Tow Vehicle Advice

[Famof4]

So this isn't going to be another one of those "will my truck tow X?" threads. We just read a good response by Festus2 in response to the TV needed for Outback thread and feel like we are in a good spot for open advice.

We just got back from our first trip of the year. A nice 30 mile trip up the west coast of Michigan. As we got home this morning our F150 started leaking coolant. Gonna get it fixed but it started the discussion about a new truck. We have learned from past mistakes on too much trailer not enough truck and seeing this thread I feel we are perfect for open feedback. We feel the 150 has been a good match for our current trailer. We don't have any particular brand loyalty but have liked our Ford. I am trying to talk the DW into a 3/4 ton. Any feedback on Ford vs Chevy/GMC vs Dodge by those who have done the research? I know some stick with one brand their whole lives and others do switch. Any feedback will be appreciated and won't be ignored

[lightning79]

I really wouldn't worry about which tow vehicle, any half-ton (or more) from the big three would tow that trailer quite well. It's probably more important to get the proper weight-distributing hitch with sway control. But you can go wrong with any of them. An F150 Ecoboost would be a nice match for that trailer.

[Bob Landry]

Any 1/2 ton truck is going to be capable of pulling your trailer. There are two questions. 1, are you happy with the payload capacity of your truck? Most people who tow with 1/2 ton trucks find that to be the weak link. Those who do not simply don't admit it. 2, do you plan to upgrade the trailer, and if so, then number one becomes relevant again. If you are having problems with your truck, this is an excellent time to upgrade. You aren't going to pay that much more for a 3/4 ton truck, and that opens up a lot of opportunities for the future, more towing capacity, more payload.

[Festus2]

I'm afraid I can't offer you any recommendations based on research but I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the those 3 brands of TV's that you mentioned. You are quite right in that many members are loyal to a specific brand and for good reasons. They have been pulling "X" trailer for "Y" years without any problems and would suggest that you too will be happy buying what they have.

I've yet to see or read any definitive and conclusive research that says one brand of tow truck is better than the rest. Each one has its strong points and; overall, they all seem to come out the same and at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. If someone knows of some scientific studies that prove one brand is better than the others- please share them with us.

I know this doesn't help you much and probably confirms what you already know. As far as the 1/2T vs the 3/4T issue is concerned, that is an ongoing debate and has been extensively discussed here and on other forums. There are many RV's that can be safely towed with a properly equipped 1/2T tow vehicle. The key, I think, is to know which ones are and what is the towing capacity/payload of that 1/2T. If you can safely match one with the other, then you should be good to go. You don't necessarily need a 3/4T truck but having one does give you more flexibility.

Good luck in your decision.

[x96mnn]

3/4 ton market I think would be looking at the best price on a diesel with the options I want and going with it. Personally I am not convinced there is a huge difference between the 3.

Half ton market you can haul with any of them. With that said if I was buying right now most likely be a Eco boost with max tow and max payload package as I do not see any combination in the other brands that high. It would give me some flexibility if an upgraded happened down the road.

[Ken / Claudia]

I would keep a open mind, go and test drive all 3, thats half the fun. I have had Chev, GMC and mostly Ford. Last time I was leaning to Dodge and went to the ford dealer on Dec 27th and they really wanted to deal, so they got my money. Thought I would have upgraded by now but, the truck is still in great shape. I did go thru transmissions until I went to a high pro aftermarket tranny. Good Luck

[Bob Landry]

I love Fords and have gotten great service from them, but at the risk of exciting the Eo-Boost owners, that's the one I would stay away from. It's only been out a couple of years in the F150 and there is already grumbling about issues with them. WHile the EB may be a quite capable engine, it really hasn't had time to prove itself in the world of long term heavy towing.

[jsmith948]

You have already received some very good advice. However, I would like to offer my opinion regarding the "half ton towable" trailers. Our Cougar is a 1/2 ton series. Fully loaded for a 10 day trip, it weighed in at 10,000 lbs. If you think you might one day decide to buy a different trailer, I would suggest a 3/4 ton truck. These 'half ton towable' trailers will over load many of the 1/2 ton trucks. FWIW

[Famof4]

Thank you all for the feedback. We had the same concern about the EB. After further discussion last night I think we have decided that the 3/4 ton is the way to go. I actually just test drove a very nice, used 2012 Chevy 2500HD with the 6.0L V8. It only has 5,300 miles on it so it is virtually brand new. Anyone have first hand experience with this truck and engine?

[muddynoll]

Originally Posted by jsmith948

You have already received some very good advice. However, I would like to offer my opinion regarding the "half ton towable" trailers. Our Cougar is a 1/2 ton series. Fully loaded for a 10 day trip, it weighed in at 10,000 lbs. If you think you might one day decide to buy a different trailer, I would suggest a 3/4 ton truck. These 'half ton towable' trailers will over load many of the 1/2 ton trucks. FWIW

X2. Go with the 3/4 ton. It also gives you more flexibility and options if you decide to trade up.

[Bugle Boy]

Been a Ford person all my life and refuse to even consider any foreign brand. That's just the way I am.

We love our 2012 F250 6.2 L gas, flex fuel, 6 speed automatic, and upgraded from an F150 because of our experience in the west over the last few years. The F150 got it done but was seriously challenged on the mountain passes in Colorado and Wyoming.

We knew a couple years ago we were going to go a little bigger on the TT when we retired so that meant upgrading the TV also. Opted for the gas engine because of the cost of the diesel option.

Everything about our choice in TV is personal preference and the only technical issues considered were the engine, gearing and towing capacity.

I bleed Ford blue and always have. www.62ford.com/registry

[GMcKenzie]

Originally Posted by Famof4

Thank you all for the feedback. We had the same concern about the EB. After further discussion last night I think we have decided that the 3/4 ton is the way to go. I actually just test drove a very nice, used 2012 Chevy 2500HD with the 6.0L V8. It only has 5,300 miles on it so it is virtually brand new. Anyone have first hand experience with this truck and engine?

Second hand. Father sold me his truck (2001 2500 HD Duramax) and bought a 2007 with the 6.0L. Took him one trip to trade it in for a Duramax. Beyond the diesel, he did not like the tranny behind the 6.0L. Poorer engine braking and just poorer performance all around (comparing the gas to the 2001 diesel).

He was towing around 10K at the time.

But I'm one who loves the GM product (mainly the Allison transmission) and have never had a Ford or Dodge in a similar vintage.

[Famof4]

Here's the update. Traded the F150 for a 2010 Silverado 2500HD 6.0L with the heavy duty trailering option. We are excited to get the new truck hooked up to the trailer and go in 2 weeks. Thanks for all your feedback and experience.

[hankpage]

It didn't take you long to update your signature. Good luck and enjoy your new TV. Travel safely, Hank

[SAABDOCTOR]

wish you all the best with the new toy. nice