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Towing Recommendations?

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Old

Dec 15, 2014 | 03:06 PM

#1

rlepperson

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Towing Recommendations?

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Old

Dec 15, 2014 | 06:54 PM

#2

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

Club FTE Gold Member

My suggestion would be a 4x4 F250 with a gas motor, which is a 6.2 l motor.

Gearing of 3.73 or 4.30 gears would be fine.

A crew cab (4 doors) give plenty of space and seating for 5.

I would opt for a long bed but a short bed would also be fine.

Fuel efficiency is only going to be what it is towing a trailer.

The only help is going to be keeping your speed around 60-65 mph.

4x4 because you are in IL.

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Old

Dec 16, 2014 | 07:17 AM

#3

RV_Tech

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Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 10,060

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From: Bristol, TN.

Any truck manufacturer you listed has trucks capable of towing this weight, the weight you want to tow is not that great, and you are not towing that many miles a year. Two by versus 4 by will be matters of preference as will bed length, in my opinion. You will likely save a little weight by skipping 4 x 4 unless you actually need it.

Since mileage seems to be your concern, I would suggest reading real world reviews of the various models and see how they do. Since the miles you are pulling is small in comparison to how you intend to use your truck, I would not focus much on mileage towing.

I think a gasser would be fine and think an oil burner would be a waste of money in this case.

The towing aspect of this seems to be such a minor factor, I would focus on it last and personal preferences first.

I tend to steer away from half tons for towing, but again your use towing is limited and as long as the truck carries a suitable rating, I think you would be fine.

Whenever you get into a "what is best question", personal preferences often play a dominate role in the responses, in my opinion. I think vehicle shopping and researching is a hoot, so enjoy the hunt!

Steve

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Old

Dec 16, 2014 | 07:30 AM

#4

rvpuller

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From: Home Base Nebraska

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Welcome to FTE

You are looking for used so what you are find out there is trucks with 3.73 gears and for what you are towing they will be find, and with the miles you will be running empty you will get better hwy mileage. I prefer LB but with a TT either long or short will work and again in the used market you will find more SB trucks.

I think what you will find the most of are CC SB F250 trucks and maybe a few F350 and they will all fit your needs with that trailer.

Denny

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Old

Dec 16, 2014 | 10:54 AM

#5

andym

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Bonita Springs FL

I would steer you towards a longbed if you're pulling a trailer that size. A longer wheelbase makes for a more stable tow vehicle. With a short wheelbase, the trailer has more leverage on the vehicle and will push it around more in any kind of a crosswind, including one from a semi.

You posted on a Ford truck site, so you're going to get Ford-biased replies. No one is going to tell you to go out and buy a dodge here. Brand loyalty is a funny thing. Dodge guys are convinced that their trucks are the best/strongest/most reliable/etc. Same thing with Chevy guys. And Toyota guys. If you have ever spent any time in or around an RV park, take a look at what people choose to tow with. 70% of the trucks are Ford. Roughly 25% of them are Dodges, and that's only because of the cummins. If you could get a cummins in a Ford from the factory, I don't believe Dodge would even be able to survive in the heavy duty pickup business. Their trucks just aren't that solid. Now a Chevy towing something in an RV park - that's a rare sight there. Toyotas are literally unheard of.

I am a pretty unbiased person. I tend not to have irrational justifications for major decisions. I research and try to decide what's best as objectively as I can. So when I say that I believe Ford makes the best truck, it's because they really do.

If you want something that's statistically going to be the most reliable and problem free, get a Ford.

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Old

Dec 16, 2014 | 11:43 AM

#6

Irelands child

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 1,899

Likes: 12

From: Upstate NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by andym

I would steer you towards a longbed if you're pulling a trailer that size. A longer wheelbase makes for a more stable tow vehicle. With a short wheelbase, the trailer has more leverage on the vehicle and will push it around more in any kind of a crosswind, including one from a semi.

