Want to "trade up" to a TT but not sure what a 3/4 ton tow vehicle means

[g8trmom1]

Heck, I think the people here know a ton about this! RVnet is nice but I agree with Rog about that site.

As far as a trailer...I would look into a fifth wheel as opposed to a trailer. They handle better when you are driving, or so my DH says.

 

[LONE-STAR]

As far as a trailer...I would look into a fifth wheel as opposed to a trailer. They handle better when you are driving, or so my DH says.

We have had both types of trailers. We had a 5er but we went to a a TT toyhauler because I wanted the bed of my truck back. That being said my 5er did tow a little better but it was smaller. From bumper to hitch my TT is 36' long weighs 12000 loaded 8000 empty and 1300 pounds of tongue weight. I have a single wheel 1 ton ford 4x4 which handles the weight with no problem using a 14000 pound Equilizer hitch.

 

[disney4dan]

We have had both types of trailers. We had a 5er but we went to a a TT toyhauler because I wanted the bed of my truck back. That being said my 5er did tow a little better but it was smaller. From bumper to hitch my TT is 36' long weighs 12000 loaded 8000 empty and 1300 pounds of tongue weight. I have a single wheel 1 ton ford 4x4 which handles the weight with no problem using a 14000 pound Equilizer hitch.

I've heard this from a few folks about wanting to have the bed of the truck for storage, including folks who would want to come over and check out the rental Dodge diesel we used in Yellowstone. Funny, nobody wants to come over and check out the Tundra! (Anyone who's spent time on the RV.net boards knows how sensitive a subject that can be). Back to the subject of having the truck bed for storage, I like the idea of keeping things like Coleman fuel and firewood away from the trailer. Also - nice to have the tool box for things like a heavy duty jack, tools, and spare parts you might need along the road.

If I had a little more "disposable income", I probably would have chosen a diesel tow vehicle, and was seriously considering the Dodge Cummins. The 2006 that we rented was getting over 22 mpg travelling around Yellowstone when not towing the trailer, and was getting 14 mpg towing the trailer through the mountains. I kept running the numbers day in and day out and it was a close call on the extra $$ for the diesel vs. the fuel cost at the time. My parents have owned a fair amount of Ford diesels, and they have averaged around 16 to 18 mpg daily driving, and also get 14 towing large loads. They are thinking about the new Ford diesel, but we've heard horror stories on low fuel economy.

 

[MadFF]

A lot of advice here, so I'll just throw in some more.

"80% rule". This is a "rule of thumb" that many use when considering tow vehicles and trailers. Don't go over 80% of the tow vehicles tow rating. If your TV can tow 10,000lbs, don't get a trailer that has a loaded, or gross, weight of over 8,000lbs. This will give you plenty of "cushion" with your TV, for the weight of passengers and stuff in the bed of the truck (like firewood!), weight can add up quick. Yes, you certainly can get a trailer that weighs in right at the limit of your TV, but the truck will be working hard.

Engine size. In general, even with today's smaller engines that are rated for more power, the bigger the engine the BETTER the fuel mileage you will get towing. Yes, big engines get lower fuel mileage driving around town empty, but when towing, you still can't beat cubic inches (showing my age... I guess I should say liters!). Diesels are expensive, but wonderful for towing, and get great fuel mileage while towing compared to gas. If you are trying to figure out costs and value for the dollar, it will take years to "pay off" the cost of a diesel engine. If you tow a lot, diesel IS certainly worth it. A big gas engine, like a Ford V-10, will get better fuel mileage while towing than a smaller gas engine (it may not make sense, but I've found this to be true time and time again). That may be something to think about if you are not towing a lot... get a big gas engine.

Crew Cab. If you need the seating room, look at pickup truck Crew Cabs! LOTS of room, and you still have the bed of the truck to put bicycles and firewood in. That is why we just got a 2008 F250 CrewCab with a short bed... I needed seating room for my family -- and the "short bed" on a full size pickup truck is still pretty big. Someone else mentioned getting a CrewCab with a full size, or 8 foot, bed. That is a BIG truck. Same with Dodge MegaCab -- BIG truck, but the cab has SOOO much room! The rear seats even recline!! You have lots to look at and think about.

The Suburbans and Expeditions are very capable vehicles, just make sure they have the "tow package". Pickup trucks usually have stronger and stiffer suspensions, which make them arguably better as tow vehicles, but the big SUVs work fine.

