Enough truck.

[linux3]

On the way home from our last road trip, it was a mistake I know, we stopped at a large RV dealer in Bath NY.
I've always liked the idea of a 5th wheel. My Dad had one and they pull nice but they are all too big, expensive or require too much truck for my taste.

We really liked a 1/2 ton tow they had on the show room floor. Sigh 1/2 ton he laughs.
7140 lbs and 1280 pin weight. Sure it's within spec but would I be happy? No.

So, if I buy a 2500HD do I need the Max Tow package? The 4.10 gears are going to suck gas when compared to 3.77? Will I be happy with a Standard 2500HD?
I mean, it's borderline or just over the border for a 1500.
No, I'm not going to buy a diesel.

[weaselz]

Chevy 2500HD gas...4:10 is a good option

[JRTJH]

We have a Cougar XLite 27RKS, empty weight of 7136, GVW of 10,000, empty pin weight of 1230 (which is roughly 1750-1800 loaded) and a total length of 30' 5". We initially towed it with a 2013 F250, 6.2L gas truck with 3.73 axle ratios (4x4). We has sufficient HP/torque, weight capacity and always felt the combination was a good match. Our only criticism of that rig was fuel mileage, so because of an extended upcoming trip, in 2015, we bought a diesel and have been extremely satisfied with the performance of that truck. I can say that I feel I would have been significantly "overloaded and underpowered" with the 2010 F150, 5.4L, 3.73 axle truck we previously had. I would not consider towing my current trailer with a half ton from any manufacturer.

As for the trailer you're considering and pairing it with an appropriately sized (payload) 3/4 ton gas truck, I think you'll be satisfied with the performance and towability. I wouldn't think you'd need any gear ratio other than the 3.73 range offerings. There isn't a specific need to upgrade to 4.10 or 4.30 ratios for towing a trailer in the 10K range.

[flybouy]

On the way home from our last road trip, it was a mistake I know, we stopped at a large RV dealer in Bath NY.
I've always liked the idea of a 5th wheel. My Dad had one and they pull nice but they are all too big, expensive or require too much truck for my taste.

We really liked a 1/2 ton tow they had on the show room floor. Sigh 1/2 ton he laughs.
7140 lbs and 1280 pin weight. Sure it's within spec but would I be happy? No.

So, if I buy a 2500HD do I need the Max Tow package? The 4.10 gears are going to suck gas when compared to 3.77? Will I be happy with a Standard 2500HD?
I mean, it's borderline or just over the border for a 1500.
No, I'm not going to buy a diesel.
The weight police should chime in here anytime...:popcorn:

[notanlines]

Linux, when you asked "The 4.10 gears are going to suck gas when compared to 3.77?" keep in mind that if you do a search here or on your friend Google you'll find that the 8% difference in gearing will only produce a reduction in mileage of about 3-4%, maybe not that much. You can make that up by slowing down about 3 MPH. Remember your physics class when they told you "Wind resistance is inversely proportional to the square of the velocity?"
As was mentioned earlier, the 3.73 gears will do fine. (Buy the 3/4 ton)

[sourdough]

On the way home from our last road trip, it was a mistake I know, we stopped at a large RV dealer in Bath NY.
I've always liked the idea of a 5th wheel. My Dad had one and they pull nice but they are all too big, expensive or require too much truck for my taste.

We really liked a 1/2 ton tow they had on the show room floor. Sigh 1/2 ton he laughs.
7140 lbs and 1280 pin weight. Sure it's within spec but would I be happy? No.

So, if I buy a 2500HD do I need the Max Tow package? The 4.10 gears are going to suck gas when compared to 3.77? Will I be happy with a Standard 2500HD?
I mean, it's borderline or just over the border for a 1500.
No, I'm not going to buy a diesel.


Rob,

You didn't say if the weight you quoted was dry or gvw. Given it's a 5th wheel I assume dry (very light weight), which means the pin is also dry. If so, the loaded weight and pin will tax any 1/2 ton truck so looking at a 3/4 ton is the prudent thing to do if you are thinking of going to that trailer.

As far as gas 3/4 ton HD trucks remember that the GM HD's put out less power than their Ford/Ram rivals; 360-380 lb. ft. vs about 430 for the other 2. You aren't interested in a diesel, and I don't think you have to have one for that trailer. I pull a 10k gvw with a Ram 6.4 gas HD truck. Weighs in around 92-9300 generally. The truck does fine but in the mountains the engine will let you know it's working. Nothing terrible, and I've not had to exceed 3500 rpm to maintain the speed limit with the exception of long steep grades with a speed limit exceeding 60 mph or so, so I just drive at 55.

