What to do, what to do?

[Cathie&Al]

We are purchasing a 2011 Passport 2850RL and need to buy a tv. We are at a loss. 1/2 ton 3/4 ton, diesel, no diesel. We have talked to people til we are blue in the face and I have read and read.
We will be towing all over the U.S. Love the mountains. We do not want to be the little gray haired couple crawling up the mountain passes with a string of 25 cars with irate drives behind us. We would love to think that we could buy the 1/2 ton, but 3 out of 5 people tell us no way. We do not want to be the "sure you can pull it, no problem" people. We want to be "you can no anywhere, no problem" people. But we don't want to over buy. Oh, yea, the trailer weight is 5085lbs with carrying capacity just over 2000lbs.
So, guess I will see what the majority on this great forum thinks.

[chuck&gail]

So max TT weight about 7000#, giving desired tongue weight of about 910#. There are a number of full size SUV's that can do that, as well as darn near any full size pickup.

We love our 2010 Expedition, which easily tows a TT that size. Nice and comfortable with or without TT, and the flat rear floor in rear is REALLY nice for traveling with our furchild.

We are the gray haired folks, but rarely hold up any cars unless cars are doing way over the speed limit. Steepest long straight climbs I tend to just let it do 45 mph with cruise control, like pulling to Eisenhower tunnel, but at that speed I tend to pass as many cars as pass me. I could go faster if I wanted, but feel it's not worth pushing it.

[Festus2]

You probably want to read through this section and sift through the posts and threads regarding towing and tow vehicles. Don't feel bad --- you are not the first couple who find themselves in a quandry about choosing the right TV for the job. Read, do your homework, ask and then make an informed decision after hearing recommendations from our members.

[Flyguy]

A Passport can be pulled by any 1/2 ton truck, we owned one for 3 years and pulled it with the Tundra we now own, no problems even in the mountains of east Tennessee. If I were to choose an SUV I would be looking at the Expedition or the Suburban or the Sequoia or whatever offering that Dodge has in that class. JMHO

[jq1031]

Originally Posted by Cathie&Al

We are purchasing a 2011 Passport 2850RL and need to buy a tv. We are at a loss. 1/2 ton 3/4 ton, diesel, no diesel. We have talked to people til we are blue in the face and I have read and read.
We will be towing all over the U.S. Love the mountains. We do not want to be the little gray haired couple crawling up the mountain passes with a string of 25 cars with irate drives behind us. We would love to think that we could buy the 1/2 ton, but 3 out of 5 people tell us no way. We do not want to be the "sure you can pull it, no problem" people. We want to be "you can no anywhere, no problem" people. But we don't want to over buy. Oh, yea, the trailer weight is 5085lbs with carrying capacity just over 2000lbs.
So, guess I will see what the majority on this great forum thinks.

OK Cathie & Al, here's the real deal! I've towed across the US, mountains, valleys, hot weather, cold weather, 7% grades, you name it I"ve done it, all but Alaska! If you believe that a 1/2 ton gas pickup or SUV will do all that & keep you smiling & a happy camper......guess what, you're in for alot of misery. I've been on 6 & 7% grades that go on of 15 or 20 miles in 115 degree temp during July in Arizona, NV & Utah..............You need a HD 3/4 ton dielsel powered truck to accomplish what you are talking about, you're reference to the "little gray haired couple crawling" is exactly what you'll get with anything less!!! Spend the $$$, be safe & have fun! ................ diden't mean to rage, but a bad choice will make you're fun not fun!

[Cathie&Al]

Thanks, everyone for all the info so far. This is pretty much what I have come across in all my reading and all the word of mouth advice. Keep it coming.

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

I, myself would rather err on the side of SAFETY.

By that I mean that I prefer to think in terms of Braking effectivness. Everyone seems to worry about getting to the TOP. Everyone gets to the TOP ... eventually. Making to the bottom SAFELY is more important to me.

The larger Trucks have larger brakes.
Besides you may want to 'upgrade' in the future. If you have enought truck to pull the upgrade then you're ahead of the game...

Again, I'd rather have to much truck then 'just enough'.

hankaye

[richf28]

We just purchased the Ford F-150 Ecoboost. It's a 1/2 ton, V6 twin turbo engine. Hauling capacity of 11,300 lbs with properly equipped gears. We hauled our 33ft Hornet with dry wt of 6800 lbs. with no problem. On flat interstate I was reaching 12.3 mpg at times. And passing was no issues. You owe it to yourself to check out this site. http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150
and watch the torture test video on this engine. Then go to your nearest dealer and drive one. Sold me for sure and so far happy.

