You are mostly correct these old trucks didn't have the tow ratings we see now with modern trucks. Your calculations may be a bit off however, you want to subtract the loaded curb weight of the truck ready to travel from the GCWR to get the available trailer weigh and that won't necessarily be the max GVW. The diesel+manual combo does seem to be a limiting factor for this truck though as the max tow rating with a 460 gas and auto is close to 20k lbs.

 

 

I agree with that, but be sure to nail down what size trailer you will eventually get before committing to a truck. It seems lots of guys are making the mistake of assuming an modern F250 diesel can tow anything, the powertrain certainly can but the pin weight of a larger 5th wheel can put the combo over the GVWR for that truck making a 1-ton necessary.

 

Out of the box, a 2017+ F-350 is going to give you and the family a much more pleasant drive. Quiet cab, nice amenities and lots of power without having to fiddle around with software or hardware mods.

 

 

That's a good argument if you need to convince your wife - especially if it's the family that want an RV.

Rob

 

For reference: My wife and I bought our first travel trailer when I was towing with a 2001 Clubwagon Chateau (Van) with a 7.3 PSD. We bought a 28' trailer and the van towed it easily. However, my wife had reluctantly traveled with me to race weekends (towing my car hauler) in this van. She didn't care for it because it was noisy and she could smell the diesel exhaust occasionally. I upgraded to an '07 F350 PSD, which was an improvement in comfort and quiet. However, she was still somewhat reluctant to make longer trips, especially to go camping, in the truck.

So last fall I traded the '07 F350 on a '17 F250 PSD. This is now her favorite vehicle. While it was intended only for tow duty its her choice for any highway travel and much of our day to day outings together. She prefers it over my car and her 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe for highway travel. So now when we go camping, or to race weekends, in the new truck she is happy to go and distance isn't an issue. Its quiet, comfortable and no diesel exhaust smell. So now we go camping more often and make more adventurous trips. A win win. So consider the new truck.

 

My wife has a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. She likes it, but I think she HAS to because she did the research and picked that specific one. Even if she liked the F-350 over the Hyundai I don't think she would admit it. Personally, I really don't care for the ride of the Hyundai. I think it is harsh. Plus, the non-turbo 4 banger is loud. The F-350 has a quieter cabin. The only advantage of the Hyundai on road trips is that I don't have to drive.

 

 

Just a couple notes...

- I wouldn't necessarily forget about getting a fiver now. A little shopping might find one that will work for you. There are "Ultralights" available. I prefer a fiver but I wouldn't push you in either direction because there are good reasons for choosing either one. Just making sure you didn't think I was pushing you one way or the other. Go see some of each and check the specs.

- If rear disc conversion means the truck, then I'd skip that. Front discs on a car/truck are an improvement with no doubt. Rear discs are not really necessary. Some guys like converting to discs on a camper and I can sort of see that.

- Might consider an intermediate axle ratio like 4.10. Calculate your rpms with current axle, 4.10 and 4.88 for comparison. 4.88 seems a bit high for a diesel is the only reason I suggest doing a paper exercise first. Diesels tend to run out of breath around 3000 rpms or lower.

 

I'd tow with that truck, just add some power, gears and better brakes. Would a newer truck be nicer? Probably. It's it worth $20K-30k+ more? Not to me. It's not like they weren't pulling weight with them back when they were new. Plus cool old truck beats new truck any day.

 

 

Hey 65, you are dead on with your estimates.... I currently have a 3.55 ratio with 36" tires... at 60 mph that's 1,988 rpms... going to 4.88s puts me at 2,733 rpms while the 4.10 puts me at 2,296. Mine does start cutting back around 2,800-3,000 rpms as u stated so 4.10s look to be best choice. You're good!

 

HA! This is out third Hyundai. Her first was a 2010 Elantra, the second a 2013 Sonata and then he bought a manual transmission 2015 Kia Soul (a division of Hyundai), which she dearly loved. All she picked out herself. We initially bought the Elantra in part because Hyundai was a client of mine at the time and we could get it at a significant discount.

Her Soul was totaled by hail earlier this year and the rental car she got during the settlement process was a Santa Fe. We were shopping for a replacement Soul when she ran across this Santa Fe and she decided she liked the rental enough to buy one. Again, her call. She loves it. Its quiet enough and comfortable. We have traveled in it. She regularly makes the 5-6 hour run to her parents home in it. I drive it somewhat regularly and its reasonably good. The AWD system works very well, ride is good, power is adequate handling isn't on par with the best in class but that's not unexpected. Seats are a little wide and flat for my tastes but are OK otherwise. Engine, her's is a Sport 2.0 Turbo, has more than adequate power but is a little more noticeable than ideal but not intrusive. Their her cars and she gets to pick them. She asks me my opinion but I don't tell her what to buy. She had wanted an SUV with AWD and now she has one. She likes it so she's happy and that's what matters.

When we are going somewhere together and I ask her which vehicle she wants to take, unless she wants to drive her car, the response is always "the truck!". If we are planning a trip and are driving she always asks; "we're taking the truck right?".

Her Santa Fe and my Super Duty. Other car behind the truck.