New trucks... You can get a brand new 3/4 ton CrewCab pickup for under $30,000. Go into a dealership, planning on NOT signing papers that day. Don't worry, trucks will still be available the next day (lol). Dealers really want to get these trucks off their lots, be stubborn, the price will keep falling for you. Scrutinize the manufacturer's websites, I found a couple things that my dealer "didn't know about", that further lowered the price of my truck.

Also, I really think that the present "slump" in truck sales is going to turn around, maybe starting next summer. Just guessing here. This is a good time to buy new. Something else to think about -- My previous truck I bought used, in excellent condition, at a great price.... but... 3 years later, I still owed payments on it, and I had an 8 (eight) year old truck when I went to trade it in. I know you can get used trucks for a great price, but just remember that in a few years, you will have an old truck.

You have a lot of information here to think about, and a lot of information available to you on the internet to peruse. Try to take your time, and don't get yourself too worked up.

Hope this helps some, and good luck!

 

[musicmama]

So, I disappear for a day because of limited internet, and I miss all the fuss. How lucky I am??

I sincerely hope that you terrific DISers realize that you were my first source of info. You always are. Between all of you, I've learned lots - especially that I know even less than I originally thought! Actually, that was a little depressing. (So even if I say thank you about other sites to view, I'll come here first!)

To recap --
1. We looked at 5ers, too. The ones that had "an extra room" for DD were waaaaaaay out of our price range. They were lovely, but didn't answer our specific needs. If it was just me and DH, I'd think about it (especially the ones with the lovely glass showers). But DD is still just 15 and we've got awhile to be camping with her and her friends. TT with bunkhouse answers all our needs.
2. I really didn't know that much about trucks other than they come in different sizes and capacities. That's why I asked the good people here. We know what TT we want, it's a question of what makes a tow vehicle.
3. I've lurked on a couple of sites, but I know that I will get good, quick, easy-to-understand info from this forum. I've watched you help each other out. I like this group, I kinda know some of you, and I'm really really shy about joining new groups. (RVnet intimidated me.)

Please do not fight amongst yourselves on my behalf....

 

[musicmama]

Deleted as double post.

 

[LarryJ]

What are we Larry ? chopped liver ?
I think you are selling us a little short.

Hey you need to re-read my post where I said "MORE DIVERSE" and if you think the expertise here equals that available on RV.NET then I think you're sadly mistakened.

My intent is to get a person what I consider the best and most comprehensive input available and not blindly adhere to one or another website.

There are many, many variables when matching a TT with a TV and I don't even see the experience here in the consideration variations for the popular Suburban as the new models are significantly different than earlier ones just as another popular TV the Excursion is. I'm the only full sized Van here that posts and that leaves out all the Van options such as the V10 or older 8.1L Chevy/GMC. Unless you get a person to that knowledge base you're not IMHO giving them the best all around advice on what to consider. This is what I meant by the limited resources here and not that anyone wasn't knowledgeable as you implied, which I did not say.

Larry

 

[LarryJ]

Yes...chopped liver! Not prime rib, like Larry.....who has refused his expert input until her question is asked on some other website, directing web traffic away from the DISBOARDS!!!!


I have learned as much, if not more than the OP from this thread....I thank everyone who wasnt too stuck up to lend their honest opinions and knowledge by way of experience. You guys rock!.....well, most of you rock, Im just not in the mood to go to other websites for stale, cut quick, sterile answers.

That's a very narrow view and it has nothing to do with being "STUCK UP", or accusing anyone of giving ones honest opinions, knowledge, or questioning their experience. My "EXPERT" experience if it exists is very limited as most others here and to give a person a "FULL RANGE" of options this is just not the venue to accomplish that.

If you have "learned more" as much if not more than the OP from this thread then you will be amazed at what you might learn for a dedicated RV/Towing website like RV.NET.

If I have a question on my particular TT I sure wouldn't come here but go to the dedicated R-Vision Camping Club website since R-Vision is who actually made our trailer. Again it's about the depth and variety of experience available.

Some of you IMHO need to take a chill pill and relax a little and maybe check to be sure you don't have a wedgie

Larry

 

[LarryJ]

Not good enough for some people, who are too cool for the community board..... I trust you Scott, I just ignore you.

Again, somebody making assumptions. It's not about being cool or not since that's not important to me. It's about getting the best and most complete and accurate information to a person looking to learn.

