I have looked at every 5th wheel/class c/trailer mfr website, used rvs, etc., but don't have a clue as to going about researching a tow vehicle.  What is it going to cost me, which model do I need, is the hitch installed separately somewhere else, etc.  Buying a vehicle has to be the absolute least favorite thing I've ever done, and since I don't know the first thing about trucks or towing, I could easily be bamboozled.  Can anyone steer me in the right direction - maybe with a website or two that explains such things?  Thanks.

BTW, I keep coming back to Americana LC 31/32/RK or RL.  GVWR 12,380.  The problem is that I don't think I can afford it plus the tow vehicle without some financing, and I really want to avoid doing that.
gypsy

gypsy97 you will need to base your tv on the weight of the trailer. With a GVRW of 12380 you might be able to get by with a 3/4 ton truck but would be better to get a 1ton. The model of the truck indicates its weight rating such as a 1500 or F150 is a 1/2 ton, 2500 or F250 is 3/4 ton and F350 or 3500 is a 1ton. You also need to check the rating for the truck itself to make sure it is capable of towing your trailer weight. Dual rear wheels also increase the pin weight but not the towing weight. Try and make sure you know what truck capacity is for what you need and not put your trust in a sales person. As far as a hitch. You can usually get it where you purchase you trailer. Sometimes it will be included in the purchase or you can make that a requirement. There are a number of sites that list trucks and their towing capacities but my mind is drawing a blank. You should be able to google it and find something. Jesse

I found a website (Edmunds) with a lot of info about the F-350, but there are so many choices and I'm confused.  Do I need 4WD or will 2WD be ok?  My 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 4WD, actually AWD, and I've never put it into 4WD.  I simply  don't drive in situations where I would need it.  What does it add when towing a 10-13k 5th wheel?  I would need the command tow package I presume; what about the special mirrors.  Would it be better to get mirrors from a place that specializes in RV accessories rather than a Ford dealer?  What does the diesel do for towing a 5ver other than use fuel that costs way more but gets you way better mileage?  Is there a big enough difference in performance?  The reviewers didn't seem to think the Ford diesel was as good as the other two, Dodge-Chevrolet. 
gypsy

You can definitely get by with 2wd, the 4wd is just for insurance if you get in muddy or very slippery conditions. The tow command package with the integrated brake controller is a necessity and Fords is excellent. Fords mirrors on the tow package extend to 8' wide and I would recommend them. Diesel vs gas is a question of towing power and longevity. The weight your proposing should be towable with gas, but your mileage will be lower and engine life shorter. Question gets down to how long do you expect to be living this RV life. If it's a long time then it probably pays to spring the extra $5K for diesel. Those engines are good for at least 500,000 miles. Fred

Thanks, Fred.  That's exactly what I need to know.  I really don't want 4WD as I just don't feel comfortable shifting into it.  My mechanic showed me how to use it and had me try it a couple of times, but I never used it since so I've completely forgotten.  Even though I live in the mountains I just won't drive if the AWD can't handle the situation.  I think I like the idea of a diesel, although I haven't checked comparative prices on gas/diesel lately. 

By the way, have you had occasion to use 4WD in your Alaska travels?
gypsy

Gypsy, You're doing the right research by posting your questions in this forum. The RV'ers here will have the best knowledge to provide the answers you need to make the correct decision. Now is the perfect time to buy an RV & Truck. Summer is ending and the economy is such that the dealers and private sellers will be doing all they can to sell their inventory. On the 5th wheel and tow vehicle, I would start off by offering a ridiculously low amount and stick to your guns for a while just to see what kind of offers the sellers will come back with. A friend just bought a used truck (looks and runs like new) that sold for $30,000 2 years ago, he paid less than $8,000. The deals are out there. With the knowledge you'll gain with the answers provided in this forum, you'll be able to negotiate a deal for the right RV & tow vehicle at the best possible price. For the 5th wheel and the tow vehicle buy the biggest you feel comfortable with and can afford. Most RV'ers will tell you they wished they had gone bigger instead of smaller just to save some money, especially when fulltiming in an RV. Good luck in your search

