Need some Towing Help!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
You mention a "first truck" and a rather large trailer.......Your driving a Taurus now. Do you have any friends, family or co-workers who own a trailerable boat, or some other decent sized trailer, lets say something 15'-20' overall trailer length, with tandem axles? Ive owned mostly full sized trucks now for over 30 years, and ive towed assorted 14' to 20' boats, a couple utility trailers, flat towed an old Jeep and Scout a few times. Finally in the last 7 or 8 years, mostly with my Dodge Diesel ive done quite a bit of towing. i now own a 16' Flatbed, tandem axle car trailer, and a 2 horse, slant load bumper pull horse trailer. Last year, i logged at least 5000 miles towing these two trailers, i was moving and using primarily the car trailer with various boxes, totes, furniture etc. It also gets used now at least twice a month for hauling loads of hay for our 4 horses, and for building materials, etc needed on our 3 acre mini ranch, and ive FINALLY gotten super comfortable, and pretty competent driving, maneuvering, backing, and parking the trailer. the tow vehicle is a heavy 3/4 ton, 140" wheelbase, 4wd diesel that weighs at least 7000 lbs with a camper shell and all the junk i carry, its got a LOT more torque than that little V6 Ecoboost( horse power may not be too different, though) ive got much bigger brakes, heavier frame, suspension etc......Your post SUGGESTS you havent towed much( if im wrong, Let me know!) but it sounds like your considering buying what many people would consider the minimum for what would be called "serious" towing duties, and your also considering a pretty big trailer???
Your Taurus is what 14' long, im guessing?
a 30' trailer, hanging off the end of a 16' or 17' truck.........Your jumping from driving a "compact" all the way up to something as big as many commercial truck drivers pull down the highway! PLEASE dont take my remarks as dismissive, insulting or suggestive that you cant learn to drive all this perfectly well, and for all i know, you may well have towing experience, but you are looking at a pretty serious rig here.........I would appreciate it if a guy like RV Tech would give his personal viewpoint here, and correct me if needed!
Your Taurus is what 14' long, im guessing?
a 30' trailer, hanging off the end of a 16' or 17' truck.........Your jumping from driving a "compact" all the way up to something as big as many commercial truck drivers pull down the highway! PLEASE dont take my remarks as dismissive, insulting or suggestive that you cant learn to drive all this perfectly well, and for all i know, you may well have towing experience, but you are looking at a pretty serious rig here.........I would appreciate it if a guy like RV Tech would give his personal viewpoint here, and correct me if needed!
Personal thoughts, man I hate going down that road as it almost always starts a war with someone.
First, I am amazed how well the newer trucks handle weight compared to the ones I learned on. I also try to consider how someone is going to use their tow vehicle and where, as I think it plays a part in the decision, although I have never heard anyone complain about having too much power, towing capacity, or brakes.
What that means to me is this. If you intend to tow short distances a few times a year, and will stay within the weight ratings for your truck, I think you can simply match truck to trailer or fiver based on weight. Now before anyone gets all jacked up, remember, most RVs are used very very seldom and statistically most owners seldom tow long distances. In my opinion, buying a heavy hauler to go 30 miles to the local state park is not necessary (note I said necessary. I did not say it was a bad idea or a dumb move).
As distances increase, terrain becomes more challenging, and use becomes more frequent, again in my opinion, I think it is worthwhile considering a heavier truck, even if it is possible to stay within weight ratings. At that point, I think the investment in drivetrain and chassis contributes substantially to comfort, reduces fatigue, and possibly increases safety. It has also been my experience that trading up comes at a cost so many folks may come out ahead to buy for the present and the future right out of the gate.
Buying small, when towing is in the plan, limits your choices as to what you can tow and as soon as you make the move to trade up, you wipe out whatever may have been saved in fuel prior to the trade. I think it is a mistake, but that is just my opinion.
Steve
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
You mentioned the possibility of go full-time RVing at some point in the future. Personally, I bought the "biggest" truck I could afford before having a trailer. My travel trailer is "okay" at best. It's older, has no slide-outs, and is spartan compared to today's models. Both the truck and trailer (a gift) are paid for.
Since you plan to pay off the truck before buying the trailer, why not look at getting "more" truck than you think you'll need? My F350 handles my 24' travel trailer with no issues. Big surprise, huh?
My thinking was similar to yours. When I decide to upgrade to a larger trailer for longer camping after retirement, I won't need to buy another tow vehicle.
