Need some Towing Help!
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
I have NEVER heard of a wife who said let's downsize and get a smaller rv -
EVER, NEVER, EVER
I can promise you,
you will be back next year asking about trade in's on the 1/2 ton for a 3/4 or 1 ton...
I know we are on our 3rd rv in 2 years ! and third tow vehicle !
but we did start out with a paid off 2005 deezle excursion with a tt, so we were a LITTLE ahead in the game...
but the Ex and TT went away quickly
then the 2012 f250 and 1st 5er were too light in the rear and small in the living space!
and now the behemoth is pushing our 350 around !!!
Good luck and be ready !
what region of the country are you in... maybe one of us can save you some of the learning curve since we won't have any skin in the game
EVER, NEVER, EVER
I can promise you,
you will be back next year asking about trade in's on the 1/2 ton for a 3/4 or 1 ton...
I know we are on our 3rd rv in 2 years ! and third tow vehicle !
but we did start out with a paid off 2005 deezle excursion with a tt, so we were a LITTLE ahead in the game...
but the Ex and TT went away quickly
then the 2012 f250 and 1st 5er were too light in the rear and small in the living space!
and now the behemoth is pushing our 350 around !!!
Good luck and be ready !
what region of the country are you in... maybe one of us can save you some of the learning curve since we won't have any skin in the game
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 80
From: New Jersey
Hi,
OP I replied to your posting in the 09+ F150 forums. I stumbled across this posting here. Here is some of my experience when it comes to your questions.
In 2011, my wife and I were thinking about getting our own RV. MY parents had a Class C motorhome. However, there were a couple of scheduling conflicts which my wife said, instead trying to work around my parent's camping schedule, why not go out and purchase a trailer ourselves. I agreed and we took a trip to the RV show in Atlantic City, NJ to look.
While we were there we found a trailer that appeared to be good for towing with our 2005 Explorer. It was "under the towing limit" weight wise and we put a $500 deposit on the unit which the dealer was allow us to be refunded if we discovered if we would not be able to tow the unit. The towing limit on my 2005 Explorer was 5300 pounds. This trailer was 4900 pounds. It was a Jayco Hybrid 22 foot model. My wife and I liked the layout and figured we could make the numbers work in our budget. Long story short, before we pulled the trigger on the paperwork, I found out my Explorer would have struggled with the trailer after researching a couple of RV forums. My wife called the dealership and cancelled the order.
The next few months, I was researching the whole truck and trailer thing. I had an idea of what were going to do. Since the summer season was rapidly approaching, I came across a nice used 1999 F150 Supercab with a 5.4 engine, and 6.5 foot bed and tow package. I cleaned it up and had some work done to the truck to make sure it was ready for towing.
A few weeks later, my wife came across a dealership that had a few possibilities for trailers. I gave her the weight and size requirements plus pricing cost. I told her keep it under 6500 pounds and under 30 feet in length. Even then I wanted the trailer to be in the 25 foot range. I had my reservations due to the size which in hindsight I was right. We looked around the lot and the sales guy asked all kinds of questions. As we looked at the unit he would say no you are going to run a bit heavy or too long. He said when he asked what our tow vehicle was he knew where we needed to be in size and weight wise.
While making the turn down the one row, my daughter who was about 3 and half at the time, went nuts at a trailer. So I walked over to the unit. It was covered in decals of bears and she loved it. As it turned out, this trailer, our current one was under 6500 at 6000# and right at 30 feet. My family and I loved the unit. The wife liked the layout. She got the feeling of how it would work on a trip. I looked over how the unit was built and how it would feel on a trip as well. My wife later told me she saw the unit on web site but told me that she didn't want to show me since it was alot more than what I was budgeting for.
In 2012, I spent alot of time camping since I was laid off. I got to spend a few weeks with my daughter camping. She really likes the camping thing. She is really into it which is great for the wife and I. In the later part of the year, my wife and I had a trip to Disney planned before my lay off and it was pretty much paid for at that point. We drove down from NJ to FL via the 78/81/77/26/95/4 route. That trip was reality trip for us. Most of our trips were within 1 hour of us except for the trips to Knoebel's which is about 2.5 hours. I would run a scan gauge to keep track of the truck's workings as it towed the trailer. This trip to FLA showed my wife and I that local trips no problem anything longer it was more "fatiguing" (more monitoring what the truck is doing, etc).
