Trying to Decide on used vehicle for travel trailer/5er

[H@ppyCamper]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here. I hope I'm posting in the right place.

I could be moving out to Wisconsin in about 2 weeks and need to decide on a used/older vehicle. The vehicle needs to be one I can sleep in if the apartment doesn't work out. I almost hope it doesn't work out because I like the idea of full time RVing. The road feels more like home to me than being stuck in a small apartment in Wisconsin with no friends or family for 1800 miles and during the winter; doesn't sound fun (maybe I'm wrong). I've never towed before or owned a truck, but I have been reading a lot (off and on) over the last several years- I know a little bit about a lot, but not actual experience.

Size: something I can sleep in and probably boondock while I figure out RV options (and my life)

My top priority is reliability. something I can work on if need be. I don't know if vehicles after 2010 are DIY friendly.

Towability: I would like a 25ft TT or 5er. And there is one of the pickles. If I stay 25'/6000# and under that's 1500/f150 territory. if I meet a special person and she wants bigger TT, than that puts me in 2500/f250 territory. I've thought about a Class C. I like that idea, but I don't want something falling apart on me all the time and I'm out of a home till fixed.(maybe it's not that bad?) I'd probably tow 100-400 miles a month. I don't think diesel is necessary. I'm open to the idea of diesel. I love the idea of great torque and filling up at truck stops if not busy . I don't like the higher cost of parts; even though they are more robust and have greater longevity I'm not financially fit enough to take a chance on diesel.

I'm hoping to spend no more than $15,000, so older/higher mile vehicle Maybe 150k and lower. The rest of my money will be saved for travel trailer or 5th wheeler.

My top picks are: 99-2006 Silverado/Sierra 1500/2500 2000-20?? Suburban/Yukon xl 1500/2500 I think if I go 90's the MPG's take a hit. Less efficient. I don't like AFM and DoD. I don't think I want to mess with that?

My questions to anyone willing to answer is:

1) Is a 1/2 ton truck that much more comfortable to ride than 3/4 truck? If I decide on 3/4 truck, I will travel from Eastern Washington all the way to Green Bay almost unloaded, hopefully with truck topper. I don't want chipped teeth when I show up to Wisconsin. If apartment doesn't work out I'm hitting the road.

2)I know the MPGs will be less (when unloaded) than 1/2ton truck, but how much worse 10/14 vs 12/18 ? Is it worth it to have more truck for more possibilities in future.

3) Is there any Ford trucks I should add? Why? The Ford f250 v10 seems less capable until 2005? I think I would rather have the Chevy 8.1L I don't know if Ford has better ride or more prone to electrical problems?

4) Is 20ish year old truck/suv too old? Even with no rust and good maintenance and some repairs can I make that work, is that reasonable?

Any thoughts, suggestions or corrections would be very much appreciated. Thank you --H@appyCamper

 

[TonyL]

Wisconsin in winter in any RV is going to be a bigger problem than deciding what tow vehicle.

 

[Isaac-1]

1, In my experience modern (post year 2000) 3/4 ton trucks ride MUCH better than older models, and are at least comparable to 1/2 ton models, it is not a night and day difference like it was on say perhaps a 1990 3/4 ton truck.

2, This really depends on what year range you are talking about, trucks have became a lot more fuel economic in the last few years, particularly when not towing.

3, I have a 2000 model F250 with 7.3 Diesel, it does not get used much anymore, but I have owned it since 2009 and other than wear items it has generally been reliable, as I recall I have only needed to have it towed twice, once when the clutch linkage broke and the clutch pedal fell to the floor, and once when it would not start due to a failed relay. Having said that I suspect the long term parts availability will be better for the Ford 6.8L vs the Chevy 8.1L (I have an 8.1L in my motorhome), the 8.1L is already having these issues.

4, I have a 23/24 year old F250, it works, though I generally only use it to haul stuff on the weekends these days, at the same time I have no concern taking to pick up something 200 miles away. I will say though that it is much more no frills, no drivers assist, etc. it also has chronic problems, like the power locks not working, and needing to replace the windshield wiper motor every couple of years.. Would I want to use it to tow a travel trailer around the country, probably not, would it do it, without excessive issues, probably.

 

[H@ppyCamper]

Wisconsin in winter in any RV is going to be a bigger problem than deciding what tow vehicle.

I completely agree. I would high tail it out of there and head back to west coast... or maybe east coast. I have read there is less boondocking opportunities in the east than the west.

 

[H@ppyCamper]

1, In my experience modern (post year 2000) 3/4 ton trucks ride MUCH better than older models, and are at least comparable to 1/2 ton models, it is not a night and day difference like it was on say perhaps a 1990 3/4 ton truck.

2, This really depends on what year range you are talking about, trucks have became a lot more fuel economic in the last few years, particularly when not towing.