Another thing to consider is, a longer tow vehicle will reduce or eliminate trailer sway induced by wind or larger vehicles passing you. My truck has a 168" wheelbase. Like I said, it's way more truck than I need right now, and will possibly be more truck than I need when I upgrade the trailer.
Over the years, I received a LOT of great advice from Steve (RV_Tech), Scott (senix), and Dutch (Greywolf) so heed their advice.
Since you plan to pay off the truck before buying the trailer, why not look at getting "more" truck than you think you'll need? My F350 handles my 24' travel trailer with no issues. Big surprise, huh?
My thinking was similar to yours. When I decide to upgrade to a larger trailer for longer camping after retirement, I won't need to buy another tow vehicle.
Another thing to consider is, a longer tow vehicle will reduce or eliminate trailer sway induced by wind or larger vehicles passing you. My truck has a 168" wheelbase. Like I said, it's way more truck than I need right now, and will possibly be more truck than I need when I upgrade the trailer.
Over the years, I received a LOT of great advice from Steve (RV_Tech), Scott (senix), and Dutch (Greywolf) so heed their advice.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
To the OP: If I could give you some advice on what to do, and not do what I did, you and your family will be much happier.
I have been stuck in a half ton for the last 15 years, and towing a TT, that always seemed to be too small for our needs. And as our family grew, the TT grew in very small increments, because simply, I was limited to what I could safely pull. Yes as the years went on, TT grew larger and lighter. However, they also increased in length. And the 3/4 to 1 ton trucks grew in price and out of our reach.
So here we were a large family in a TT built for a small family, and we would pull around 6 to 8 times a year back then. The wife finally saw the TT we now have at a RV Show. Yes the weight was just to the limit of what I could safely tow with a half ton, barely, but the length was well over what a half ton can manage. My wheelbase of 141" was not enough to pull a TT 35'6". I would have had a 'tail wagging the dog' scenario. Which is completely unsafe.
She really wanted it, so I made it happen, with the new TT and the 2012 F-350 CC Lariat we bought preowned. I am much happier that I have a tow vehicle that can handle just about anything(within reason) and was made to pull a trailer. So instead of making calculations and asking if this is safe to tow, or can I tow this, go ahead and get the bigger truck. What you can safely tow is not the question you should be asking solely. The first question you should be asking is, can I stop with the weight of my family, gear and TT! If you get the bigger truck right out of the gate, all of thos questions you may have with a half ton are answered!
It is easy for me to say go out and buy a bigger truck, as I am not in control of your bank account. However, if you could wait a year, and save a little more, and get a truck, made for towing, than that may be the better decision. However, that is up to you. My mistake was listening to my wife and buying a new half ton before agreeing to buy a TT. I hope this helps. I wish you luck.
I have been stuck in a half ton for the last 15 years, and towing a TT, that always seemed to be too small for our needs. And as our family grew, the TT grew in very small increments, because simply, I was limited to what I could safely pull. Yes as the years went on, TT grew larger and lighter. However, they also increased in length. And the 3/4 to 1 ton trucks grew in price and out of our reach.
So here we were a large family in a TT built for a small family, and we would pull around 6 to 8 times a year back then. The wife finally saw the TT we now have at a RV Show. Yes the weight was just to the limit of what I could safely tow with a half ton, barely, but the length was well over what a half ton can manage. My wheelbase of 141" was not enough to pull a TT 35'6". I would have had a 'tail wagging the dog' scenario. Which is completely unsafe.
She really wanted it, so I made it happen, with the new TT and the 2012 F-350 CC Lariat we bought preowned. I am much happier that I have a tow vehicle that can handle just about anything(within reason) and was made to pull a trailer. So instead of making calculations and asking if this is safe to tow, or can I tow this, go ahead and get the bigger truck. What you can safely tow is not the question you should be asking solely. The first question you should be asking is, can I stop with the weight of my family, gear and TT! If you get the bigger truck right out of the gate, all of thos questions you may have with a half ton are answered!
It is easy for me to say go out and buy a bigger truck, as I am not in control of your bank account. However, if you could wait a year, and save a little more, and get a truck, made for towing, than that may be the better decision. However, that is up to you. My mistake was listening to my wife and buying a new half ton before agreeing to buy a TT. I hope this helps. I wish you luck.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
To the OP: If I could give you some advice on what to do, and not do what I did, you and your family will be much happier.