In 2013, I finally got a job and the work flow looked good. My wife and I started planning our vacation. I said look, if we purchase a newer vehicle we could go further. If we keep the truck, I will need to invest more money in the truck as the exhaust manifolds were shot. I didn't want to invest in the cash for another year or two at the most. She agreed. I said we could go local like the the Jersey Shore for a long weekend. She was thinking a bit further like VA or NC and New England like Maine. I was eh Maine, nah I want to go some where it is warm and FLA was out of the question. Needless to say, I got the go ahead to look at trucks.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...leftovers.html
This is the long version of what I am about to say. I seriously entertained the idea of purchasing another F150 but a crew cab, eco boost, 6.5 foot bed, max tow package, etc. The real thing for me was the price. It was going to cost in the mid 40s for what was looking like a minimal amount of improvement. Then I went to look at Super Duties. I had my eye on a couple of them. I looked a couple well within our budget and a few just outside our upper end. We looked at a couple of leftovers, and they were nothing super special. In the end, I wound up getting an F250 that was pretty well equipped for under 30K which worked for me and my wife.
We took it on a few local trips and my wife commented how much of a difference the truck felt while pulling the trailer. We wound up taking a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC last year. The truck performed like a champ. It even played a rescue role with my parent's troubles with their motor home. I felt more at ease and better able to react to unscheduled issues like their break down or other drivers/ traffic conditions. The last trip was a fall trip to Knoebel's for their Halloween take. The truck was just a pleasure to drive. This does tie into my parents.
When they decided not to repair the motorhome, my mom and dad still wanted to partake in the camping experience. They had done it for most of their adult lives from tents to pick campers to motorhomes. My mom pushed my dad into getting a trailer. My dad was never a trailer person but my mom being the way she is saw the benefit after years of being tied up with the motor home and having to rent cars if they went any where. So they found a small Jayco Kiwi hybrid for $3000. The trailer is only 17 feet long and weighs 3300 pounds loaded. and Since I was out on a service call, I asked my boss to go and pick it up for me. The first time my dad ever towed was in the parking lot of the business park the company i work for is located. 2 laps around the lot and he said he felt comfortable to drive on the highway. My wife and daughter as well as my parents took advantage of the nice weather for a camping trip to Knoebel's. My parents used my Explorer to tow their new found treasure. I had my ride pulling the same trailer over the same roads I had done with the F150. I just did it more comfortable.
Dad still needs to work on the backing up but he did fine on a few planned passes on the highway as well as following behind me and driving up front. I was impressed how well he did. He said he fine towing. My mom was more I wish we had done this sooner.
The way I see it is, I went from a truck running less HP/TQ on a smaller frame that was around 2/3rds of it "rated" unloaded capacity. Then I went to a truck with more HP/TQ, larger frame and running at 1/2 of "rated" unloaded towing capacity. The larger truck simply pulled the same trailer with less effort and ease. The larger truck gives my wife and I the ability to upgrade our current trailer to something heavier without really worrying about the weight persue. My F150 was right around 11,800 Combined which is about 1500 under 13,300 max. MY current F250 is 19000 Combined max and my trip to SC I took the truck over the CAT scale in MD, i was at 14,900. I still had plenty of breathing room. Especially when I needed to take on board my parents and their trip belongings like coolers, food, clothes, camping items. etc. I figured with all that I was around 16,300 at that point going down the highway. (people and additional cargo)
Yes I could have done with a properly equipped modern generation F150. It would have cost me about 15 grand more to have what is effectively less truck. Finding a used 3/4 ton or even a 1 ton gives you towing capacity as well as comfort for the fraction of the cost. If the heart is set on an F150 which could really well be, I would just scale back the overall size and weight of the type of travel trailer.
I wish you luck itguy. I am sorry to be long winded but if my experiences help someone out, that is all that really matters. Like I say, as long as it's a Ford, I'm good! LOL
OP I replied to your posting in the 09+ F150 forums. I stumbled across this posting here. Here is some of my experience when it comes to your questions.
