Tow vehicle

[Paulswa1]

I’m new to travel trailers. I’ve I just sold our 40ft Beaver with a C12 Cat diesel. We’re going to buy a bumper pull toyhauler in the 25-29 foot range that will weigh around 6500-7000lbs empty and around 9000-10000lbs full. We’ll be hauling a Honda Pioneer side by side. We live in Phoenix so we’ll have to climb mountains occasionally. I’m wondering about what to buy for a tow vehicle. I currently have a 2000 Tundra that I bought new but it’s only rated to tow 7400lbs. I’ve considered a Ram 2500 with a Cummins Diesel, a Ram 1500 and a newer Tundra both with a gas V8 and also a F150 with eco boost V6. All of the half ton pickups would be maxed out to tow the load but am I asking for trouble towing that much weight with a half ton pickup? Anyone out there towing a toyhauler near this size with a half ton? Also, is there anyone that drives the Ram 2500 Cummins as a daily driver that could comment on its drivability.
Thanks.
Paul

[ib516]

Depends how much you are going to tow. 2-3 times a year? Go 1500. Towing frequently, go for the 2500. You'll also have to watch the payload. With a 1500 you'll be pushing it.

[IdaD]

Get the Cummins. There’s little to no practical difference between a 2500 and SRW 3500 so get whichever you can get a better deal on. Stock vs stock the 2500 is only rated to carry 500 lbs less on the rear axle. No half ton is well suited to a 10k lb toy hauler.

[4x4ord]

A 2500 diesel is good for a tent trailer. Its a heavy truck with no payLoad. Get a 3500 SRW. It's the same truck ... same price; the difference is it has rear springs that offer some payload.

[KD4UPL]

I see no reason to buy a truck you already know will be at or beyond it's capabilities. 2500 series trucks are readily available and much better suited for the application. They have stronger frames, engines, transmissions, axles, brakes, wheels, and tires. There really is no down side. The price really isn't much different.

[bikendan]

i own a F150 ecoboost with the Max Tow Package and IMHO you'll need a 3/4 ton for that trailer.
so i vote for the Cummins.

[FishOnOne]

Out of your list the ram is the best fit for your towing application, but will not ride as nice unloaded as a daily driver like the .5 tons.

You could opt for a F150 to pull that load, but will be towing at its max. The other .5 tons you can forget about them towing that weight.

Perhaps the Nissan Titan XD gas or diesel needs to be considered that may fit the bill.

[jplante4]

Moved from General RVing.

[Lwiddis]

“All of the half ton pickups would be maxed out to tow the load but...”

But nothing. Towing at max isn’t fun. 3/4 minimum, ideal 1 ton.

[BarneyS]

Get the Ram 2500 with the Cummins. You will be much happier towing with that, rather than the other ones you mentioned.

As far as daily driving, I would rather drive my truck (see signature at bottom) than my wife's Mercury Mountaineer. It is more comfortable, just as quiet at speed, and you can see better in traffic. It also gets better mileage although the fuel price is usually higher than gasoline.

I think much of the credit for the ride goes to the air suspension I have on the rear of mine. It not only makes the ride smooth both towing an not, it also allows for easier hookups and disconnects.

Can you tell I REALLY like my truck? :B
Barney

[donn0128]

Since dry numbers are totally useless, you need to start shopping for a truck to pull the trailers GVWR. Light weights like 1500s and Turds are certainally not going to cut it. Get a 2500 at minimum. A gas motor should work, but a diesel will return better fuel ecomony overall.