As far as axle ratios, I really like a 4.10 but if you use the truck for things other than towing the mileage is bad; it's fun to hit the go pedal but the gas gauge sure likes to show how much your "fun" costs. In the past several years I've owned 4.10, 3.92, 3.73 (current), 3.55 as well as others. I think my favorite all around ratio is the 3.73 since I do more non towing driving than towing.

I think the Ford or Ram would do fine (power numbers are almost identical) but don't know about the GM gasser. And, as I've always said, to me 10k is the limit for a gas engine. At that point you just need to step up to the diesel unless you really like listening to an engine work hard if you drive hill/mountains. Good luck finding the combo that makes you happy:)

[SteveC7010]

My F250 diesel has 3.55 gears and tows the 11K GVWR Cougar just fine. Given the engine torque and beefier transmissions that are available now, the old 4.10 rule seems to be out the window. If I were to order a truck now, I'd get a gas Super Duty with the 8 speed tranny and 3.73. The 800+ extra pounds of diesel engine weight is not needed for my towing needs. It cuts into the payload of the truck. And most of my driving is just around town. The truck is 5 years old, and has just turned 25K on the odometer.

I get around 15 mpg in the Adirondacks on Route 30, keeping the speed 55 or faster depending on the road.

[rhagfo]

On the way home from our last road trip, it was a mistake I know, we stopped at a large RV dealer in Bath NY.
I've always liked the idea of a 5th wheel. My Dad had one and they pull nice but they are all too big, expensive or require too much truck for my taste.

We really liked a 1/2 ton tow they had on the show room floor. Sigh 1/2 ton he laughs.
7140 lbs and 1280 pin weight. Sure it's within spec but would I be happy? No.

So, if I buy a 2500HD do I need the Max Tow package? The 4.10 gears are going to suck gas when compared to 3.77? Will I be happy with a Standard 2500HD?
I mean, it's borderline or just over the border for a 1500.
No, I'm not going to buy a diesel.

So just a little food for though on the “No, i’m Not going to buy a diesel.” Statement.
Two thoughts get a 3500 for the extra payload capacity, yes the 250/2500 gas can carry and pull that 5er, but think of the future.

I the truck is a daily driver with a 10 mile or better commute give some thought to a diesel, better fuel mileage both towing and non towing. That and a 350/3500 SRW diesel can have a 4,000#+ payload and about 17,000# towing capacity.

[C424]

I’ve got a 2500HD with a 6.0 and 4:10 gears. I pull a Springdale bumper pull that was within specs for my 1/2 ton but I was not comfortable with it. The truck is a great truck and pulls fine but the gas mileage is not good. Best I’ve got pulling is 7.5 and worst is 6.5. I agree if you’ve got the money get a diesel but they are almost 10,000 more. Mines not a daily driver so it’s not a big deal. You’ll be just fine with the 6.0.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Javi]

Food for thought on a diesel... Yes the initial cost is $8K more apples to apples but you also get that back on trade or resale... Check the Kelly Blue Book...

Then there is the comfort of having the power, load capacity, stability, mileage, etc., etc., etc.

I drive one everyday, day in and day out... and as long as I pull a 5th wheel I will continue to drive a diesel.. Oh yeah... Duallys ROCK... :D Buy one and never worry about enough truck again.. :whistling:

[mfifield01]

I agree with the higher resale on the diesel, but overall maintenance on newer diesels tends to be higher than gas. In the end, you get convenience out of a diesel.

I've looked at Ram 2500s and engine options. The Ram has a great gas option of the 6.4l. I don't plan on purchasing now, but I would probably opt for the 6.7l diesel. I know that it would purely be for convenience, not the best financial option.

[Desert185]

I bow at the altar of the (Cummins, for me) diesel because its the best tool for the job.

Need to tow? Best tool. Daily driver? Best mileage. Want to keep it a long time? The engine will go way over 500,000 miles.

I’m at 334,500. No rust. Daily driver. Nice interior with Katzkin leather. Tow stuff. Haul stuff (8’ bed). 21-22 MPG. Good power at the 5400’ where I live (thank you turbo). I’m past the recall threats and before the gimmicky enviro bling and variable vane turbos, etc. that create problems, so maintenance has just been the usual stuff as mileage accumulates. Less expensive than buying a new truck and starting all over again. Works for my lifestyle and needs. Like my airplane, I just rub a little money on it occasionally. Has anyone priced a new airplane recently? Worse than paying $100,000 for a blingy Ford. :lol:

A diesel isn’t for everyone, and it isn’t an investment. Its a tool, like an F-150 or a Subaru Outback is a tool for a specific task. A D-Jaguar or a front engine, four cam Ferrari is an investment. :thumbsup:

[linux3]

Thank you all.
After reading all the helpful comments and a short look at truck options we've decided that we are pretty happy with our current setup.
And it's all paid for.

Thanks again.