3, I have a 2000 model F250 with 7.3 Diesel, it does not get used much anymore, but I have owned it since 2009 and other than wear items it has generally been reliable, as I recall I have only needed to have it towed twice, once when the clutch linkage broke and the clutch pedal fell to the floor, and once when it would not start due to a failed relay. Having said that I suspect the long term parts availability will be better for the Ford 6.8L vs the Chevy 8.1L (I have an 8.1L in my motorhome), the 8.1L is already having these issues.

4, I have a 23/24 year old F250, it works, though I generally only use it to haul stuff on the weekends these days, at the same time I have no concern taking to pick up something 200 miles away. I will say though that it is much more no frills, no drivers assist, etc. it also has chronic problems, like the power locks not working, and needing to replace the windshield wiper motor every couple of years.. Would I want to use it to tow a travel trailer around the country, probably not, would it do it, without excessive issues, probably.

Thank you for just a quick response.
Do you think 2010 and newer trucks are as reliable and DIY friendly as 2000s trucks? Do 2010 and newer HD trucks have AFM or DoD? Several mechanic videos online have said the 99-2006 era is a great balance of technology + mechanical simplicity.

 

[MN Blue Skies aka Max]

Hi Happy Camper. Welcome to the RV Forum. You will find lots of great advice here.

I met my special someone 12 years ago. We have been RVing for eight years.

Here's our progression of RV's and tow vehicles. It was an expensive path. Our story ...

1. First we bought a new 22' TT pulled by a used Durango and then we bought a used RAM 1/4 ton truck. It was a nice combo but it struggled through Yellowstone and the TT was too cramped for a 5 week trip.
2. We decided to upgrade to a used 35' 5th wheel so we needed a bigger truck. DH was thinking about a 3/4 ton truck but I insisted we should get a 1 ton diesel. DH agreed and we bought a nice 2012 RAM at a very good price.

I guess the moral of my story is to buy the biggest/best diesel you can afford because most 1st time RVers will end up buying a bigger RV and will end up needing a bigger truck.

 

[rgsauger]

You might consider a pre-def diesel such as Cummins Dodge, ford, or Chevy. You are prob looking at pre 2010. 3/4 ton minimum. Look for a southern truck without the rust problems from up north. If not towing too heavy or too far, a gasser will work, too.

 

[PancakeBill]

I have a 2007 Chev 2500mHD with the 6.1 L engine, Love it. It is a stiff-ish ride, but my wife does not complain, so all good. It is capable of more weight than I pull by a bunch. Been through mountains, steep ascents and descents. No issues. In 07 there were 2 models, the Classic and what they call NBS,, New Body Style. The NBS is the way to go.

 

[Ex-Calif]

I started with a 30 foot class A even though I was looking for a 24 foot TT. The class A was a deal too good to pass up.

The good thing about going with towables is you don't have to make the leap in one bound. Currently you are single.

I would get an older 1/2 ton and a 20-22 foot trailer. Get going with that and look to upgrade the truck to a 3/4 ton. Then if Ms. right comes along you are well prepared to trade in the small trailer for a 30-ish one and that should do well for a couple for a long time.

Of course if you get the bug really bad and win the lottery the next step would be 1 ton and probably a 5W.

I currently have the 1/2 ton and am looking for the 20-24 foot trailer now.

 

[Kirk]

I have read there is less boondocking opportunities in the east than the west.

You do realize that to live in a place that has no RV hookups, you will need to have a source of electricity, a source of fresh water, a place to dump waste water, and trash disposal?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

While I'm sympathetic to the "more truck is better" crowd, I think your notion of a half-ton truck for a 25 ft/6000 lb trailer is fine. Just be aware that there is a wide range of tow capability under the "half ton" label and that you have to verify the actual tow & payload ratings for each individual truck.
At today's truck prices, finding a clean & mechanically reliable half-ton under $15k will probably put you in the early 2000's and may take some searching.

I'll also agree with the others that your notion of long-term boondocking is a rose-colored glasses thing. It can be done, but you are surely underestimating the effort and cost of providing electricity, propane, fresh water and waste disposal. And winter living in any RV is a marginal situation even if you can find a winter campsite with hook-ups.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Like the prior post, living in any type of camper through a Wisconsin winter is going to be a bigger challenge than trying to find the right type of RV, or truck/camper combo that will work. The real answer is probably nothing will do the trick because very few RVs are made to sustain winter living. Weekend ski getaway maybe, but not months on end in sub-freezing weather.

Now all that being said what hasn't been addressed is most RVs that are anything less than very expensive diesel motorhomes or higher-end fifth wheels are not made with durable enough materials to sustain full-time living in. Couple this with the OP's quest to buy an older used rig could mean more than the common person is up to with fix and repair, no less the expense of repair materiels and additional labor if so needed.

Hate to be such a downer but the OP has a very tall order for himself without any hands-on experience, only what he has read.

 

[H@ppyCamper]

I started with a 30 foot class A even though I was looking for a 24 foot TT. The class A was a deal too good to pass up.

The good thing about going with towables is you don't have to make the leap in one bound. Currently you are single.

