Right now I’m towing a 24ft travel trailer (wet weight is 7,000 pounds) and wondering if I should get another 1500 or a 2500 truck.... I tow about 5 to 7 times a year... Only want a V8... Thank you in a advance

 

So you want to go to GM or Dodge?

Personally I would get a 250 with the 6.2 over a 150 for that kind of weight IF you'll be pulling it often or long distances. If you're going to be going 50 miles down the road once in a while a 1/2 ton would be ok.

 

I would get the 3.5 ecoboost if it was me with 3.55 gears... No questions asked! 7k is nothing for that drivetrain, and if get the heavy duty payload package before getting max tow. A F250 is overkill for a 7k trailer, now if you were pulling 8500 or more, I'd get a F250 gas.

 

X2, That's what I just did for similar trailer. The F250 was a bit rougher ride than I liked for an everyday driver. The 3.5, maxtow will be fine. Get pass the V8 paradigm, I thought that's what I wanted. After much research and test drives, I knew the ecoboost was better choice for me.

 

That's the problem I have... My wife like the comfort of the Ram

 

I actually towed my old 7600gvwr trailer once with the a 2019 Ram 1500 and while it towed ok, I would not want to tow any more than that. It had enough power and ran good, but the suspension was to soft. I towed the same trailer with a 2018 F150 EcoBoost 3.5 without max tow but had HDPP and it towed it much better, like it wasn't even there. We were originally gonna buy a new truck, then the wife wanted a bigger trailer...We bought a new bigger trailer(9500 gvwr) and decided to buy a diesel Excursion and it is AWESOME!

If I were not being biased I would buy the Ford first, Ram second and get a Tundra before I got a GM product. They just arent up to snuff when towing in my opinion.

 

So with my 3.55 gear ratio and if I upgrade to heavy duty suspension would that make a difference?

 

What do you have now?

The reason the new F150's work perfect with a 3.55 gear set is they have the 10 speed trans, and the EcoBoost 3.5 is a beast!

 

2009 Ram 1500 4x4 crew cab 5 speed

 

And, that doesnt do a good job of towing your trailer now? I used to tow my 7600gvwr trailer( but scaled for me at 7k since I didnt pack it tight nor have water in it) with my 2003 Expedition 4x4 5.4 and did just fine, never had one issue, although I never towed in the mountains with it.

What gears are in your Ram now? Stock tire size?

 

It's towed decently but harder on big hills .... Just thought bigger truck so more payload....tires was originally a 33' R20 and I brought it down to 32' R20...my next choice would be to change wheel and rim to R17
... My gear ratio is 3.55 with 5 speed auto

 

changing gears to 4.11 would do wonders for your towing, 17" wheels along with some LT rated tires, you would notice a big difference.

 

True but still gotta watch the payload

 

Brakes are very important along with wdh and transmission coolers. As all other axles, 9 inch rear wheel bearings do have a load limit. There is a reason for HD trucks. I have exceeded the limit many time when I was younger but will not do again.

 

Without reading more comments, there is the answer. The wife likes the Ram more. Case closed. No further investigation needed. End of discussion Lol

Seriously, at 24' max 7,000 pounds. You should be fine with a modern 1/2 ton. Especially if upgrading the trailer in the future is not a thing and the truck is more than enough for your regular needs. Quick story. A buddy of mine was a Ford guy then switch to Dodge in the early 2000s. He would buy a new Ram every 2 to 3 years because of mileage. The dealer would give him rediculous trade in allowance as well. In 2010, we were going out to an event in which we were towing his Mule UTV. He complained about the truck not being able to tow even with a tow package. I was snickering some what telling him he should have gotten a Ford. He laughed and said no I will get another 1500. So fast forward to the next truck, he buys a 3500 diesel in 2011. He loves the truck. However, there was a ton of personal stuff going on in his life at the time. The truck itself was a lemon. It never seem to leave the shop. Fast forward to 2017, I was visiting him the one day, we got to talking about trucks. Long of the short was going to trade his 3500 in for a new 2017 F250. He said the dealer gave him 29,000 for the truck towards the F250. He said deal. He still has and loves his 250. He says it has been the best truck he has ever owned. Because of my 2 super duties, not just him but another friend also bought a 2018 F350. His truck is nice!

So would a 250 work? Yes. Would a 150 work? Yes. If you want a 1/2 ton, I would suggest to get the F150 with the HDPP option. This way you are covered.