Rv Newbie...Need Help With Tow Truck!!

[JulieS456]

Hello everyone!

We just purchased our 1st new to us TT! The TT is 33feet long and has a dry weight of 6,576 with a payload of 3,167. That being said...what truck should we buy to pull this rig? I've read that 1/2 ton trucks will work to pull, but I'm scared that it wont be enough. I would rather have more truck than not enough truck...but I also dont want to spend 70k on a new truck! I'm open to any and all suggestions...diesel or fuel...Ram or Chevy. The TT will have its home in Alabama so it wont ne full of mountains..but that doesnt mean it wont be up in the mountains eventually!

[Ranger_Smith]

donn0128 wrote:

Ranger Smith wrote:

3/4 tons have better brakes and sometimes it is not about pulling it but stopping it. The generally also have an engine brake on them where the 1500's don't

HUH? Never ever seen a gas motor with an engine brake? Is this something new?

Mine in tow mode was a transmision brake which adjusted the downshifting when braking.It was a Chevy 2500 hd

[Lwiddis]

Half ton truck will pull your TT. Won’t stop it very well. Won’t be stable in winds. Won’t be level when hitched.

[donn0128]

Ranger Smith wrote:

3/4 tons have better brakes and sometimes it is not about pulling it but stopping it. The generally also have an engine brake on them where the 1500's don't

HUH? Never ever seen a gas motor with an engine brake? Is this something new?

[donn0128]

Any of the 2500/250 series of trucks will work just fine. Get a gas motor unless you are towing a LOT. Then a diesel might be a better bargain. While a 1500 might work, you likely would be disappointed with end results. There is jo need to spend 70K for a new one. Either find a gently used or if shopping new, look for lower line trucks. For instance a New Ran Tradesman with a gas motor you should be able to find for well under 50K. Dennis Dillon near Boise,ID usually sells for far lower than other dealers. And they have a fly/drive deals. Turn it into a mini vacation.

[Ranger_Smith]

I would not get anything less than a 3/4 ton. I had a 34' Keystone and my Chevy 2500HD 6.0 gas pulled it fine. It will need a weight distribution hitch for it.
3/4 tons have better brakes and sometimes it is not about pulling it but stopping it. The generally also have an engine brake on them where the 1500's don't

[theoldwizard1]

You will be much happier with a 3/4 ton truck.