Considering a New Truck

[forest376]

I am getting ready to purchase a new truck. My current truck (1/2 ton) will pull my x-lite 5er without any problems. For piece of mind, I am going to upgrade to a Silverado 2500hd, 6.0L (gas), 4.10 axle. This way I know I can go wherever i want without worrying. I plan to always stay with the x-lite fifthwheels.

[hankpage]

Unless you plan on towing a lot you may want to consider a slightly higher rear that would give you better mpg when solo. I don't know what the limits are on the 6.0 but I think something in the 3.7s (I don't know what GM offers) should do fine with your X-Lite. JM2¢, Hank

[CarKath]

forest, read this..... http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4182

And even perhaps talk to "therink" . He just bought a very similar unit to what your pondering. Use his personal experience to your advantage. And I am confident he is willing to share his real and honest opinions. This can do nothing but help you.

[forest376]

The fifthwheel "therink" is pulling is around 9,800 dry, my x-lite 5er is around 6,800. The 2500hd should be able to handle my RV without any problems. Also, now that I am retired, i need to watch my budget. Thanks.

[JRTJH]

The fifthwheel "therink" is pulling is around 9,800 dry, my x-lite 5er is around 6,800. The 2500hd should be able to handle my RV without any problems. Also, now that I am retired, i need to watch my budget. Thanks.

The truck you propose buying WILL handle your RV without any problems and will handle a fifth wheel "reasonably larger" should you consider upgrading your fifth wheel. Many people think you have to have the biggest truck available if you think about towing a fifth wheel. Matching truck to trailer just makes economic sense these days. Having the biggest diesel engine in a 3500 series truck isn't practical for all towing situations. Do your homework and explore your future options and buy a truck equipped to meet your current and future needs. If you're like me, that doesn't mean the biggest truck Ford or GM makes, but rather the one matched to current and anticipated needs.

You may want to reconsider the 4.10 rear end, a 3.73 would serve you just as well and provide much better fuel mileage when driving solo.

It's very easy to overbuy a truck causing wasted "up front costs" and "excessive operating costs" over the long haul. All of us have different needs and different situations. It's not always the best option to buy the biggest.......

[forest376]

That is great advice, match your RV needs without going overboard. The 3.73 Axle ratio - Crew Cab, Standard Box, 2WD pulls just 100lbs more than what I already have... Now that I am retired, I don't pull a lot of regular road miles on my truck, I will proabably go with the 4.10 axle. Thanks

[Englishman]

We upgrade from a 2006 ford 150 to a 2011 2500hd Siverador with the 4.10 and the fuel mileage is almost the same when tow both do around 9 miles to the gallon.
the f150 use to two a 1989 HI-Lo max 5000lb
the 2500 towing a bullet max weight 7500
The biggest difference between the 3.75 and the 4.10 is your toe weight
3.75 only 9600lb the 4.10 13500lb.
Towing with the 2500 is a lot nicer experience then with the ford better acceleration and braking the only time you now the trailer is on the back is when the truck changes gear on hill. The upgrade was forced on us by mechanical issue on the f150 a week before we pick up the new bullet and i have to say that i think the truck up grade was a good choice.
Good Luck.