I have been stuck in a half ton for the last 15 years, and towing a TT, that always seemed to be too small for our needs. And as our family grew, the TT grew in very small increments, because simply, I was limited to what I could safely pull. Yes as the years went on, TT grew larger and lighter. However, they also increased in length. And the 3/4 to 1 ton trucks grew in price and out of our reach.
So here we were a large family in a TT built for a small family, and we would pull around 6 to 8 times a year back then. The wife finally saw the TT we now have at a RV Show. Yes the weight was just to the limit of what I could safely tow with a half ton, barely, but the length was well over what a half ton can manage. My wheelbase of 141" was not enough to pull a TT 35'6". I would have had a 'tail wagging the dog' scenario. Which is completely unsafe.
She really wanted it, so I made it happen, with the new TT and the 2012 F-350 CC Lariat we bought preowned. I am much happier that I have a tow vehicle that can handle just about anything(within reason) and was made to pull a trailer. So instead of making calculations and asking if this is safe to tow, or can I tow this, go ahead and get the bigger truck. What you can safely tow is not the question you should be asking solely. The first question you should be asking is, can I stop with the weight of my family, gear and TT! If you get the bigger truck right out of the gate, all of thos questions you may have with a half ton are answered!
It is easy for me to say go out and buy a bigger truck, as I am not in control of your bank account. However, if you could wait a year, and save a little more, and get a truck, made for towing, than that may be the better decision. However, that is up to you. My mistake was listening to my wife and buying a new half ton before agreeing to buy a TT. I hope this helps. I wish you luck.
I have been stuck in a half ton for the last 15 years, and towing a TT, that always seemed to be too small for our needs. And as our family grew, the TT grew in very small increments, because simply, I was limited to what I could safely pull. Yes as the years went on, TT grew larger and lighter. However, they also increased in length. And the 3/4 to 1 ton trucks grew in price and out of our reach.
So here we were a large family in a TT built for a small family, and we would pull around 6 to 8 times a year back then. The wife finally saw the TT we now have at a RV Show. Yes the weight was just to the limit of what I could safely tow with a half ton, barely, but the length was well over what a half ton can manage. My wheelbase of 141" was not enough to pull a TT 35'6". I would have had a 'tail wagging the dog' scenario. Which is completely unsafe.
She really wanted it, so I made it happen, with the new TT and the 2012 F-350 CC Lariat we bought preowned. I am much happier that I have a tow vehicle that can handle just about anything(within reason) and was made to pull a trailer. So instead of making calculations and asking if this is safe to tow, or can I tow this, go ahead and get the bigger truck. What you can safely tow is not the question you should be asking solely. The first question you should be asking is, can I stop with the weight of my family, gear and TT! If you get the bigger truck right out of the gate, all of thos questions you may have with a half ton are answered!
It is easy for me to say go out and buy a bigger truck, as I am not in control of your bank account. However, if you could wait a year, and save a little more, and get a truck, made for towing, than that may be the better decision. However, that is up to you. My mistake was listening to my wife and buying a new half ton before agreeing to buy a TT. I hope this helps. I wish you luck.
Waiting a year, or sometimes more is excellent advice!
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, PA
I do appreciate the information guys and rest assured I take no offense at anything that has been said. I know I am green at all this and that's why I'm asking and listening to all you guys are saying. I have driven the largest Uhauls and Penske trucks quite a few times over the years. Look up the specs for the 2010 Taurus. It's almost as big as an F150! I parked the F150 we took on a test drive next to my Taurus and it was very close - the F150 was maybe a foot longer. The Taurus is a porker!
Right now I'm leaning towards the 150 and re-focusing the RV search on something smaller and lighter. We do love to dream big! Since it will be just me and the wife I don't think we will have space concerns in the long run as long as we get something we feel comfortable with and in. I figure we didn't trade up our house for 12 years so we won't trade up an RV for at least that long! About our only thing is it has to have a table and chairs, a queen bed and a TV and reasonable space. We are pretty flexible on floor plans. Don't need bunks, exterior kitchen, etc.
The more we look at the Jayco 26RKS it seems to be on the shorter and lighter end of the list and we like the floor plan. I'd think that in the next 2 years there may be even more lighter units to take a look at.
We do have a friend that tows a 5th wheel and I will ask them for pointers and such.
I've also thought about going to U-haul after we get a truck and renting a trailer for a day to get a feel for it. Or even a car hauler and pop the Taurus on it and go for a drive all day. The experience alone with that would be worth the $100 or so it would cost.