I would get an older 1/2 ton and a 20-22 foot trailer. Get going with that and look to upgrade the truck to a 3/4 ton. Then if Ms. right comes along you are well prepared to trade in the small trailer for a 30-ish one and that should do well for a couple for a long time.

Of course if you get the bug really bad and win the lottery the next step would be 1 ton and probably a 5W.

I currently have the 1/2 ton and am looking for the 20-24 foot trailer now.

Are there any 1/2 ton truck make/models that stand out. I think 2000-2010. I can increase my budget to 20k if I live out of the truck bed/topper for a year. That will buy me time to save up and possibly build out/convert a cargo trailer for 4 seasons use.

 

[Isaac-1]

Half ton towing capacity for the US manufacturers has been steadily going up over the last 20+ years, therefore generally speaking the newer the design the better. The only model I would say to avoid is Toyota, as the Tundra is not known for its towing capacity.

 

[H@ppyCamper]

Like the prior post, living in any type of camper through a Wisconsin winter is going to be a bigger challenge than trying to find the right type of RV, or truck/camper combo that will work. The real answer is probably nothing will do the trick because very few RVs are made to sustain winter living. Weekend ski getaway maybe, but not months on end in sub-freezing weather.

Now all that being said what hasn't been addressed is most RVs that are anything less than very expensive diesel motorhomes or higher-end fifth wheels are not made with durable enough materials to sustain full-time living in. Couple this with the OP's quest to buy an older used rig could mean more than the common person is up to with fix and repair, no less the expense of repair materiels and additional labor if so needed.

Hate to be such a downer but the OP has a very tall order for himself without any hands-on experience, only what he has read.

I appreciate your time and honesty. I don't want to get into something that is doomed from the beginning. I think I can make this work. I would travel around and stay in warmer areas until summer. sometimes it's comforting knowing you have no other options.

 

[Ex-Calif]

Are there any 1/2 ton truck make/models that stand out. I think 2000-2010. I can increase my budget to 20k if I live out of the truck bed/topper for a year. That will buy me time to save up and possibly build out/convert a cargo trailer for 4 seasons use.

As (I think) Gary said 1/2 ton is just a "class" - the devil is in the details. My 2019 Ram 1500 crew cab will tow 8900#.

I am not brand loyal but when I was truck shopping, apples for apples I was looking at more truck for a Ram vs. Chevy or Ford. You can argue all day about reliability and longevity and yada, yada,yada but I trade my stuff in every 10 years at most so I reckon my Ram will make it to 2029. Most truck (tow/payload) least price...

I am not super smart about 10+ year old trucks so really can't advise you there - lots smarter guys on trucks around here. I drove SUVs and Jeeps until I moved country a couple years ago. This Ram is my first "full size" pick up ever.

 

[RedForeman]

I think 2 weeks is cutting it too close on finding any suitable used pickup. The market is improving, but there's still a lot of overpriced junk for sale by owners and on the dealer lots. Finding a good one that fast will be a tall order.

That said, there will be more 1/2 ton pickups for sale than heavier duty ones so your odds would be better. If you're gonna do it anyway, find one of those then trade up if the need arises.

Personally I been through the list of different pickups over two decades, and it took me 15 years and 5 trades to figure out I should have bit the bullet on a 3500 dually on the first one. Not saying you should, just sharing my own account.

 

[Bearcatrp]

If you’re tight on money, trailer courts can be cheaper. Think you’re not ready for buying both vehicle and RV. Get your vehicle first. Move to Wisconsin, get a place and job, ruff it at least one year. During that time, check out RVs that are within towing specs of what you buy. 3/4 ton will future proof for a decent size RV. But there are plenty of tow behind RVs within towing range for a half ton. I started with a half ton towing a TT weighing 7800 lbs. then the bug hit me and 2 vehicles and RVs later, am in a 1 ton and a 5th wheel. Start slow, get on your feet, then move on. Living in an RV in the Wisconsin winter will be very expensive. RVs are usually not made for winter living. The propane alone will wipe out any savings. Unless you’re going Deep South for the winter, don’t do it. Good luck.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Just to add, assuming you’re single, a camper in the back of the bed could work for you. Less space to heat. Can remove it and set it on the ground. Still wouldn’t advise winter living. A 1 ton long box dually can fit a good size RV for the truck bed. Just a thought.

 

[Ex-Calif]

Just to add, assuming you’re single, a camper in the back of the bed could work for you. Less space to heat. Can remove it and set it on the ground. Still wouldn’t advise winter living. A 1 ton long box dually can fit a good size RV for the truck bed. Just a thought.

In my search for a replacement TT I went down the slide in route - Everything affordable is pretty much junk. Newer slide ins are very heavy and I couldn't find decent ones for less than like $9000. At that point its a few thousand to a later model 20 footer.

Definitely potential.

In terms of winter heating - the only practical way si if the park has free electricity and you use space heaters. Even in the mild Florida winter I was using a tank a month on propane.

<sigh>

I do agree with getting into a cheap apartment for the first winter and assess what he is dealing with.