What Size Truck?

[TonyB]

Lets start out saying that I am brand new to RV's and totally retarted when it comes to trucks.

We just bought a new 2016 Denali 293RKS. We have not picked it up yet and we dont have a truck yet. We will be full-timers.

The specs show the following:
Avg Shipping weight 10,000
Cargo capacity 2100
Dry hitch Weight 2000

I have been told that a 250/2500 Super Duty should be just fine. A 350/3500
will be better.
Diesel is better than gas.

OK, got that part. Now, I will be buying a pre-owned truck so I cant always get everything I want.

I was told that the drivers side inside door frame should have a tag with the vehicle specs. What exactly should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance

[drogers]

This is the sticker you are looking for usually on the drivers door jam along with another telling you the tire inflation pressures.

[TonyB]

Thanks

I see the GVWR, I guess that is the GVW of the truck and all it's contents?
Does that include any pin weight?

I assume that the GAWR is the Gross Axle Weught.

So, how is this telling me how much I can pull and put on the pin weight?

Thanks in advance

[drogers]

Basically the GVWR is the total weight the truck can handle it includes the curb wright of the truck, weight of any passengers and weight of any cargo. so the case of the of this sticker 11000lbs, minus curb weight of truck, weight of passengers and weight of any cargo. Keep in mind I'm not sure what truck this picture is from might be an F350 for all I know. For an example I'll do the number using my personal numbers. (Ram 3500 w/cummins mega cab 4x4)

my sticker says 12400, curb Weight of my truck 8000 lbs = 4400 lbs remaining, minus cargo & passengers = 3400 remaining. minus my pin weight of 1600 lbs = 1800 lbs remaining. In my case the numbers work and they should I did a lot of research before I bought my truck. You also have to llok at GCWR of the TV (tow vehicle) in my case 25000 lbs minus truck weight and trailer weight including all cargo Truck 10600 lbs + trailer 11000 loaded = 21600 lbs I have room to spare.

In the end you will get a lot of different answers to your question some will say the 3/4 ton is fine, some will say it isn't. In the end its up to you and how you feel. Others will tell you that you can upgrade a 3/4 ton with air bags and spring to take on the extra weight, although this will help with any sag experienced do to the heavy weight, but keep in mind this will never according to law increase the weight rating of your truck beyond that it was originally rated for.

Last but not least in all my years I have heard many people say they wish they had bought more truck for towing but I can't ever remember ever hearing anyone say the wish they has less truck for towing.

Something to keep in mind. Hope this helps a little.

[wildwest450]

Cargo capacity is the big one for trucks, that's where you will go over weight first.

Diesel is "better" than gas? That's completely dependent on your circumstances...

[ATCguy]

Originally Posted by drogers

...Last but not least in all my years I have heard many people say they wish they had bought more truck for towing but I can't ever remember ever hearing anyone say the wish they has less truck for towing...

Amen... Amen... and AMEN!!

[wahoonc]

There is no one size fits all answer. I have had some F250 trucks that were better suited for towing than some D300 trucks. All the 150, 250, 350 stuff does is get you in the ball park. Then you have to start looking at the details like axle ratios, axle capacity, cargo capacity, long bed, short bed, DRW vs SRW, Crew cab, straight cab, club cab, GVW, GCVW, towing capacity, pin weight, transmission, tow package, etc, etc.

My general rule of thumb is to find out what the manufacturer says the towing capacity of the truck is, then take 75% of that against the GVW of the trailer I want to pull. As long as I am below the 75% number I know I am well within the ball park. If it is over that I better start looking a lot closer at my numbers.

Gas vs diesel is about like Chevy vs Dodge. Diesel gets you a lot of low end power and with the newer ones some decent top end power too. Gas is less expensive on the front end and if you aren't a high mileage driver is probably less expensive to maintain the long run.


Aaron

[lcv800]

The only thing I know for sure about towing RV's is don't believe anything the RV dealer tells you!!!
Rusty

[Hoosier Daddy]

There are so many variables in 3/4 and in 1 ton trucks. That door sticker tells a lot of information.
Not only the model designation and engine size, Axle ratio is a big one that effects tow capacity. Trans cooler / oil cooler is another.
On my 2013 Ford has a Base, a Towing Package (option code 535) a "Max Trailer Towing Package" (option code 627) and even call out a "Heavy-Duty Payload Package"! all with different ratings
Check this out and that is JUST the 150's
http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/g...rv&tt_f150.pdf

Now to really make your head spin, don't think size matters. The 3.5L V-6 Ecobooste has better tow rating than my 5.0L V-8.
Back when I was an Auto Tech, Ford put their 300 CID inline 6 in 1 ton trucks!!
Do you need a 1 Ton Diesel Dually? probably not... You can find a truck with options to suite just about any need if you do your research.
Here is a chart from the link I posted. Purely to show what you can find with research on the options code any truck is available with.
So again, this is just an example of the different flavors for a F150 from 2013.