You posted on a Ford truck site, so you're going to get Ford-biased replies. No one is going to tell you to go out and buy a dodge here. Brand loyalty is a funny thing. Dodge guys are convinced that their trucks are the best/strongest/most reliable/etc. Same thing with Chevy guys. And Toyota guys. If you have ever spent any time in or around an RV park, take a look at what people choose to tow with. 70% of the trucks are Ford. Roughly 25% of them are Dodges, and that's only because of the cummins. If you could get a cummins in a Ford from the factory, I don't believe Dodge would even be able to survive in the heavy duty pickup business. Their trucks just aren't that solid. Now a Chevy towing something in an RV park - that's a rare sight there. Toyotas are literally unheard of.

I am a pretty unbiased person. I tend not to have irrational justifications for major decisions. I research and try to decide what's best as objectively as I can. So when I say that I believe Ford makes the best truck, it's because they really do.

If you want something that's statistically going to be the most reliable and problem free, get a Ford.

That's an observation that I've made as well. The CG we stay in much of the summer - 60/30 Ford - Dodge and a couple Chebbies. Nary a Toy in sight. Have I seen the Toys pulling campers? Very dang few.

Another point, I went to a race track (Willow Grove in PA) and spent some time watching the officials check the multitude of Chevy powered race cars in. Possibly over 75% of those race cars were on trailers pulled by .. ta da ... Fords.

They all have their good points as well negatives. What it ends up is whichever does the best job for you. Pulling a TT with a good weight distribution hitch, SB or LB will both do a fine job with possibly that LB being a little more stable. Gas vs diesel and a TT - IMO, the diesel is overkill power wise plus the higher fuel costs, maintenance along with the initial cost of purchase (~$8500 new). There are other pluses and minuses for each, but those are the general ones. Just don't under truck yourself. Bigger is usually better

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Old

Dec 16, 2014 | 11:50 AM

#7

RV_Tech

Hotshot

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 10,060

Likes: 491

From: Bristol, TN.

How about this? Post the same question on enthusiast sites for each manufacturer you are considering. It is really hard to tell how much is marketing versus everything else. Just a thought.

I like the way my Ford looks best, but had no trouble when I was towing with a GMC 6.0 liter gasser, and also towed with a Tundra when the Toyota introduced them at a ride and drive in Louisville for the press and it did just fine. My dealers tow with a Chevy, a GMC, two Fords, and a Dodge and don't seem to have any complaints.

Steve

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Old

Dec 16, 2014 | 11:54 AM

#8

Hank85713

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2002

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From: Tucson USA

I think for the payload you want IN the truck your preference will be a long bed 4x2! The SB trucks dont have the load range and they are prone to harsher ride due to wheel base and as noted dont tow as well. The 4x will take away from your load range due to the extra weight and will also have effect on the mileage. So the 4x2 will give ya the best. In the 250/350 class stay away from the 5.4, a good engine but small for a big heavy truck. V10 well you are looking at poor mileage in most respects no matter the brand. I do not like chebby's and they are a little better for the engine but the truck itself depending on year may not be what you want. If you do not need 4 dr the super cab will suffice plus give you more of the load ability you are seeking.

You did not state how new you wanted, but we have a TT about the same weight you have/looking at and we towed it fine with an old 351 ford f250. Biggest draw back was the 4.10 gearing but it was a good truck. Now have an 04 diesel and it it is great tows everywhere we want. Its a 4x but most of the bigger trucks will be and most like mine will never see the dirt other than on the side of the road! Just that folks think its neat to have a 4x and so the manufac's make them the most dominant of types just as they make the 4x dually's! Used the 4x only a couple of times mainly to back up or get around in a wooded lot a couple of times without the TT.

So determine what/how new you want and then ask. How much do you want to spend is the next question. BTW the old truck hauled a heavy slide in without problems but we did not tow at the same time and if you like the OBS trucks there are a lot out there. We were passed a lot with it, but we also passed a lot of others with it. Same with our current truck as we are not hot rodders but it goes and goes.

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Old

Dec 21, 2014 | 05:43 AM

#9

asdrew

Tuned

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 262

Likes: 0

From: Clermont, Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by andym

If you have ever spent any time in or around an RV park, take a look at what people choose to tow with.

Great advice, also observe who's towing with what on the interstate near you. None of the truck brands are totally inadequate for towing yet here in Florida, it seems Ford Super Duties rule for both commercial and personal towing, and we have countless snowbirds trailering from the North too.