All you attackers need to go back and carefully read my posts. I never said anyone did know what they were talking about, my only point was the resources here are limited and not a diverse or complete like on the one I have linked to. If you don't think that's important they I just don't understand.

Larry

 

[LarryJ]

So, I disappear for a day because of limited internet, and I miss all the fuss. How lucky I am??

I sincerely hope that you terrific DISers realize that you were my first source of info. You always are. Between all of you, I've learned lots - especially that I know even less than I originally thought! Actually, that was a little depressing. (So even if I say thank you about other sites to view, I'll come here first!)

To recap --
1. We looked at 5ers, too. The ones that had "an extra room" for DD were waaaaaaay out of our price range. They were lovely, but didn't answer our specific needs. If it was just me and DH, I'd think about it (especially the ones with the lovely glass showers). But DD is still just 15 and we've got awhile to be camping with her and her friends. TT with bunkhouse answers all our needs.
2. I really didn't know that much about trucks other than they come in different sizes and capacities. That's why I asked the good people here. We know what TT we want, it's a question of what makes a tow vehicle.
3. I've lurked on a couple of sites, but I know that I will get good, quick, easy-to-understand info from this forum. I've watched you help each other out. I like this group, I kinda know some of you, and I'm really really shy about joining new groups. (RVnet intimidated me.)

All I can say is you have to dig in and be willing to listen and learn. There are no "good, quick, easy-to-understand" info on this RV/Towing thing. Don't be shy and just do it and let me know since I'm a fairly active member on RV.NET and will try and support you there.

Please do not fight amongst yourselves on my behalf....

What you are seeing is not about you, it's me and my views which some take more offense than they should IMHO

Larry

 

[jugman]

If you have decided what TT you want then post the weights and make/model for it. I would also post it on rvnet.com also. Just be sure to post it in the TT section. The chances are pretty good somebody, on one of the forums, will have the same type camper that your looking at and post their comments on their TV.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Larry, I understand what your intent was, I viewed it just the way you say you intended it. As you can see I have tried to give the OP the info that they were looking for without overwhelming them. There are many options and the discussion had just gotten started IMHO. The point you raise about changes in all the trucks is relevant and I intended to move in that direction as the discussion progressed.
I have viewed RV.net over the years but honestly dont frequent it because of the tone of the posts and the condesending tone that a lot of them take. Do I think the OP will get the same number of people replying on the DIS... No I dont. Do I think the OP will get information from people who have a genuine desire to assist... absolutely. Do I think that the OP will learn as much here... probably and with a lot less grief.
I just think the DIS is a much nicer place and much more sociable than RV.net

Hakuna mutata

 

[stacktester]

Larry, I understand what your intent was, I viewed it just the way you say you intended it. As you can see I have tried to give the OP the info that they were looking for without overwhelming them. There are many options and the discussion had just gotten started IMHO. The point you raise about changes in all the trucks is relevant and I intended to move in that direction as the discussion progressed.
I have viewed RV.net over the years but honestly dont frequent it because of the tone of the posts and the condesending tone that a lot of them take. Do I think the OP will get the same number of people replying on the DIS... No I dont. Do I think the OP will get information from people who have a genuine desire to assist... absolutely. Do I think that the OP will learn as much here... probably and with a lot less grief.
I just think the DIS is a much nicer place and much more sociable than RV.net

Hakuna mutata

Very well said. I lurk on rv.net ocassionally but it's just not for me. Especially the threads about FW. We need to get those people over here.

 

[Gatordad]

Again, somebody making assumptions. It's not about being cool or not since that's not important to me. It's about getting the best and most complete and accurate information to a person looking to learn.

All you attackers need to go back and carefully read my posts. I never said anyone did know what they were talking about, my only point was the resources here are limited and not a diverse or complete like on the one I have linked to. If you don't think that's important they I just don't understand.

Larry

and over there you have 1000 people with 1000 opinions which may or may not be based on any kinds of facts....... I used to go over there, until every post there was a message by the weight police, and 80% blah blah blah...... I have no time to "carefully" read your posts, your holier than thou attitude makes them unreadable.

 

[LONE-STAR]

I've heard this from a few folks about wanting to have the bed of the truck for storage, including folks who would want to come over and check out the rental Dodge diesel we used in Yellowstone. Funny, nobody wants to come over and check out the Tundra! (Anyone who's spent time on the RV.net boards knows how sensitive a subject that can be). Back to the subject of having the truck bed for storage, I like the idea of keeping things like Coleman fuel and firewood away from the trailer. Also - nice to have the tool box for things like a heavy duty jack, tools, and spare parts you might need along the road.

