Suggestions for truck to pull 5th wheel

[Gizmo]

Not to fuel the fire of a brand war but Ram also has a factory fifth wheel/gooseneck package and they also have a factory air suspension option.  I've never driven one equipped with the air suspension but they do sit about 3" lower in the rear than a traditional leaf spring truck like mine.

I have a Ram 1-ton dually with the factory air suspension and while we have not gotten our 5th wheel yet, it has been great with our TT, what a convenience. On another note, no need to spend 80K for a truck to pull your TT, our brand new 2015 cost no where near 80K and is nicely, if not very well equipped.  When we were looking, there were many to be had for quite a bit under 80K.  Best of luck in your purchase and with your travel plans and as others have said definitely a 1-ton dually is the best choice for your 5th wheel.

 

[grashley]

For used trucks, try AutoTrader.com  or E Bay or one of many other web sites.  I recently went through this process and found a gem!  Bought it last April.  Took 6 months or more of shopping.

My requirements were Ford F350, 2012 or newer, SRW, Lariat or higher, diesel, 4WD, bucket seats, NOT black leather, Gooseneck hitch option, under 50K miles.  Of all trucks listed, very few met this requirement, but I only wanted one!  Filtered to only diesel Lariat 4WD, it was about 4 or 5 out of 100.

I found a 2013 that was almost perfect.  It was a supercab, not crew cab (acceptable) and no tailgate step (which I wanted).  It was 200 miles away, 3660 miles!!!!  for $43,500.  Sticker on an identical new truck was $70K.  Today, it still has less than 7,000 miles and still smells new.

This was a rare find.  Your mileage may vary.  If you do not look, you will not find one.  During the search, there was always one or two acceptable trucks listed, usually with 50k or 60K miles.

Good Luck on your search!

 

[todds]

Gordon,

Thanks for the info. You saved yourself a ton a money. Since we are not in any hurry, it makes sense to search for a good used truck.

Todd

 

[longhaul]

Thanks Vince. I'm leaning towards the F350 dually as well. Did you add anything to the suspension (similar to the AirLift product they advertise on this site)?

I wouldn't add a thing to the trucks rear suspension till you load it and make a short run.
  Its common for new folks to want to add bags/etc because they read were others did.  It all depends on the load and each truck trailer combo is different.

Ford F350 DRW has those big 9650 RAWR that can give up to 6000 lbs + in the bed....so its not likely the truck will need suspension help.

 

[todds]

I wouldn't add a thing to the trucks rear suspension till you load it and make a short run.
  Its common for new folks to want to add bags/etc because they read were others did.  It all depends on the load and each truck trailer combo is different.

Ford F350 DRW has those big 9650 RAWR that can give up to 6000 lbs + in the bed....so its not likely the truck will need suspension help.

Thanks, that makes sense. Basically, if the truck is not sagging in the bed, I assume the bags aren't necessary?

 

[BIG JOE]

Thanks, that makes sense. Basically, if the truck is not sagging in the bed, I assume the bags aren't necessary?

I wouldn't add a thing to the trucks rear suspension till you load it and make a short run.
  Its common for new folks to want to add bags/etc because they read were others did.  It all depends on the load and each truck trailer combo is different.

Ford F350 DRW has those big 9650 RAWR that can give up to 6000 lbs + in the bed....so its not likely the truck will need suspension help.

Agreed.

My F-350 DRW (4x4) only squats 2-3", with the FW hooked up.

 

[todds]

Agreed.

My F-350 DRW (4x4) only squats 2-3", with the FW hooked up.

Thanks Joe. I think I have narrowed the truck to a F-350DRW (4x4) as you. Is there anything special about your suspension that I may need to ask for?

 

[BIG JOE]

Thanks Joe. I think I have narrowed the truck to a F-350DRW (4x4) as you. Is there anything special about your suspension that I may need to ask for?

Nothing real Special, or Specific.. as long as you get ALL the Camper/Towing packages. With them.. yul get all the [HD] Suspension, Cooling, 12v Electrical and hitch options, for just about ANY RV you would ever want to tow, or carry.

