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Old 08-21-2018, 11:10 AM   #21
sourdough
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IMO skip the 1/2 ton trucks....all of them. None of them, including the Ford, are really built as a "tow" truck. With an 8000 lb. trailer you are beyond the ability of a 1/2 ton to be able to tow well IMO. Look to the 3/4 tons.

You mentioned that it is your daily driver and implied (to me) that you didn't want a 3/4 ton because of that. Why? Believe me, I was in your shoes as some on the forum can attest and would NOT go to a 3/4 ton because of my perceptions of ride (I had a bad back), parking, etc. I wanted a better, safer towing experience so bit the bullet and got the HD 3/4 ton. At first I thought it was a spine cracker, but now I wouldn't change for the world and plan on getting a 1 ton next go round. I don't ever want a 1/2 ton for towing an RV of any size again. Now, if all I did was throw a washing machine in it or something a 1/2 ton would be fine.

Gas vs diesel. Your trailer isn't large enough for you to "need" a diesel. Is it the final size you will have? Do you have a growing family? If so, those are considerations you need to think about when you get the truck. Larger trailer many times means larger truck to be safe. If there isn't a possibility of going larger (REALLY think about that because so many do upgrade) then go with the gas engine if you think it will work. I pull my trailer (about 9400 loaded) with my Ram 6.4L gas and it does a very good job. Would a diesel do better? Yes, but at a significant cost. Does the 6.4L with this trailer make me want a diesel? No. IMO a diesel becomes a mandatory engine ("tool") when you exceed 10-11,000 lbs. It will work a gas engine too hard if you travel in any mountainous areas routinely.

Good luck on your choice(s). You can't go wrong with any of the big 3 diesels. If you decide on a gas engine realize the GM option 6.0 gives up 50 or so lbs. of torque to the Ram and Ford engines last I looked.
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Old 08-21-2018, 11:30 AM   #22
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I work at a Chevy dealership, I've seen it too often for me to risk it. My worst example of it all going horribly wrong... I had a customer that towed a boat to Cabo San Lucas, he made it back to Guerro Negro on the way home and his truck went into limp mode...$3000 tow and a 1200 mile road on the back of a Mexican tow truck later, he got the truck to me.

For whatever reason, the locals can't buy diesel pick-up trucks in Mexico, so there is virtually ZERO support/parts for them in Baja.

Like I said, I love my truck, damn thing pulls like a freight train.
The OP is from Owego, NY, about as far from Mexico as he can get and still be in the CONUS. Chances of him needing support/parts in Baja are pretty slim. I know what you're saying, but in this situation, he likely will never have to worry about that concern... And I agree, all 3 diesels "pull like a freight train"....
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Old 08-21-2018, 12:01 PM   #23
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The OP is from Owego, NY, about as far from Mexico as he can get and still be in the CONUS. Chances of him needing support/parts in Baja are pretty slim. I know what you're saying, but in this situation, he likely will never have to worry about that concern... And I agree, all 3 diesels "pull like a freight train"....
I'm pretty darn sure I won't be worried about part & service of nothing in Mexico or anywhere west of the Rockies.. I don't fit in over there...
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Old 08-21-2018, 12:11 PM   #24
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@ sourdough, i have never had a 2500 truck as i've never needed one, so really the main issue is just lack of experience with the bigger truck. I'm sure that will change quickly once I start driving one and get used to the bigger footprint. I don't expect getting larger campers as my family shouldn't be growing any more!! I have 6 & 7 year old boys and 1 14 yr old daughter, so the 33' bunkhouse is perfect for us.

It will be interesting to see the lease payment difference in a 2500 vs a 1500 and I'm sure I'll be going with gas just for ease of use.
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Old 08-21-2018, 12:15 PM   #25
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I used to pull with a gas 5.7 and 6.0 Chevy Gasser (GM), did they pull the load, of course they did. However, with the engine revving at 4K rpms I thought they were going to blow up. Bought my first diesel in 2015, a Ram 2500 4x4 crew cab 6.7 (shouldn't have stopped at the dealer lol). Towed new 8K lb trailer over Mont Eagle in Tennessee at 65 - 70 mph at 1900-2000 rpm. Purred like a kitten passing 18 wheelers. On the plus side my diesel gets better mpg then either of my gassers. 17 around town and 23-24 hwy. I personally will never go back to gas for towing. I wish you luck on either one you choose and safe travels.
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Old 08-21-2018, 12:23 PM   #26
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If your boys are anything like our grandsons you'll need extra payload capacity to carry the food for them.
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Old 08-21-2018, 01:04 PM   #27
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I didn't see a year for the truck you will be using. Diesel engines before 2005/2006 didn't have the power they do today.
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Old 08-21-2018, 01:09 PM   #28
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i believe its a 2016 or somewhere close.
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Old 08-21-2018, 01:15 PM   #29
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Once you pull it with that friend's diesel you won't want to go back to a gas engine, 3/4 ton OR 1500. There's just no comparison. The diesel pulls effortlessly. The gas engines will be screaming going up hills. My F350 seldom has to downshift on moderate hills pulling 17000 lbs. Diesels move the load with torque, low rpm torque. Gas engines are lucky to have half the torque todays diesels have. Can't wait to hear how your trip goes! Enjoy!
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Old 08-21-2018, 01:19 PM   #30
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@ sourdough, i have never had a 2500 truck as i've never needed one, so really the main issue is just lack of experience with the bigger truck. I'm sure that will change quickly once I start driving one and get used to the bigger footprint. I don't expect getting larger campers as my family shouldn't be growing any more!! I have 6 & 7 year old boys and 1 14 yr old daughter, so the 33' bunkhouse is perfect for us.