If I had a little more "disposable income", I probably would have chosen a diesel tow vehicle, and was seriously considering the Dodge Cummins. The 2006 that we rented was getting over 22 mpg travelling around Yellowstone when not towing the trailer, and was getting 14 mpg towing the trailer through the mountains. I kept running the numbers day in and day out and it was a close call on the extra $$ for the diesel vs. the fuel cost at the time. My parents have owned a fair amount of Ford diesels, and they have averaged around 16 to 18 mpg daily driving, and also get 14 towing large loads. They are thinking about the new Ford diesel, but we've heard horror stories on low fuel economy.

Fuel economy is down in all new diesels. The fed's made them add alot of emission crap to all 2007 and newer diesels(with the exception of a few early built dodges that still had the 5.9) and they have to do a particulate filter burn off every so many miles which is rumored to burn about 2 gallons of diesel every time. This also brought Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel instead of Low Sulfur Diesel. With less sulfur in the diesel even the older diesels have lost a mile or 2 per gallon. Thank the EPA for diesels going the way of the muscle car.

 

[disney4dan]

I would just say, that the RV.net forums will provide you with a huge amount of opinions, some followed by facts and links to prove the point. It was on the RV.net forums that I learned some 1/2 ton trucks built for better gas mileage just won't tow much at all (gear ratios and horsepower issues) and how you need to check the door pillar or the manufacturers website for the individual truck to know what it is rated for. There were some interesting threads showing the ratings for everything from a half ton through one ton in the same brand (think it was Chevy) with some "heavy duty" half ton versions just as capable as 3/4 ton trucks.

You will learn how to refine your search with key words and get lots of information. Some good, some bad. Asking some people about their trucks or brand loyalty is like asking them about family.

But, like Larry J said, if you have a specific question, it's a great place to go. I was unable to find a locking hitch pin that would fit in my truck (thicker receiver tube). I posted a question and by that afternoon had at least 6 responses with links to places I could get one. I had gone to two separate RV stores and nobody had any or could explain why the steel tube on the Tundra would be thicker than the receiver on a one-ton Ford rated for a lot more towing capacity.

 

[vick]

"There is so much erronous information being given to beginnning RV'ers there, that I felt I should try to help these beginners with my experiences. Well,,, Today does it for me. I have removed any links to that out-of-control website and will not visit, nor refer anyone to it again."


That is a quote from someone on another RV forum. The website he is referencing is RV.net.

 

[LarryJ]

and over there you have 1000 people with 1000 opinions which may or may not be based on any kinds of facts....... I used to go over there, until every post there was a message by the weight police, and 80% blah blah blah...... I have no time to "carefully" read your posts, your holier than thou attitude makes them unreadable.

1. It's true that you will get a wide range of opinions and anytime you use the internet you are responsible to sort out the wheat from the caff which is true on DIS here also.

2. Well your 80% comment is interesting since we have already had a post on that and no one questioned it ... interesting

3. If you don't have "TIME" to carefully read my posts then maybe you shouldn't quote them, respond to them, or take issue with them nor judge me as being "holier than thou" and I am sorry for my lack of the ability to communicate with you which I don't have a problem with others. If you're going to "LEAP TO CONCLUSIONS" w/o consideration or actually reading "CAREFULLY" the post, I would suggest you not reply to that particular post.

Larry

 

[LarryJ]

"There is so much erronous information being given to beginnning RV'ers there, that I felt I should try to help these beginners with my experiences. Well,,, Today does it for me. I have removed any links to that out-of-control website and will not visit, nor refer anyone to it again."


That is a quote from someone on another RV forum. The website he is referencing is RV.net.

That's just one or two person's opinion and just like any website is true and the reader is responsible as in my previous post sort out the wheat from the chaff. Yes there is erronous information there just as there is here at times, but again one has to sort that out and appreciate if you have 10 opinions like here and 500 on RV.NET the number of erronous posts will be more in the later than the former.

Larry

 

[LarryJ]

Nothing against the OP and thru no fault of their own maybe the best thing is to close this down and allow the OP if he/she desires to repost and I will stay out of that thread. It's gotten way off track but not IMHO due to what I posted, but others .... However, I will not sit still and let folks attack me like they did in this thread or any other for that fact.

Peace to All,

Larry