In 2011, my wife and I were thinking about getting our own RV. MY parents had a Class C motorhome. However, there were a couple of scheduling conflicts which my wife said, instead trying to work around my parent's camping schedule, why not go out and purchase a trailer ourselves. I agreed and we took a trip to the RV show in Atlantic City, NJ to look.
While we were there we found a trailer that appeared to be good for towing with our 2005 Explorer. It was "under the towing limit" weight wise and we put a $500 deposit on the unit which the dealer was allow us to be refunded if we discovered if we would not be able to tow the unit. The towing limit on my 2005 Explorer was 5300 pounds. This trailer was 4900 pounds. It was a Jayco Hybrid 22 foot model. My wife and I liked the layout and figured we could make the numbers work in our budget. Long story short, before we pulled the trigger on the paperwork, I found out my Explorer would have struggled with the trailer after researching a couple of RV forums. My wife called the dealership and cancelled the order.
The next few months, I was researching the whole truck and trailer thing. I had an idea of what were going to do. Since the summer season was rapidly approaching, I came across a nice used 1999 F150 Supercab with a 5.4 engine, and 6.5 foot bed and tow package. I cleaned it up and had some work done to the truck to make sure it was ready for towing.
A few weeks later, my wife came across a dealership that had a few possibilities for trailers. I gave her the weight and size requirements plus pricing cost. I told her keep it under 6500 pounds and under 30 feet in length. Even then I wanted the trailer to be in the 25 foot range. I had my reservations due to the size which in hindsight I was right. We looked around the lot and the sales guy asked all kinds of questions. As we looked at the unit he would say no you are going to run a bit heavy or too long. He said when he asked what our tow vehicle was he knew where we needed to be in size and weight wise.
While making the turn down the one row, my daughter who was about 3 and half at the time, went nuts at a trailer. So I walked over to the unit. It was covered in decals of bears and she loved it. As it turned out, this trailer, our current one was under 6500 at 6000# and right at 30 feet. My family and I loved the unit. The wife liked the layout. She got the feeling of how it would work on a trip. I looked over how the unit was built and how it would feel on a trip as well. My wife later told me she saw the unit on web site but told me that she didn't want to show me since it was alot more than what I was budgeting for.
In 2012, I spent alot of time camping since I was laid off. I got to spend a few weeks with my daughter camping. She really likes the camping thing. She is really into it which is great for the wife and I. In the later part of the year, my wife and I had a trip to Disney planned before my lay off and it was pretty much paid for at that point. We drove down from NJ to FL via the 78/81/77/26/95/4 route. That trip was reality trip for us. Most of our trips were within 1 hour of us except for the trips to Knoebel's which is about 2.5 hours. I would run a scan gauge to keep track of the truck's workings as it towed the trailer. This trip to FLA showed my wife and I that local trips no problem anything longer it was more "fatiguing" (more monitoring what the truck is doing, etc).
In 2013, I finally got a job and the work flow looked good. My wife and I started planning our vacation. I said look, if we purchase a newer vehicle we could go further. If we keep the truck, I will need to invest more money in the truck as the exhaust manifolds were shot. I didn't want to invest in the cash for another year or two at the most. She agreed. I said we could go local like the the Jersey Shore for a long weekend. She was thinking a bit further like VA or NC and New England like Maine. I was eh Maine, nah I want to go some where it is warm and FLA was out of the question. Needless to say, I got the go ahead to look at trucks.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...leftovers.html
This is the long version of what I am about to say. I seriously entertained the idea of purchasing another F150 but a crew cab, eco boost, 6.5 foot bed, max tow package, etc. The real thing for me was the price. It was going to cost in the mid 40s for what was looking like a minimal amount of improvement. Then I went to look at Super Duties. I had my eye on a couple of them. I looked a couple well within our budget and a few just outside our upper end. We looked at a couple of leftovers, and they were nothing super special. In the end, I wound up getting an F250 that was pretty well equipped for under 30K which worked for me and my wife.
