Suggestions for older pickup to tow 18k lbs 40'+ FW

[michelb]

Because of our growing family, we're looking at trading our 40' DP for more family friendly FW so I need to get a tow vehicle. The truck would pretty much just be used to pull the trailer and we'd drive it for in-city transportation when we're on vacation.

I'm not a truck guy and don't know much about them or what I should be looking at. I'd like to spend $5k-$10k (or less). Need to be able to sit 5 comfortably. I'd rather not get a DRW since I'd rather drive a SRW when we're not towing. Do I need 4x4 or is 4x2 okay? I'd like to get a diesel but would consider gasoline. With diesel, I'd like to get an exhaust brake.

My first thought is something like a 04-07 Dodge Ram 3500 Megacab (not sure if it's even in my budget) but I'm open to suggestions. Please don't make this into a brand X is better than brand Y. I'm really looking for something like "Brand X, model Y with this engine would fit your needs and budget ...".

Thanks

[NC_Hauler]

Agree with all of the above..."IF" actually 18,000# 5er @ 40' and carrying 5 on top of all that, you need at the very least a 1ton dually that would capable of handling that weight.

Stefonius offered a good idea, maybe you could find an older 450/4500 and work from there....maybe even a MDT but no more than you're planning to spend for the TV, it may be hard to get the right truck to tow the 5er you want with.

[Stefonius]

Ivylog wrote:
I would suggest one of the last years of the Ford 7.3 (2003.5) but a low miles one will be at you upper amount. I would get the manual 6 spd (auto tranny weak link) and the turbo can be tricked into beind a surprisingly good exhaust brake for $10. It can also be chipped into putting out a lot more than the stock 275 HP.
The weight police will jump in that you cannot pull your 18K with a 03 F350 but I do it often. If you could find a F450 crew cab 7.3 even the weight police MIGHT back off. Nah they will say you need a MDT.

I tow my FW with a 2003 F450 crew cab dually with the 7.3 liter diesel. It can carry a pin weight of 8,000 pounds, so the size of the fiver isn't an issue. It used to be a landscaping truck, and I found it very cheap on Craigslist.

[C-Bears]

I'm not sure if you are thinking an 18,000 pounds FW weight prior to all your stuff loaded, or that 18,000 pounds would be with all you stuff in/on it.

Doesn't really matter, with those kinds of weights you are needing a 1-ton dually and probably diesel. My guess would be you could find some really old high miles unit out there in your price point. Say for example a 10 year old unit with tons of rust, ripped up interior, and 300,000 miles on it.

[JIMNLIN]

None of the older 5k-10k dollar LDT's have even close to a 18k lb tow rating. Your looking at trucks 20+ years old at that price.

I doubt you could even find a "dependable" MDT or a single axle HDT at that price.

A 5k-10k dollar figure for a truck means a 25'-30' trailer.

[schlep1967]

What 5th wheel are you figuring on? I'm guessing it has to be a toy hauler. You can get a 2015 open range 3X 427 BHS (the 3x is well insulated and the BHS stands for bunkhouse it has the capacity to sleep 😎 whith a max weight of just over 16K.

I guess what I am getting at is a different trailer might open up your truck options unless you are getting that trailer for a heck of a deal.

[2003silverado]

Unfortunately as others have pointed out a truck that is capable of the trailer you are looking for will have to be a diesel dually and most likely out of the price range you mentioned.

Out of curiosity why do you feel a truck/fifth wheel combo would be more family friendly than the motor home with a toad? Seems like the comfort of a motor home while going down the road would be more family friendly than being crammed in a truck for long periods of time.

[6_7_tow_rig]

With that budget a diesel isn't going to happen. Even a 1995 Powerstroke with 300k miles is going to be at the very top end of that range. Depending on how heavy you are pulling you may not need diesel. I personally have a trailer that weighs right at 10k pounds and have tried both and will never, ever, ever go with a gasser again. Just my opinion. 4x4 vs 4x2 is again preference. Me personally, I wouldn't own a two wheel drive anything due to our lifestyle. Yours may be different. It does nothing in regards to towing. Just do yourself a favor and dont buy a 6.0 Powerstroke.

[donn0128]

How about a MDT or a HDT? That is really what you will need for that much trailer.

[Ivylog]

I would suggest one of the last years of the Ford 7.3 (2003.5) but a low miles one will be at you upper amount. I would get the manual 6 spd (auto tranny weak link) and the turbo can be tricked into beind a surprisingly good exhaust brake for $10. It can also be chipped into putting out a lot more than the stock 275 HP.
The weight police will jump in that you cannot pull your 18K with a 03 F350 but I do it often. If you could find a F450 crew cab 7.3 even the weight police MIGHT back off. Nah they will say you need a MDT.

[fj12ryder]

IMO you're pretty much out of luck trying to find a truck at that price point. An older truck would have to be a dually and a diesel to boot, and even then I think you're going to find that an 18,000 lb. 5th wheel is too much trailer for what you're considering.

I pull a 15,000 lb. 5th wheel with my 2001 Dodge dually and I'm right at the edge, and a little over, when it comes to capacity. You need to either look at newer, and more expensive, trucks or a smaller/lighter 5th wheel.