[Wing-in-it]

I drive tractor trailer for a living & I have a 30' TT (weighs 6800)...My Toyota Tundra pulls it ok....I owned the 2010 Tundra before I purchased the TT......saying that....if I had the choice.....I would definitly go with the Super Duty with a diesel......The difference in ease in towing is night and day. Especially if you're a full timer. In my situation I pull the TT once every 2 months & I really don't pull it very far. (couple of hundred miles at most these days)

+ If your new to Rving....alot of folks like to go larger after their initial purchase because they enjoy it so much....if you go with a 1/2 ton....you're kinda stuck with future choices.

If you can afford it......go for the diesel!

Best of luck in your decision.

Mark

[DEW]

I have to agree withe the crowd offering the advise on the 2500HD style trucks with a diesel.
Always better safe than sorry.
My extended family has been full timers and this is their suggestion too.
Getting down the hill safely is just as important. The 3/4 ton truck has much more swept area for braking power.

My upgrade in TV will of this type.

[THedges]

I recently upgraded from a F350 V10 to a 2500HD Duramax. There is a world of difference! If you can afford it I think you will be very happy with a 3/4 ton w/ a diesel.

[jq1031]

Most later model diesels come equipted with an exhause brake. That feature adds to the safety aspect when decending high grades or for emergency stopping. I've come down 6% grades rarely touching the brakes. Also, you can drive endless miles without engine ware, it's not unusual for eighteen wheelers to put a million miles or more on there trucks before any major repairs.

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

Originally Posted by jq1031

Most later model diesels come equipted with an exhause brake. That feature adds to the safety aspect when decending high grades or for emergency stopping. I've come down 6% grades rarely touching the brakes. Also, you can drive endless miles without engine ware, it's not unusual for eighteen wheelers to put a million miles or more on there trucks before any major repairs.

The last sentence says alot ... however the diesels are not fully "broken-in" till somewhere around 100,000 miles. If you get one you will see the proformance improve as you accumulate the miles. Use it, don't abuse it and it will last you alot longer then you can imagine.

hankaye

[Cathie&Al]

Originally Posted by hankaye

Howdy All;


Besides you may want to 'upgrade' in the future. If you have enought truck to pull the upgrade then you're ahead of the game...

Again, I'd rather have to much truck then 'just enough'.

hankaye

Oh my, hankaye, I think you are reading my mind. We do not even have our Passport yet and I am thinking one day we might want a 5th wheel!

[rturriff7]

I would vote for the diesel anyway, but given that fact you are thinking of upgrading....DIESEL for sure!! You won't be sorry. And around these parts, diesel is cheaper than gas.

[jq1031]

Originally Posted by rturriff7

I would vote for the diesel anyway, but given that fact you are thinking of upgrading....DIESEL for sure!! You won't be sorry. And around these parts, diesel is cheaper than gas.

OK, rt where is around here? I'm still paying 10 cents more a gallon than gas. Although, I'll keep my diesel & pay the price!

[Me.Bikes.Dogs]

I second the idea of getting more truck than you think you need. Especially if you are thinking of getting a 5er anytime soon, you might think about going all the way up to a 3500. I've got a RAM HD 3500 dually and absolutely love this truck. I hardly know my Raptor 300MP is behind me. No stress at all when I'm towing and that is worth at least a portion of the higher price.

[rturriff7]

Around here is near Edmonton, Alberta. We pay anywhere from 5-10 cents less per litre of diesel. Translation... 18-35 cents less /gallon.

[jq1031]

Originally Posted by rturriff7

Around here is near Edmonton, Alberta. We pay anywhere from 5-10 cents less per litre of diesel. Translation... 18-35 cents less /gallon.

WOW, I'm impressed!!

[traveler]

Cathie and Al, we have the exact same trailer.
I bought a 2010 F 250 with the 5.4 V 8.
I did not want to spend the thousands more on a diesel, and the continuing higher fuel costs.
We pull all over the country starting in the mountains of east Tennessee.
I am very happy with the towing ability of the 3/4 ton.
The built in brake controller is a dream as are the large towing mirrors.
We have the extended cab long bed with a cover which makes it great for hauling stuff while traveling.
We never lack for power.
Good luck