We took it on a few local trips and my wife commented how much of a difference the truck felt while pulling the trailer. We wound up taking a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC last year. The truck performed like a champ. It even played a rescue role with my parent's troubles with their motor home. I felt more at ease and better able to react to unscheduled issues like their break down or other drivers/ traffic conditions. The last trip was a fall trip to Knoebel's for their Halloween take. The truck was just a pleasure to drive. This does tie into my parents.
When they decided not to repair the motorhome, my mom and dad still wanted to partake in the camping experience. They had done it for most of their adult lives from tents to pick campers to motorhomes. My mom pushed my dad into getting a trailer. My dad was never a trailer person but my mom being the way she is saw the benefit after years of being tied up with the motor home and having to rent cars if they went any where. So they found a small Jayco Kiwi hybrid for $3000. The trailer is only 17 feet long and weighs 3300 pounds loaded. and Since I was out on a service call, I asked my boss to go and pick it up for me. The first time my dad ever towed was in the parking lot of the business park the company i work for is located. 2 laps around the lot and he said he felt comfortable to drive on the highway. My wife and daughter as well as my parents took advantage of the nice weather for a camping trip to Knoebel's. My parents used my Explorer to tow their new found treasure. I had my ride pulling the same trailer over the same roads I had done with the F150. I just did it more comfortable.
Dad still needs to work on the backing up but he did fine on a few planned passes on the highway as well as following behind me and driving up front. I was impressed how well he did. He said he fine towing. My mom was more I wish we had done this sooner.
The way I see it is, I went from a truck running less HP/TQ on a smaller frame that was around 2/3rds of it "rated" unloaded capacity. Then I went to a truck with more HP/TQ, larger frame and running at 1/2 of "rated" unloaded towing capacity. The larger truck simply pulled the same trailer with less effort and ease. The larger truck gives my wife and I the ability to upgrade our current trailer to something heavier without really worrying about the weight persue. My F150 was right around 11,800 Combined which is about 1500 under 13,300 max. MY current F250 is 19000 Combined max and my trip to SC I took the truck over the CAT scale in MD, i was at 14,900. I still had plenty of breathing room. Especially when I needed to take on board my parents and their trip belongings like coolers, food, clothes, camping items. etc. I figured with all that I was around 16,300 at that point going down the highway. (people and additional cargo)
Yes I could have done with a properly equipped modern generation F150. It would have cost me about 15 grand more to have what is effectively less truck. Finding a used 3/4 ton or even a 1 ton gives you towing capacity as well as comfort for the fraction of the cost. If the heart is set on an F150 which could really well be, I would just scale back the overall size and weight of the type of travel trailer.
I wish you luck itguy. I am sorry to be long winded but if my experiences help someone out, that is all that really matters. Like I say, as long as it's a Ford, I'm good! LOL
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
I am not at all familiar with the 150 specs and models. So I am the wrong person to answer that. As for the TT, I would say under 8k lb. and 28 to 30' with a very good WD Hitch and sway control. Perhaps closer +/- to 28' if you are new to towing. You could probably get a bunkhouse with a 14-16' slide in an Lite or Ultra Lite. Assuming that is the floorplan you are looking for.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
There are many to be had that could be towed with a F150 out there. But like many have said you eventually upgrade.
It was several years before I did and when I did I went as big as I could and kept my F250.
We now have the dually and I am good up to 22K now. That would be big one there.
It was several years before I did and when I did I went as big as I could and kept my F250.
We now have the dually and I am good up to 22K now. That would be big one there.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Buying what you really want from the get-go saves you money in the long run and you get the enjoyment right from the start. I have yet to see anyone who saves money by trading up and I wonder how many of us have said "man, I wish I would have just gone ahead and done this from the start". I know we have!
Steve
Steve
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 80
From: New Jersey
Buying what you really want from the get-go saves you money in the long run and you get the enjoyment right from the start. I have yet to see anyone who saves money by trading up and I wonder how many of us have said "man, I wish I would have just gone ahead and done this from the start". I know we have!