[Desert185]

Thank you all.
After reading all the helpful comments and a short look at truck options we've decided that we are pretty happy with our current setup.
And it's all paid for.

Thanks again.

That’s a biggy.

[chuckster57]

“It’s paid for”
Probably the biggest reason I keep my ‘94.

[msubobcats]

Rob,

You didn't say if the weight you quoted was dry or gvw. Given it's a 5th wheel I assume dry (very light weight), which means the pin is also dry. If so, the loaded weight and pin will tax any 1/2 ton truck so looking at a 3/4 ton is the prudent thing to do if you are thinking of going to that trailer.

As far as gas 3/4 ton HD trucks remember that the GM HD's put out less power than their Ford/Ram rivals; 360-380 lb. ft. vs about 430 for the other 2. You aren't interested in a diesel, and I don't think you have to have one for that trailer. I pull a 10k gvw with a Ram 6.4 gas HD truck. Weighs in around 92-9300 generally. The truck does fine but in the mountains the engine will let you know it's working. Nothing terrible, and I've not had to exceed 3500 rpm to maintain the speed limit with the exception of long steep grades with a speed limit exceeding 60 mph or so, so I just drive at 55.

As far as axle ratios, I really like a 4.10 but if you use the truck for things other than towing the mileage is bad; it's fun to hit the go pedal but the gas gauge sure likes to show how much your "fun" costs. In the past several years I've owned 4.10, 3.92, 3.73 (current), 3.55 as well as others. I think my favorite all around ratio is the 3.73 since I do more non towing driving than towing.

I think the Ford or Ram would do fine (power numbers are almost identical) but don't know about the GM gasser. And, as I've always said, to me 10k is the limit for a gas engine. At that point you just need to step up to the diesel unless you really like listening to an engine work hard if you drive hill/mountains. Good luck finding the combo that makes you happy:)

My 2002 Silverado 2500 hd with the 8.1 has 340hp and 455 lb ft of torque. I did toss in a small tune from Blackbear and now have about 390hp and 500 lb ft of torque... LOVE the 8.1...

[hornet28]

My 2002 Silverado 2500 hd with the 8.1 has 340hp and 455 lb ft of torque. I did toss in a small tune from Blackbear and now have about 390hp and 500 lb ft of torque... LOVE the 8.1...

I loved my 02 8.1 also but my 07 LBZ diesel has it beat. Stock the LBZ is 360 hp and 650 ft lbs torque. I have an Idaho Rob EFILive tuning with a DSP5 switch and it gives me a choice of hp 30, 60, 90, 120 and enhanced stock. The 30 and 60 are tow tunes and include turbo braking when in tow/haul

[mtofell]

MPG loss with higher gearing is almost all at highway speed. City driving you can actually see an improvement. At least this is what some owners of Rams with the 6.4 Hemi have reported. So, it really depends on how you use the truck. For me, MPGs is the last thing I'd think about when deciding on the right gear for towing. If I cared about it, I'd get a Prius and stay in hotels :banghead:

[sourdough]

My 2002 Silverado 2500 hd with the 8.1 has 340hp and 455 lb ft of torque. I did toss in a small tune from Blackbear and now have about 390hp and 500 lb ft of torque... LOVE the 8.1...



I love the numbers but I believe the last 8.1 built was at the end of 2009.....:(

[hornet28]

07 was the end of the 8.1

[wiredgeorge]

My 96 F250XLT crew cab has a wonderful 460 cid V8 and C6 automatic 3.77 rear end (memory) and I get 37 mpg even when towing! The F250 is very stylish!

(sorry, can't help myself in these type threads)

[Hodgy]

.

I had a 86 F350 crew cab with the 460 and it got 5 or 6 MPG whether it was sitting idling in the driveway or pulling a full load at 60 MPH. I only had it on gas for a year and then had it on propane with a 80 gal. tank for the next 3 years.

Talk about a stump puller !

.

[chuckster57]

Yeah my ‘84 F250LB had a 460 on steroids in it. C6 with high stalk converter/ B&M shift kit.
Edlebrock performer intake
MSD 6a ignition with BlasterII coil
Full roller rockers
Comp cams 262 cam
Accudrive gear drive with cam set 3* advanced of crank
Headman headers with true dual 2 1/2”
7.7 MPG towing my old Jayco.

[wiredgeorge]

OOOOOPS! 37 mpg? Errrr meant 7 mpg; perhaps 10-11 on flat ground with a tail wind at a constant 53 mphs hehe It is a good engine though...

[hornet28]

Had this 85 GMC for 4 yrs. Took a 454 and bored and stroked it to 489" it was a 4 spd w/Gear vendor OD and 4.56 gears. Pulled good but not as good as my 07 GMC diesel which replaced it.