The [4x4 Off Road] package will get you.. Skid Plates, upgraded (Rancho) shocks, and the like.

A good Dealer will usually have a Sales guy that KNOWS and UNDERSTANDS your RV towing wants & needs ?

I think yul find... if you locate a F-350/450 Lariat, DRW, Off Road 4x4, with the Factory Hitch prep package and towing options.. it'll have All the things you NEED.. as well as all the Creature Comfort features too. FOMOCO knows what "We" want (?).. and builds them that way ?

Mine, at the time, was called: An Extreme Lariat. All the functional stuff.. and the Bells & Whistles.. without the King Ranch (luxury) options

Goes without saying but.. If you have any questions along the way.. Post them up here.. The answers are what we're all about ? 


On Edit:  The 3:73 rear end ratio is a good split.. for towing.. and a daily driver ? Your call.

 

[longhaul]

Thanks Joe. I think I have narrowed the truck to a F-350DRW (4x4) as you. Is there anything special about your suspension that I may need to ask for?

When I was on the road pulling heavy GN trailer and needed to put a new truck on the road I found my area Ford and GM commercial sales reps or mgrs knew more about towing options on a particular size truck than a dozen cars salespersons.

 

[todds]

When I was on the road pulling heavy GN trailer and needed to put a new truck on the road I found my area Ford and GM commercial sales reps or mgrs knew more about towing options on a particular size truck than a dozen cars salespersons.

That is helpful info. When we first ordered our 5th wheel, we stopped by a Chevy dealer to take a quick look at trucks. At the time, the salesperson said their 2500 would be more than sufficient to pull the trailer. So I don't have a lot of confidence in the salespeople.

 

[grashley]

If you are set on the F350 DRW 4X4, the only question left is which trim line.

XL is the basic truck with few bell and whistles.
XLT includes power seats and windows, nicer interior.
Lariat adds dual climate control, leather seats, power adj. pedals, seat memory, better radio.  A true Texas Cadillac!

Enjoy the search!!

 

[RVRAC]

2500, no way, stay away from that dealer. My son has a 2500, it would not be able to handle the FW you mentioned.

 

[Oldelevatorman]

I found a great deal on a 2015 F-350 DRW, 14,000 GVWR, 5,660 payload, 2wd, long bed! We are looking at the 365RL as well. I weighed the truck and the payload is only 200 less than the yellow sticker. I wouldn't get a truck with less than 4000# payload so you have some safety built in. Remember your need to add the hitch and everything you carry in the truck to your calculations. The pin weight on the Villano loaded will be at least 3200, so don't cut yourself short. We just put our trailer up for sale so we can move up to the Villano! Good luck!

 

[todds]

Thanks Jim. After hearing from everyone, we're going to go with the dually. And I think we have decided on the F-350 as well. BTW, overall, we're happy with the Vilano, other than a few things that will leave you scratching your head.

 

[BeaverCrap]

Chevy Silvarado Duramax with Allison transmission, one ton....the best out there, and most reliable,, I believe 950 foot pounds of torque.  Go big with the length of your camper and weight.

I'm sorry but which model year Duramax is making 950ft lbs???? The 2015/2016's are making 397hp and 765ft/lbs of torque.... The brand new 2017 L5P 6.6L Duramax is making 445hp and 910ft/lbs.

Current torque king is the 2017 Powerstroke making 925ft. lbs.

 

[todds]

I wanted to thank everyone for their comments and help with our truck purchase. A few weeks ago, we bought a 2017 F350 dually with just about every option you can think of. It's name is Hank, as in Henry Ford. The 5th wheel is Vivian VanLeigh and Hank's job is to escort her all over the country. Thanks again for all your help.

 

[grashley]

Really nice looking rig with the truck painted to match the camper!!  Thanks for the pic!!

Happy Camping!!

 

[OutdoorFT]

Very nice. Might be my next truck!

 

[Elkhounds]

Very nice setup.  I"m sure Hank will do a great job taking her around the country.  Enjoy.

 

[RVRAC]

Congratulations!