[TonyB]

Can I safely assume that with a 5th Wheel, that only the long 8' bed will do?

[pdonoghu]

Originally Posted by TonyB

Can I safely assume that with a 5th Wheel, that only the long 8' bed will do?

Not necessarily. You may need a slider hitch, it will depend on your truck and 5th wheel.

I prefer the long bed. I can make full lock turns without worrying about anything hitting. I believe the extra wheelbase of a long bed adds to stability.

Many people pull a 5th wheel with a short bed.

[lcv800]

You can tell the ones that do. They all have dents in their cab by the rear window! (Just kidding). While I have the 8' bed, I do see some a lot with the shorter beds.
Rusty

[TonyB]

Ford - Chevy - Dodge

Not trying to start a war here, that is why I am tacking this question onto this thread and not starting a separate one.

I am generally a Ford man with my Ford F150's and Econoline E150's in the very recent past. I was always happy with them. I did notice however that Fords pulling 5th Wheels are kinda rare down here. Seems like everyone we see is pulled by a Ram. Makes me wonder if there is a reason why. That is why I have only been looking at Rams and Silverados. Maybe I should broaden my search to include Ford.

I would like just the short version of why you wanted a Ram or if you specifically did not want a Ford.

Everyone has been civil so far, let's hope it continues.

[lcv800]

I have a Ford. Basically because it's genetic, father, father's father, etc. I think that is why most people have truck brand loyalty. If one was definitively better, that's all anyone would buy. Asking which truck is better is like asking which brand of tire is better. Any answer you get will just be an opinion.
Rusty

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by TonyB

Ford - Chevy - Dodge

Not trying to start a war here, that is why I am tacking this question onto this thread and not starting a separate one.

I am generally a Ford man with my Ford F150's and Econoline E150's in the very recent past. I was always happy with them. I did notice however that Fords pulling 5th Wheels are kinda rare down here. Seems like everyone we see is pulled by a Ram. Makes me wonder if there is a reason why. That is why I have only been looking at Rams and Silverados. Maybe I should broaden my search to include Ford.

I would like just the short version of why you wanted a Ram or if you specifically did not want a Ford.

Everyone has been civil so far, let's hope it continues.

As long as they are set up properly it shouldn't really matter. All of them have made good trucks and all of them have had a few dogs too. My personal preference is the Fords, mainly due to the ergonomics. I have driven Ford trucks since the late 70's and have great service out of them. Drove several to over 300,000 miles. My company buys Chevy's, I just can't get used to them, the older ones were maintenance nightmares to me. I have a couple of 80's vintage Dodge trucks on the farm that haven't died yet.

Aaron

[drogers]

I pull with a short bed RAM, I can just about make a 90' turn with the hitch on towing position. Once I put it in maneuvering mode I can make 120'ish turns, partially from the hitch partially from the 45' cut corners on my rig. You want a RAM cause it the best plain and simple.

Just kidding we looked at all three, I had always owned Fords but the F350 is called the work truck of America for a reason IMO, felt like it belonged on a work site. to industrial for us. so we jumped to the Silverado and the RAM, made the decision on the RAM for the MEGA cab for my sports dogs, and because RAM is the best. LOL! really its what fits into what you need and are willing to pay for.

[TomW]

I've had several Fords. Diesel really outperforms the gas rigs when towing. Torque is the winner. BUT diesels also costs more to maintain. If you're going Ford, do not buy a diesel older than a 2011. There are a myriad of problems that come up on the older models and unless you're a mechanic or like spending $$.... Our "family" (inc Son & Daughter) currently have a 2011 F250 cc 4x4, a 2015 F350 cc DRW 4x4 and a 2016 F350 cc DRW 4x4. None of these has seen the inside of a repair shop other that for routine maintenance. We have 3 big goose-neck trailers, 2 5th wheel toy haulers, 4 bumper pulls. We've also had several Fords prior to these that racked up many miles.

[TonyB]

First , I would like to say "THANKS" to all those that replied to my posts. My decision was a culmination of thoughts that I had gathered from this and several other threads in this and a few other forums.
The biggie was that the really low priced used trucks were not very enticing, especially after I went and saw some live and up close. Then there are the better trucks. However, I just could not get myself to spend $20K on 7-10 year old trucks with 150,000 + miles.
This left me with my only viable option which was to buy a brand new 2017 Ram 3500 Dually with 4wd. This solved my maintenance questions as well as other factors. I left tis morning with the intention of just looking at the prices of 2017's that they were trying to move out. The price was right + they threw in a hitch.
I am 70 years old and so this will be my final vehicle.
Anyway, it's a done deal and again, thanks to all of you.

Tony B

[lcv800]

Congratulations Tony. I'm sure you'll be happy with the new truck.
Rusty

[GTWags]

And with that truck, if you hook up to a tree, you can slow the rotation of the earth.