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View Full Version : Tow vehicles and an outback 312BH


Dojo1228
02-18-2015, 03:31 PM
There is a new Outback 312 BH in my future which means a truck purchase as well. The choice is a Ford 250 or possibly a Tundra. I know I could pull it with a F150, but I don't want to push my load and when you consider terrain and wind I'd rather go bigger. I know nothing about the Tundra's.

If ya pull with a Tundra help me out let me know what to look for. Other suggestions are welcome I am learning and want to know what others recommend.

Thanks so much. All this snow has left me curious and dreaming of spring and the season ahead. :):)

JRTJH
02-18-2015, 05:29 PM
When comparing the Tundra to other trucks, they are in the half ton class and comparable to an F150/1500, not an F250. That said, here are the specs on the Outback 312BH:

Shipping Weight 7505
Carrying Capacity 1495
Hitch 920
Length 35' 5"
Height 11' 4"
Fresh Water 53
Waste Water 34
Gray Water 68
LPG 60
Tire Size ST225/75R15D


With a trailer that's almost 36' long and weighing 8000 pounds or more, you'd be much better served with a 3/4 ton or a 1 ton truck. Either a 250/2500 or 350/3500 series truck would work. With that load, I'd suggest that you seriously consider a diesel if you're going to be doing any extended travel outside the local area.

Most half ton trucks have a payload of 1200-1600 pounds, you're looking at very close to or slightly more than 1000 pounds of tongue weight on your trailer, so you may find that you run out of payload before you get all your family and necessary cargo in a half ton truck.

sourdough
02-18-2015, 06:27 PM
The Tundra isn't up for what you plan. As John points out it is a 1/2 ton truck. There is another thread with a post showing a comparison of the various 1/2 tons pulling loads. The order was Ram 1500(1), Ford EcoBoost(2), and Tundra(3). Later the new 6.2 Chevy made a good showing, but, none are 3/4 ton trucks.

I've done what you are considering and I now own a HD 3/4 ton truck after trading in my 18mo old 1500 with 15k miles. With an unloaded hitch weight of 920lbs you will not have any payload left on virtually any 1/2 ton to carry your family or "stuff". Plus, from experience, pulling a trailer almost 36' long with a 1/2 ton isn't fun or safe. If you have narrowed it down to the Tundra or the F250, go F250 without thinking about the Tundra. Depending on how much (often) you plan to tow the diesel might very well be something to consider as well.

Dojo1228
02-19-2015, 05:32 AM
Thank you so much for such great responses. I don't think either of you could have explained it any better. MUCH appreciated.

tirnanah
02-20-2015, 11:39 AM
I pull a 323BH with my GMC 1500 HD. While I have managed to stay within weights (GVCW, GAWR, and trailer weights) (with lots of scale time), it is a juggling game. Next truck will definitely be at least a 2500 diesel. The truck handles it and I've 0 sway/bouncing/trailer pushing truck around issues, but I would be more comfortable with the bigger truck. Especially after pulling it with my dad's F-350 dually...

My two cents are go as big as you can afford, you never know what the next trailer will be. Wife is already talking fifth wheel, so I know my next one will be a 3500/350 dually of some make...

Thanks,
Doug