I prefer the full crew cab for day-to-day versatility and a real 8-foot bed for cargo capacity. I see too many short bed truck owners going through gyrations to load at places like Home Depot, then driving off with things hanging off the back when my tailgate & topper window are closed even with 16' lumber. I also like the towing stability of the long wheelbase, much easier than when I used to tow with my old Bronco

With the 172" wheelbase, just be prepared to re-learn how to negotiate tight spaces, driveways, and parking lots!

Unfortunately these trucks are heavy and lower gear ratios and big engines are preferred for towing, so good fuel mileage is not in the cards.

-and as Irelands Child said, don't under-truck yourself. I don't know too many people who tow and say, "Gee, I wish I got something that was lighter duty."

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Old

Dec 30, 2014 | 06:42 AM

#10

Gearitis

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 950

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From: Waco, Texas

Club FTE Silver Member

"fuel efficient" and "beast" does not compute! Diesel is the best of both of those worlds but it sounds as that is not the answer. Gas is not going to be efficient and is definitely not a beast! For 2k a year towing, then the gas motor is your option as stated. I have a son-in-law that uses an 2012 F-150 pulling a trailer about the same miles and size. Rated to 9800 lbs towing. He gets about 8-9 towing and As long as weight distro is installed, he does fine. On hills, the motor will scream but that is what these engine do. 4k rpm for several miles does not hurt these things. Any of the brands stated will do the job, I think. Just make sure that the truck has some sort of trailer or towing package for the lights and othere small things to help. Regardless get after it and have fun.

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Old

Jan 1, 2015 | 09:04 PM

#11

SteveC7010

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 58

Likes: 0

From: Northville, NY

I pull a 36' fifth wheeler that is GVWR'd at 12,000#. Pin is 1,565#. My truck is a '12 F250 XLT Super Cab with short box, 10K GVWR package, 4x4, and 6.3L diesel. It's geared at 3:31. Pulling through the Adirondack Mountains, I get about 14 MPG and I do not poke along, ever.

With the price of diesel dropping rapidly, I am even happier with the truck now. like several previous posters, an under powered or under rated truck is not your best friend when it comes to towing. Yeah, they'll do the job, maybe, but if you're straining the truck all the time, you're putting extra wear on major components like the tranny. And getting lower fuel mileage, too. My truck loafs most of the time, and has plenty of punch in reserve for the larger hills.

If you're looking at 6K# of trailer and another 2K# of payload, you're right on the border line of asking too much from most 1/2 ton trucks.

If I didn't live up here in snow country, I'd skip the 4x4 but keep the limited slip rear end. Stepping back to the gas engine also saves a bunch of weight which increases the payload, but not the tow rating. In an SD, that would probably translate to pretty decent gas mileage pulling a 6K# trailer.

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Old

Jan 4, 2015 | 09:22 AM

#12

jdadamsjr

Post Fiend

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 11,314

Likes: 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by asdrew

.... my tailgate & topper window are closed even with 16' lumber.........

Not being picky but you have a 16' bed ?!?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC7010

....My truck is a '12 F250 XLT Super Cab with short box, 10K GVWR package, 4x4, and 6.3L diesel. .........

I guess I AM being picky this morning

never heard of a 6.3L diesel ?~?~?

especially in a 2012 ....

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Old

Jan 4, 2015 | 09:37 AM

#13

SteveC7010

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 58

Likes: 0

From: Northville, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdadamsjr

I guess I AM being picky this morning

never heard of a 6.3L diesel ?~?~?

especially in a 2012 ....

Oops, fumbly fingers. 6.7, just like in my sig.

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Old

Jan 4, 2015 | 10:22 AM

#14

asdrew

Tuned

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 262

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From: Clermont, Florida

[QUOTE=jdadamsjr;14964639]Not being picky but you have a 16' bed ?!?

I would love a 16' bed, or even 10' but fyi If you open the sliding window on the cab you can put 16' lumber through it into the 8' long cab. 8' of bed + 8' of cab = 16' of cargo length as long as it fits through the window (196" in fact)

16+ feet from windshield to tailgate.

- excuse the mess in the back of my truck today, it's usually neater than this

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