Right now I'm leaning towards the 150 and re-focusing the RV search on something smaller and lighter. We do love to dream big! Since it will be just me and the wife I don't think we will have space concerns in the long run as long as we get something we feel comfortable with and in. I figure we didn't trade up our house for 12 years so we won't trade up an RV for at least that long! About our only thing is it has to have a table and chairs, a queen bed and a TV and reasonable space. We are pretty flexible on floor plans. Don't need bunks, exterior kitchen, etc.
The more we look at the Jayco 26RKS it seems to be on the shorter and lighter end of the list and we like the floor plan. I'd think that in the next 2 years there may be even more lighter units to take a look at.
We do have a friend that tows a 5th wheel and I will ask them for pointers and such.
I've also thought about going to U-haul after we get a truck and renting a trailer for a day to get a feel for it. Or even a car hauler and pop the Taurus on it and go for a drive all day. The experience alone with that would be worth the $100 or so it would cost.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
Likes: 221
From: Huntington Indiana
Didn't listen to parents
We gave our son our old trailer. 30 ft max weight of 7000 lbs. told him to get at least a super duty gas. He went with f150 with ecoboost. They called the first time they towed. Can't do over 55-60 mph and fuel mileage is 6 mpg. He wishes he had listened but now is stuck.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
What you did is much more common that most folks realize. It is so hard to get people to slow down when they get the urge to buy. Those who enjoy RVing almost always go bigger rather than smaller and starting with a small truck means either staying stuck with a small trailer or changing the truck and trailer at the same time.
Waiting a year, or sometimes more is excellent advice!
Steve
Waiting a year, or sometimes more is excellent advice!
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, PA
So what should we be looking at for the F150 EB, Max Tow? I've heard keep it under 8k lbs and 30ft?
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 7
From: Over There
I didn't read it all but this thread got me wondering if you can get a fifth wheel hitch and air bags for a new F150. The new F150 with a max-tow Ecoboost is so good that I think a good sized fifth wheel is very practical. The drivetrain can handle the weight of the trailer, its the weight difference between the truck and trailer with a bumper pull that is the problem, a fifth solves that. This I think gives the best of both worlds, a good daily driver pickup that can pull a decent size RV.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I didn't read it all but this thread got me wondering if you can get a fifth wheel hitch and air bags for a new F150. The new F150 with a max-tow Ecoboost is so good that I think a good sized fifth wheel is very practical. The drivetrain can handle the weight of the trailer, its the weight difference between the truck and trailer with a bumper pull that is the problem, a fifth solves that. This I think gives the best of both worlds, a good daily driver pickup that can pull a decent size RV.
There is a post in this thread that reports the failure of an ecoboost to perform as hoped. I would at least encourage caution in pursuing this approach.
Steve
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,536
Likes: 200
From: southeast PA
There's also another full thread in the top few in this section about this. Fifth wheels are great, however, with any half ton, your are going to be very, very close or over on RAWR and tires, most likely GVWR too. Not withstanding if the powertrain will do the job to your satisfaction.
I've got to agree with the others here, pick something first and size the other to it. Extra truck never hurts though.
I've got to agree with the others here, pick something first and size the other to it. Extra truck never hurts though.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 7
From: Over There
There's also another full thread in the top few in this section about this. Fifth wheels are great, however, with any half ton, your are going to be very, very close or over on RAWR and tires, most likely GVWR too. Not withstanding if the powertrain will do the job to your satisfaction.
I've got to agree with the others here, pick something first and size the other to it. Extra truck never hurts though.
I've got to agree with the others here, pick something first and size the other to it. Extra truck never hurts though.
I'm no expert, I don't buy new trucks. If I had the OPs needs I'd find a 93-94.5 F250HD 4WD turbo diesel 5speed and get a fifth wheel.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Central Colorado
Another possibility is to see if there is some place near you that rents travel trailers. Then if you can take a weekend camping trip to some place close to home.
We took our first trip in our 5er to a camp ground on the other side of town. You learn much more about the experience in a camp ground than you do in your driveway.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, PA
Another possibility is to see if there is some place near you that rents travel trailers. Then if you can take a weekend camping trip to some place close to home.
We took our first trip in our 5er to a camp ground on the other side of town. You learn much more about the experience in a camp ground than you do in your driveway.
We took our first trip in our 5er to a camp ground on the other side of town. You learn much more about the experience in a camp ground than you do in your driveway.