It will be interesting to see the lease payment difference in a 2500 vs a 1500 and I'm sure I'll be going with gas just for ease of use.

I always drive 4 wheel drive vehicles. Moving from a 4x4 1500 to a 4x4 2500 isn't much difference. Depending on what you get you WILL have a harder time parking but you will quickly figure out what you can and can't get into. It sits higher but I like that. Other than that it's just like driving your 1500 so don't even worry about it. After you have it a couple of days it will feel natural to you.
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Old 08-22-2018, 07:50 AM   #31
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my 2016 RAM 1500 does have the 5.7 hemi, plenty to tow with just not enough payload for my TT. With that said, what are pros/cons of going with the new Ford F150 with the HDPP (heavy duty payload package) instead of the 3/4 ton truck? I believe the HDPP would get me close to 2,000lbs payload in a 1/2 ton truck. The reason i ask is this truck is also my daily driver.

My calculations put me around 1,800lbs of needed payload capacity. max 8,000lb trailer * 13% = 1040 hitch weight, 550 lbs of occupants and say 200lbs of bikes, etc.
I'll let you know after this weekend. I'm picking up a new trailer Cougar 27SABWE with a gross of 8800 pounds and reported tounge weight of 900#. I have the 3.5 Ecoboost and the HDPP with 1938 payload capacity. I'm going to load up the trailer and see how it does in the hills and dirt roads.

I like the eco as the power curve is similar to a diesel, it makes its torque at 1900 RPM.
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Old 08-22-2018, 08:15 AM   #32
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cool, i look forward to hearing your thoughts!!
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Old 08-22-2018, 11:36 AM   #33
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All I can say is...my 2014 F150 Boost with the max tow /payload package (1 step down from the heavy duty 1/2 ton) pulls my 2018 Keystone Outback 328RL 38' 9k dry effortlessly & smoothly.....set cruise control-lol
Granted I have E rated truck tires; Hellwig rear swaybar, Loadlifter 5000 Ultimate air bags, tow tune, Raptor exhaust, etc...
Their is not a better 1/2 ton gasser that can touch the Ecoboost.
Boost has a diesel like torque curve and plenty of HP.
In fact I'll be towing up to Flagstaff AZ this weekend ( from 1100' to 7500' above sea level on 7% grades with ambient temps in the 100°+ region).
Truck is just a beast.
I'll pass a few Hemi (?) badged Rams, Tundras, Silverados, on my way up the hill and their pulling 24'-27'ers max.


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Old 08-22-2018, 12:03 PM   #34
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IMO it's the stopping power of the truck just as much as it is the ability to pull the trailer. Bigger truck usually equals bigger brakes, stronger transmission for downshifts and exhaust brake for diesels.
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Old 08-22-2018, 12:54 PM   #35
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All I can say is...my 2014 F150 Boost with the max tow /payload package (1 step down from the heavy duty 1/2 ton) pulls my 2018 Keystone Outback 328RL 38' 9k dry effortlessly & smoothly.....set cruise control-lol
Granted I have E rated truck tires; Hellwig rear swaybar, Loadlifter 5000 Ultimate air bags, tow tune, Raptor exhaust, etc...
Their is not a better 1/2 ton gasser that can touch the Ecoboost.
Boost has a diesel like torque curve and plenty of HP.
In fact I'll be towing up to Flagstaff AZ this weekend ( from 1100' to 7500' above sea level on 7% grades with ambient temps in the 100°+ region).
Truck is just a beast.
I'll pass a few Hemi (?) badged Rams, Tundras, Silverados, on my way up the hill and their pulling 24'-27'ers max.


Attachment 18168

Just curious what the payload would be of your F150?
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Old 08-22-2018, 01:02 PM   #36
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1900#'s w/ Max Trailer Tow Package
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Old 08-22-2018, 01:03 PM   #37
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@ sourdough, i have never had a 2500 truck as i've never needed one, so really the main issue is just lack of experience with the bigger truck. I'm sure that will change quickly once I start driving one and get used to the bigger footprint. I don't expect getting larger campers as my family shouldn't be growing any more!! I have 6 & 7 year old boys and 1 14 yr old daughter, so the 33' bunkhouse is perfect for us.

It will be interesting to see the lease payment difference in a 2500 vs a 1500 and I'm sure I'll be going with gas just for ease of use.


Nothing easier to use than a diesel when pulling. Especially when needing fuel, just go in with the big boys.
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Old 08-22-2018, 01:03 PM   #38
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1900#'s w/ max trailer tow package
7650# gvwr
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Old 08-22-2018, 02:26 PM   #39
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7650# gvwr
Towing a dry 9000# trailer???
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Old 08-22-2018, 02:32 PM   #40
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All day.
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Towing a dry 9000# trailer???
I am very close to my 17,100# GCVWR.
Like 250#'s.
Truck pulls and stops with no white knuckle road trips.
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