggest you re-think the possibilities of diesel and potentially a duly. Once you tow with a diesel and especially a duly, you'll understand. (especially if you are think 5er!) You've heard the advertisement, "Nothing runs like a Deere" (John Deere tractors and mowers)... well, if you've never tried one, you'll never understand. Same is true with diesel / duly. (and FYI, I use mine for a daily driver all the time, it's 25 miles 1 way to my office.)

[ScottG]

I don't understand what the question is either.
You say your looking at these trucks and that's great; they'll do the job.

[Halmfamily]

My wife drives our 3500 diesel to work daily and loves it. She's getting 16 mpg just one less then her Town Car was getting. Don't pass on a diesel for daily driving, just get it on a good long trip once is awhile and drive like you stole it and you shouldn't have any issues.

You'll love the power of a diesel once you try it.

Camp on.

[fla-gypsy]

Ford F 350 of those mentioned. You should consider the 4.30 rear gear ratio.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Be nice with what answers?

There were no questions. :h

[agesilaus]

camp-n-family wrote:
If you're thinking 5th wheel, go straight to the 350/3500. More capable for not much more money. Why limit yourself. A lot of 3/4 ton trucks are over payload with 5th wheels. I have a Ram 2500 and gasser and it only has 2200lbs of payload. I'd be overweight with many of those "1/2 ton towable" fivers before the family even got in the truck.

Ditto on that go for a one ton of whatever brand.

[kw_00]

All of those have good gas offerings, I like the GM series but drive each one and see what you like. All will perform similar, just look at the payloads and what overall value fits your pocket book.