Gypsy97, I'm in the yes to 4wd camp. I was once in a parking lot that was gravel and dirt. I had my jeep on its trailer (about 6,000 lbs gvw) and it rained after I arrived. I almost didn't get out of the parking lot. My rear wheels spun easily, even though the tires had pretty aggressive tread. Another time we camped on grass and in the morning dew the same thing happened. Today's 4wd trucks offer "shift on the fly" on models with automatic transmissions. That lets you push a button or turn a dial and you're in 4wd. Couldn't be easier. As far as gas or diesel, all of the big three manufacturers equip their trucks with engines from reputable companies; Chevy, Duramax, Dodge Cummings, and Ford International. The differences in brands comes after that. The Dodge transmission is notoriously failure prone, ( the saying goes that the only problem with the Dodge Cummings is the truck around the engine). I own a Ford and I really like the tranny, and I haven't heard anything about the Chevies. Diesels will work less hard than gassers when towing and get somewhat better mileage, so the difference in fuel price can be moot, depending on how you drive. Diesels last much longer and have better resale. They also wiegh more so if your too close to your GCWR, a diesel might put you over. If you get a truck with a "tow package" you'll already have extending mirrors, heavy duty suspension, wiring, and possibly an integrated break controller. HTH

Thanks, HTH.  I think I would like to have the 4WD but I really never felt comfortable with the one on the Jeep.  Of course I've not had occasion to use it other than trying once in the snow.  The AWD takes care of all the situations I've run into but I know RVing will be different.

I like the picture with your post.  Is that Ralph & Alice?
gypsy

gypsy97 wrote:

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Thanks, HTH. I think I would like to have the 4WD but I really never felt comfortable with the one on the Jeep. Of course I've not had occasion to use it other than trying once in the snow. The AWD takes care of all the situations I've run into but I know RVing will be different.

I like the picture with your post. Is that Ralph & Alice?
gypsy

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It is. I gotta find picture of Penny and me some day.


BTW (by the way), HTH is hope this helps. I'm acronym excessive. If you ever have 4WD questions, feel free to ask me. Off-roading is my hobby and this is my toy:

 

-- Edited by Penny and Paul at 22:21, 2008-08-09

Oh, I just now "got it"  I'm familiar with BTW, as well as a few others, but HTH didn't click.  Being a former govt employee (military) there were tons of acronyms and it was really a joke.

I can promise you I will never get myself into a situation like the guy in the picture (is that you?), at least not intentionally!  I would just climb out of the jeep and walk home.
gypsy

gypsy97 wrote:

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I can promise you I will never get myself into a situation like the guy in the picture (is that you?), at least not intentionally! I would just climb out of the jeep and walk home.
gypsy

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That's me. 

 

I get light-headed just looking at it and thinking you're gonna roll over.
gypsy

SSSSSSHH! me too!

We had to use 4 wheel drive to pull our rig off a ferry in southeast Alaska. The slope of the ramp was steep and the surface was wet and slippery. We're driving a Ford 350 and the switch into 4 wheel drive is a simple knob on the dash. -Just a thought but sometimes you don't have a choice as to whether you drive or not. Leslie W & RetiredGuy

          Ford puts out a document named the "Digital TL Tow Guide" which covers ALL makes, models, single and dual rear wheels, and engine and transmission combinations, group by travel trailers or fifth-wheels.  It gives the maximum towing weight for each but does not give gross vehicle weight ratings.  You have to get that from each individual manufacturer.  You can find a link to that document via "Trailer Life" magazine's web page or enter http://www.trailerlife.com/digitaledition/DigitalTLTowGuide0801.pdf in your browser's address bar.

          Keep in mind that your tow vehicle not only pulls your trailer, but also carries you, the hitch, any cargo in the truck, fuel, and its own weight.  That 4WD you're mentioning.  That adds weight and reduces your towing capacity.  And when evaluating towing capacities, don't forget the weight of water, propane, optional equipment like the second air conditioner, and the contents of the trailer (your stuff).

Anyone interested in a great tow vehicle, we have one listed for sale in the classifieds. F450 king ranch crew cab. Let us know if you're interested, we'd love to sell it. Plans have changed for us to RV full time, so we don't need the truck. Blackoak99