Steve
Steve
Right now we are thinking a house upgrade in the next 2-3 years before trailer upgrade. We pulled the trigger on upgrading the truck first since we knew what our long term game plan was going to be. One of those house upgrades is a spot to park the trailer on our property. Off site parking stinks for a few reasons.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
The problem is we all go to these places called campgrounds. We get all kinds of ideas seeing other trailers. Now my wife knows we can tow a larger trailer, if we want or need too in that matter. The main feature we have seen out there that we both like is the outdoor kitchen. Other than that, we like our enough to not have to upgrade because we pulled the trigger to soon. My wife and I love the floor plan of trailer.
Right now we are thinking a house upgrade in the next 2-3 years before trailer upgrade. We pulled the trigger on upgrading the truck first since we knew what our long term game plan was going to be. One of those house upgrades is a spot to park the trailer on our property. Off site parking stinks for a few reasons.
Right now we are thinking a house upgrade in the next 2-3 years before trailer upgrade. We pulled the trigger on upgrading the truck first since we knew what our long term game plan was going to be. One of those house upgrades is a spot to park the trailer on our property. Off site parking stinks for a few reasons.
Steve
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
You guys are lucky you CAN do that - our subdivision rules won't allow it unless we build a 'similar structure' i.e. a brick enclosed garage - one 'small' hurdle - when we built the house in 2004 the brick we got was the last run like it 
and for the $20k+ it would cost for driveway to the back, etc... I can pay for the gated, covered storage for $65/mth within 10 miles of the house...
but, agree, still much easier if we could park at home...
and for the $20k+ it would cost for driveway to the back, etc... I can pay for the gated, covered storage for $65/mth within 10 miles of the house... but, agree, still much easier if we could park at home...
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
You guys are lucky you CAN do that - our subdivision rules won't allow it unless we build a 'similar structure' i.e. a brick enclosed garage - one 'small' hurdle - when we built the house in 2004 the brick we got was the last run like it and for the $20k+ it would cost for driveway to the back, etc... I can pay for the gated, covered storage for $65/mth within 10 miles of the house...
but, agree, still much easier if we could park at home...
and for the $20k+ it would cost for driveway to the back, etc... I can pay for the gated, covered storage for $65/mth within 10 miles of the house... but, agree, still much easier if we could park at home...
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, PA
Thank you all again! I appreciate all the information you guys are saying and we are taking it to heart. FordmanNJ, thanks for typing out your story - it was a very interesting read!
In the mean time I've also been Googling and found this interesting PDF - How to Tow Version 2 by JD Gallant from www.rv.org and I'm reading it very carefully. It seems to have a lot of good tips and echo what a lot of you are saying about length and weight.
I get what you all are saying about upgrading and not settling and that thought is in the back of my minds. I'm looking at it like our past house - we were there for 12 years and then we wanted out. Knew we wanted 3 acres in the country with good internet (I am an IT guy so I need my net). Started looking and ended up with the house we are in now - just under 1/2 acre in a development that's about 5 miles from town. And we're perfectly happy here. So I'm thinking "dream big" but the actuality will be something more practical.
The more I read about towing and what to do the more my head spins. Being one that likes to get things right it seems like there are 2 camps with these new "HD" 1/4 tons: 1. Go with them and be careful or 2. Just get the biggest you can afford and overkill it. And not having done this before I think there will be a learning curve coming from a car to something this large. That's why I'm thinking start small for 5-10 years or so with something we both really like and then when we have more experience get something better. We were even thinking Class C a few years ago but the prices of them are pretty much a truck + trailer so I figured may as well get the truck as we could use it a but around the house.
I've driven an F250 and it was huge. Not unmanageable but huge - It felt like it needed a Zip code. I've also piloted the largest Uhauls around the interstates and town so I know I can drive a big vehicle. I just don't know if I want to.
Another thing I think is weighing on me is that F150 I drove was REALLY nice and REALLY aggressively priced compared to the others I've seen. And it has the Max Tow which would be a requirement for me and very hard to find in the used market. And the wife REALLY likes the truck we drove. She would have had me buy it on Saturday. Of course there was the usual "there is a lot of interest in this truck" from the dealer but I told them I'm ok with loosing it as Ford makes 700k of these a year and another will pop up.
I think what also makes it hard is everyone says "but it will tow 11,500lbs" so you will be fine. Even other friends who had a 5th wheel on a 1500 Dodge wondered why I was looking at a F250 in the beginning. Someone really needs to get everyone on the same page.
