vehicle question

[wingman62]

I recently bought a 2014 cougar 5th wheel at weighs in at 12,000 lbs. I currently have a 2009 chevy hd2500 6.0 gas. I've been told that this trailer exceeds weight limit and might burn up transmission although from what I've read it can tow up to 12,700. I've also been told that a gas engine will struggle for a lack of torque. It's been recommended that i trade for a Diesel. I wanted to ask those with experience.
that being said I have found a 2002 Ford F350 with the 7.3, very clean with low mileage that I can trade for. it fits my budget. what would you do. thanks, I'm a novice at campers and diesels.

[whitmw]

I recently bought a 2014 cougar 5th wheel at weighs in at 12,000 lbs. I currently have a 2009 chevy hd2500 6.0 gas. I've been told that this trailer exceeds weight limit and might burn up transmission although from what I've read it can tow up to 12,700. I've also been told that a gas engine will struggle for a lack of torque. It's been recommended that i trade for a Diesel. I wanted to ask those with experience.
that being said I have found a 2002 Ford F350 with the 7.3, very clean with low mileage that I can trade for. it fits my budget. what would you do. thanks, I'm a novice at campers and diesels.

Being as you only have a 700 lb window, that's not enough. Bigger is needed in this case.

[dcg9381]

The 7.3L is an amazing motor in terms of reliability. It can be modified to produce tremendous power. The weak link on that truck is the transmission.

If you look at the 2002 F350's tow rating, it's likely in the 9-12k range, so you're not gaining any additional tow capacity, but you may be gaining cargo (pin weight) capacity:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/2002_All.pdf


The Ford will have:
1) Better low end torque, but not as much overall power.
2) Worse brakes
3) Better pin weight capacity
4) About the same total tow capacity
5) A 4-speed transmission, versus the 6? speed in your Chevy.

The big issue for me would be the brakes and the 4-speed transmission. I wouldn't tow that trailer with a 2002 7.3L Ford.

Newer diesels (although expensive) have come a long way and can now tow up to 31-32k properly equipped... I think you'll need to look for something a little newer.

[therink]

Do you have the 3:73 or 4:10 axle? Big difference with the 09 6.0 GM gasser?
I towed 12k lb fifth wheel with no real issues with my former 08 2500HD with 6.0 gas and 4:10 axle. My only issue was that I was over the payload rating on the truck with the 2400lb pin weight.
If you have the 3:73 axle I recommend upgrading the truck and yes a diesel will serve your better.

[wingman62]

thanks for all the replies, sounds like sound advice

[sourdough]

Personally, when exceeding 10k you should seriously consider a diesel. If possible, I would look at a newer diesel than what you are looking at. They have made tremendous strides in diesel engines in the last few years.

[Ken / Claudia]

Look below and see what I have as a tower. It works great after I spend 6,000 for a tranny that will last and do what the truck is made for. I think(without checking the CGVWR is 20,000 lbs the truck is 7800. That truck is so old school compared to any of the nowdays trucks.

[bsmith0404]

I towed with a GMC 6.0. The trailer I had at that time was around 9k lbs loaded. Put a boat behind the 5er a couple times which put me up to the 11k lb range. My experience/opinion, the truck towed fine on level ground, struggled on hills, and never passed a gas station (8 mpg). When our camper was destroyed by hail, we upgraded to a 5er that was about 12k lbs, a duramax was a must for me before making that move. The difference, 11-12 mpg, so much torque that it seldom downshifts, and cruises over hills and mountain passes like there's nothing behind it. Main difference, big smile on my face! Go with a diesel. The newer ones are pricey, but they are also a dream to drive for many reasons, exhaust brake and integrated brake controller just to name a couple.

[Hansel]

I will throw in my 2 cent's worth, you are going in the right direction. Going to a 1 ton is a good idea also looking into a diesel, I have a 01 7.3L and love it but you will need too at some point have the transmission worked on, also the small transmission cooler we replace them with the one off a 6.0L. Some more things you will need too do is install some gauge's too monitor EGT's, transmission, etc... if not already done, along with a better air intake and larger exhaust, and some type of tuner.

Or look for a newer diesel, since you're in a chevy already the duramax is a good diesel my brother has one and I'm really impressed by it's power and towing ability.