I am thinking of buying a '97 F350 dually extended cab with Powerstroke diesel and automatic. I want to pull a 5th Wheel Camper. I also want to get 4WD since I have been stuck on wet grassy fields before. I don't really know if this is a good idea or not to get 4WD. I am also worried about how high they are with 4WD and if a 5th wheel camper will fit over the bed rails. Would like to hear anybody's experience in needing 4WD for camping or in the bed height issue. I don't plan on using this off-road at all. Only highway & secondary roads plus state park roads to campgrounds.

 

Larry, Do you need that much truck just to pull your camper?? A F250 with the old 5.8 or newer 5.4 should work just fine.

If you have the money go for it, but that is a lot of truck just for camping.

IMHO of course.

John
jowilker@nc.freei.net

66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.

 

John,

With the tounge weight of the 5th wheeler at about 1800 lbs plus 1000 lbs passengers and cargo, I thought it would be best to get the dually (1-ton). Also, does't the 1-ton have more square inches of braking surface pads? What are your thoughts on the 4WD vs 2WD? Larry

 

I say get the 4x4. How much does your trailer weigh? You may want to post this on the (super duty and heavy duty) thread. You may get better responses there, since this one is mainly for the F-150s

 

Larry, You are asking an opinion question, and you know everyone has one. I think 4X4s are more of an immage thing than anything else. I live in central North Carolina and folks are buying 4x4s out the yazoo, for the few snows that we have anually. What do you see first in trouble when the tv crews go out, the 4X4s. I'm 51 years old, have lived in this area all my life, don't own a 4X4, snow tires or snow chains, and drive everywhere that I want to in the snow. 4X4s cause people to do things that they otherwise might not do. There are instances that they will help get you rolling when a 4X2 wouldn't, but once you are moving.....

Yes the rear drums are larger on the dually than a 4 wheel truck. Most trailers have brakes on them also. 1800 lbs shouldn't be too much for a F250. The tow vehicle of choice for many years has been the truck wagon by that other company.

So is a dually a larger horse for handling a big load, ABSOLUTY. Can your trailer be towed safely with a F250 most likely.

Do you have the funds to purchase, maintain, and feed that big horse when it isn't pulling your trailer the few times a year that most people use one, thats for you to decide.

A good come-a-long, some nylon tow straps, for a couple hundred bucks, could help you get started when you have made a bad choice and stayed when you should have been gone.

My 2, Good luck with your choice,

John
jowilker@nc.freei.net

66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.

 

4X4 on duels is not a good combination. It might help you in some limited areas but for the most part a 4X4 like that is the first thing to get stuck. Save the money and get a 2WD F250/350. You have a lotta weight with the diesel. Why add to it with a 4X4 that you are not planning on using?

 

I have a 97 F-350 dually Power Stroke pulling a 32' Prowler fith wheel with everything! We load it up like were not coming back and have put the truck to the test. Went to a campground in Colorado, Valicita Lake near Durango and if anyone has been there the back way out is rough, steep and not really the way you want to go. We get there have a clearance problem can't use the bridge only way in the back road! Going in slow and no problem. Two weeks later after Heavy rains everyday we had to leave. Well Some felt we could make it and some said No way! Had the owners bobcat follow just in case cause once you start you have to finish. No going back. Brother we pulled out of there and not even a tire spin! I was so proud of my truck and me! No one would ride with me they were so scared of the road. Steep, two very sharp turn and muddy. If your going to off road the truck itself fine get the 4X4. For pulling the fith wheel not needed. It's very hard to get stuck with a dually and decent driver. If you do you shouldn't have been there to begin with. My only recomendation is an exhuast brake which I'm working on now. Good Luck Don.

 

I have a 2000 F350 SC Dually with 4WD. I have never regretted having 4WD, but there have been many times (when I didn't have it) that I wished I had. If you get 2WD, at least get a locking differential-you'll need it. You can carry tow straps just in case your 2WD gets stuck, but it'll be the guy in the 4WD that will pull you out. I pull a 3-horse gooseneck trailer and the bed rail height is not a problem. Ford has a lowering kit for the new Superduty trucks if there is a clearance problem. If you are just going to pull your camper on good roads, I think you'll be happy with 2WD. I have many friends who pull horse trailers, and the ones who get 2WD trucks always get single rear wheels. The dually trucks without 4WD get stuck on wet, grassy, ground.