Once again thanks guys - you have all given me something to ponder and think about. And maybe find an F250 to go out and drive.
In the mean time I've also been Googling and found this interesting PDF - How to Tow Version 2 by JD Gallant from www.rv.org and I'm reading it very carefully. It seems to have a lot of good tips and echo what a lot of you are saying about length and weight.
I get what you all are saying about upgrading and not settling and that thought is in the back of my minds. I'm looking at it like our past house - we were there for 12 years and then we wanted out. Knew we wanted 3 acres in the country with good internet (I am an IT guy so I need my net). Started looking and ended up with the house we are in now - just under 1/2 acre in a development that's about 5 miles from town. And we're perfectly happy here. So I'm thinking "dream big" but the actuality will be something more practical.
The more I read about towing and what to do the more my head spins. Being one that likes to get things right it seems like there are 2 camps with these new "HD" 1/4 tons: 1. Go with them and be careful or 2. Just get the biggest you can afford and overkill it. And not having done this before I think there will be a learning curve coming from a car to something this large. That's why I'm thinking start small for 5-10 years or so with something we both really like and then when we have more experience get something better. We were even thinking Class C a few years ago but the prices of them are pretty much a truck + trailer so I figured may as well get the truck as we could use it a but around the house.
I've driven an F250 and it was huge. Not unmanageable but huge - It felt like it needed a Zip code.
I've also piloted the largest Uhauls around the interstates and town so I know I can drive a big vehicle. I just don't know if I want to.Another thing I think is weighing on me is that F150 I drove was REALLY nice and REALLY aggressively priced compared to the others I've seen. And it has the Max Tow which would be a requirement for me and very hard to find in the used market. And the wife REALLY likes the truck we drove. She would have had me buy it on Saturday. Of course there was the usual "there is a lot of interest in this truck" from the dealer but I told them I'm ok with loosing it as Ford makes 700k of these a year and another will pop up.
I think what also makes it hard is everyone says "but it will tow 11,500lbs" so you will be fine. Even other friends who had a 5th wheel on a 1500 Dodge wondered why I was looking at a F250 in the beginning. Someone really needs to get everyone on the same page.
Once again thanks guys - you have all given me something to ponder and think about. And maybe find an F250 to go out and drive.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 10
From: North Carolina
Thank you all again! I appreciate all the information you guys are saying and we are taking it to heart. FordmanNJ, thanks for typing out your story - it was a very interesting read!
In the mean time I've also been Googling and found this interesting PDF - How to Tow Version 2 by JD Gallant from RV Consumer Group - We Rate RVs and I'm reading it very carefully. It seems to have a lot of good tips and echo what a lot of you are saying about length and weight.
I get what you all are saying about upgrading and not settling and that thought is in the back of my minds. I'm looking at it like our past house - we were there for 12 years and then we wanted out. Knew we wanted 3 acres in the country with good internet (I am an IT guy so I need my net). Started looking and ended up with the house we are in now - just under 1/2 acre in a development that's about 5 miles from town. And we're perfectly happy here. So I'm thinking "dream big" but the actuality will be something more practical.
The more I read about towing and what to do the more my head spins. Being one that likes to get things right it seems like there are 2 camps with these new "HD" 1/4 tons: 1. Go with them and be careful or 2. Just get the biggest you can afford and overkill it. And not having done this before I think there will be a learning curve coming from a car to something this large. That's why I'm thinking start small for 5-10 years or so with something we both really like and then when we have more experience get something better. We were even thinking Class C a few years ago but the prices of them are pretty much a truck + trailer so I figured may as well get the truck as we could use it a but around the house.
I've driven an F250 and it was huge. Not unmanageable but huge - It felt like it needed a Zip code. I've also piloted the largest Uhauls around the interstates and town so I know I can drive a big vehicle. I just don't know if I want to.
Another thing I think is weighing on me is that F150 I drove was REALLY nice and REALLY aggressively priced compared to the others I've seen. And it has the Max Tow which would be a requirement for me and very hard to find in the used market. And the wife REALLY likes the truck we drove. She would have had me buy it on Saturday. Of course there was the usual "there is a lot of interest in this truck" from the dealer but I told them I'm ok with loosing it as Ford makes 700k of these a year and another will pop up.
