Trucks as toad

[garyb1st]

We've had good luck with our Jeep but, it's almost 10 years old and we gave our backup vehicle to a family member who was having some financial problems. I'd like to have a truck that can be flat towed. I've thought of a full size F150 but I'm already pushing the combined weight limits of the Pace. The lightest F150 I've seen advertised is just under 5,000. My Jeep weighs about 4,600 and the Pace struggles on the big grades. I also think at some point we might consider a bumper pull trailer as an alternative to the Pace.

I'm looking for a late model (2018 to 2022) truck with a good track record. While I'd look at the new Ford Maverick, I don't think that would be a great option if we decided to sell pull a trailer. I like the Ford Ranger but they weigh almost as much as the Jeep. While that may ultimately be the vehicle I buy, I'd like some alternatives. I've also read the auto industry is in for some difficult times so am thinking it might make sense to wait for 6 months or so. Still, I don't like not having a second vehicle for those one-off situations when it's needed.

With that in mind what truck would you recommend and why?

 

[Arch Hoagland]

What engine does your Pace Arrow have?

 

[garyb1st]

Pace has the Vortec 8.1. It's chipped and I was told has 400 hp and 500 lbs torque. The operative words are "I was told".

Compared to our 1999 Rexhall with the 2valve 275 hp V10 it doesn't seem much stronger. While the Combined weight on the Pace is probably 4,000 more than our old Rexhall, I was hoping for better performance . At the end of the day, both struggle to maintain 30 - 35 mph on the big grades. The Pace is probably a bit stronger.

 

[IBTripping]

A Colorado truck with a V6 or diesel should weigh less than 5,000 lbs. With the V6 or diesel will be able to pull a small travel trailer if you decide to downsize.

 

[8Muddypaws]

I guess that depends on how big of a trailer you're thinking about. F150 4x4s are really easy to tow, but not very good at towing big.

 

[Kirk]

I was told has 400 hp and 500 lbs torque. The operative words are "I was told".

I think someone was dreaming when they told you that one. but it is a solid engine, just not very fast in a motorhome.

To find a truck that weighs under 5000# which can tow much of a travel trailer isn't likely to happen. Even the F-150 isn't a good tow vehicle for any but the smaller travel trailers.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

What engine does your Pace Arrow have?

The engine in the Pace isn't the limiting factor. The standard 8.1L puts out 340 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, more than sufficient for a 22,000 lb coach with a 4000-5000 lb toad. The Pace is constrained by the Allison 1000 transmission and the strength of the back end of the chassis where the hitch receiver is mounted. The Pace is rated to tow 5000 and you need not worry about nearing that upper limit.

An F150 Supercrew 4x4 has a curb weight around 4500 lbs, but extra options can push that up over 5000, so be careful what you buy. A truck like that can tow a trailer around 7500 lbs, which is about what a typical 25 foot TT weighs these days..

 

[Heli_av8tor]

Gary, your jeep is only half as old as your Pace.

 

[garyb1st]

Gary, your jeep is only half as old as your Pace.

Your suggesting I should sell the Pace? I agree. It's the reason I've been looking for that dream diesel pusher. One of those 32' 500 hp 1600 lbs torque pushers with long wheelbase, side radiator and 4 slides. So far the only time I find them is when I'm dreaming.

 

[UTTransplant]

Our 2023 F-150 4X4 weighs 5200 pounds with our standard gear in it. That doesn’t include the RZR BTW. Don’t count on getting one under 5,000 pounds.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Our 2023 F-150 4X4 weighs 5200 pounds with our standard gear in it. That doesn’t include the RZR BTW. Don’t count on getting one under 5,000 pounds.

Good feedback - thanks

 

[garyb1st]

Our 2023 F-150 4X4 weighs 5200 pounds with our standard gear in it. That doesn’t include the RZR BTW. Don’t count on getting one under 5,000 pounds.

The F150 is on my short list. Is a 4x4 required to flat tow?

 

[Larry N.]

The F150 is on my short list. Is a 4x4 required to flat tow?

It depends on the vehicle, but most often what allows flat towing is the transfer case on a 4x4- check on the specific truck, though, before buying.

 

[garyb1st]

Larry, are you aware of any non-4x4 Fords that can be flat towed. Don't get much snow here in California and usually don't camp in higher elevations in the winter months. I'd actually prefer a rear wheel drive with a non-slip differential.

 

[Alaskansnowbirds]

Larry, are you aware of any non-4x4 Fords that can be flat towed. Don't get much snow here in California and usually don't camp in higher elevations in the winter months. I'd actually prefer a rear wheel drive with a non-slip differential.

If you can use a standard transmission, a lot of them can be towed 4 down. I towed a Ford Ranger for years just by putting it in neutral. Be sure to check each vehicle for this. It's my understanding that it depends on whether the oil slinger (I think that's what it's called) is on the input or output shaft of the transmission.

I believe they all are with a Driveline Disconnect. With the drive shaft disconnected the only thing turning is the rear axle.

Just a quick look at some prices of disconnects. You'll pay about the difference between a 2wd and a 4w4 truck.

The link is just one example. Search for "driveline disconnect for towing" and you'll get lots of hits.

 

[Larry N.]

Larry, are you aware of any non-4x4 Fords that can be flat towed.

Nothing specific, Gary, but as Don said many stick shifts can be flat-towed. But I'd double check on that non-slip (actually limited-slip) differential, as I'm not sure what, if any, effect it might have on the tow. The individual user manual is usually the final authority, unless you hear about changes from Ford.

 

[garyb1st]

I learned how to drive on a stick shift. I'd buy one if, the wife was not comfortable driving them. I've mentioned it before and the reception was not great.

I believe they all are with a Driveline Disconnect. With the drive shaft disconnected the only thing turning is the rear axle

I'm aware of the Driveline Disconnect. I've just never felt it was a good way to go. That and a baseless fear that it would fail when driving the toad.

 

[RayIN]

The F150 is on my short list. Is a 4x4 required to flat tow?

The only accurate flat-towing information is found under recreational towing in the owners manual. As far as I know the only 2-wd vehicles that can be flat-towed are manual transmission vehicles; or 4x4 with a neutral setting for the transfer case.
This Blue Ox list might be helpful: What Vehicles Can Be Flat Towed? - Blue Ox
edit: I just remembered, there is another option for flat-towing some 2wd vehicles: Superior Driveline - Des Moines Drive Shaft Coupling Service

 

[Heli_av8tor]

Your suggesting I should sell the Pace? I agree. It's the reason I've been looking for that dream diesel pusher. One of those 32' 500 hp 1600 lbs torque pushers with long wheelbase, side radiator and 4 slides. So far the only time I find them is when I'm dreaming.

No. Just seeing the irony of the Jeep being too old vs your Pace. I don’t buy the premise of the Jeep being too old.
I mostly dumped my ‘04 Pace Arrow 37c because I got Diesel Fever. (And I do love everything about how it drives.)

 

[garyb1st]

For me, the Pace is a toy. I'll replace it if/when I find a better toy. Hopefully that will be a gently used high end short pre-Def pusher. The Jeep is our daily driver and while it's been trouble free at the moment, it's our only car. I want a backup and since I've wanted a truck, that's what I'm looking for.