I think what also makes it hard is everyone says "but it will tow 11,500lbs" so you will be fine. Even other friends who had a 5th wheel on a 1500 Dodge wondered why I was looking at a F250 in the beginning. Someone really needs to get everyone on the same page.
Once again thanks guys - you have all given me something to ponder and think about. And maybe find an F250 to go out and drive.
In the mean time I've also been Googling and found this interesting PDF - How to Tow Version 2 by JD Gallant from RV Consumer Group - We Rate RVs and I'm reading it very carefully. It seems to have a lot of good tips and echo what a lot of you are saying about length and weight.
I get what you all are saying about upgrading and not settling and that thought is in the back of my minds. I'm looking at it like our past house - we were there for 12 years and then we wanted out. Knew we wanted 3 acres in the country with good internet (I am an IT guy so I need my net). Started looking and ended up with the house we are in now - just under 1/2 acre in a development that's about 5 miles from town. And we're perfectly happy here. So I'm thinking "dream big" but the actuality will be something more practical.
The more I read about towing and what to do the more my head spins. Being one that likes to get things right it seems like there are 2 camps with these new "HD" 1/4 tons: 1. Go with them and be careful or 2. Just get the biggest you can afford and overkill it. And not having done this before I think there will be a learning curve coming from a car to something this large. That's why I'm thinking start small for 5-10 years or so with something we both really like and then when we have more experience get something better. We were even thinking Class C a few years ago but the prices of them are pretty much a truck + trailer so I figured may as well get the truck as we could use it a but around the house.
I've driven an F250 and it was huge. Not unmanageable but huge - It felt like it needed a Zip code.
I've also piloted the largest Uhauls around the interstates and town so I know I can drive a big vehicle. I just don't know if I want to.Another thing I think is weighing on me is that F150 I drove was REALLY nice and REALLY aggressively priced compared to the others I've seen. And it has the Max Tow which would be a requirement for me and very hard to find in the used market. And the wife REALLY likes the truck we drove. She would have had me buy it on Saturday. Of course there was the usual "there is a lot of interest in this truck" from the dealer but I told them I'm ok with loosing it as Ford makes 700k of these a year and another will pop up.
I think what also makes it hard is everyone says "but it will tow 11,500lbs" so you will be fine. Even other friends who had a 5th wheel on a 1500 Dodge wondered why I was looking at a F250 in the beginning. Someone really needs to get everyone on the same page.
Once again thanks guys - you have all given me something to ponder and think about. And maybe find an F250 to go out and drive.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I know it can seem confusing. I am guessing many of us are thinking in terms of saving you from our mistakes, but realistically there likely is no way to do that. Everyone has to learn on their own and yes a half-ton really will haul a lot of weight, but it sure doesn't feel the same as hauling with heavier truck!
In regards to size, the single comment I have is what I have told buyers hundreds for times before. After the first thousand miles, it doesn't seem large at all. Same rule applies to power tools, boats, even when I work on the house three stories up. It is all what you get used too.
Steve
In regards to size, the single comment I have is what I have told buyers hundreds for times before. After the first thousand miles, it doesn't seem large at all. Same rule applies to power tools, boats, even when I work on the house three stories up. It is all what you get used too.
Steve
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, PA
In regards to size, the single comment I have is what I have told buyers hundreds for times before. After the first thousand miles, it doesn't seem large at all. Same rule applies to power tools, boats, even when I work on the house three stories up. It is all what you get used too.
I will never "get used to" working 3 stories up. I hated to get on the roof of our old house and that was only 1 story up. Yes, I'm afraid of heights and proud of it!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Steve
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 10
From: North Carolina
My current truck (F250) is the biggest vehicle I have owned. Before that I had a Ram 1500 short bed, and various cars. When I first got it I would get stuck in parking lots, and could’t park the thing to save my life. Now I drive it anywhere, through tight trees in the woods, narrow rural roads, and I can parallel park it mostly anywhere. Once you drive it for a while it gets easier and I bet you will feel weird driving anything smaller after in time.