It is possible I have found THE ONE. The TT that will be my home for the next xx years. It is a used 24' Coachman (and it has solar panels already installed!) with the following specs:
Hitch weight - 560
Dry weight - 4129
Max cargo - 2000
So I'm trying to decide on a TV (within my budget which is 30K for TT plus TV). I originally wanted to go small (tiny TT and SUV) because I didn't want to drive a large truck around, being a petite flower, you see. It can be really uncomfortable to sit in a driver's seat intended for someone 12-16 inches taller than me.
But now that I've decided on a bigger TT than tiny, and based on advice I've seen, it seems like I should go for more truck than I think I need. Which means I should go for a Ford F250, I think. Does anyone think I'm underthinking (or perhaps overthinking) this?
Thanks!
Sophia
NWescapee said
04:22 PM Feb 10, 2014
You might want to check out a Toyota Tundra, we had a TT that we pulled with the Tundra that had the V8 engine (previous rig), I found that truck more comfortable than the Fords for those of us below average in height.
DRV said
06:52 PM Feb 10, 2014
Hello,
I have a Ford truck. Towing weights are based on truck model, engine size, and axle ratio. A ford F250 can tow up to 12,500 pounds with the largest engine and highest axle ratio. I will post a link below to the Ford towing guide:
Now, keep in mind that this comment comes from someone that has lived in small towns and in rural areas. While the Toyota's have a pretty good reputation, if you will be going to more rural areas for camping, then it might be more difficult to find Toyota dealers should one have to have repairs done. On the other hand, the Fords might have a better network of dealerships.
As for the Fords, my wife is only about 5'4" tall and had no problems with driving a Ford F250.
Terry
SophiaR said
07:40 PM Feb 10, 2014
Oh, that towing guide is very helpful! Thank you! And, Terry, thanks for the comment about the repair issues. Something to consider, that is for sure!
Sophia
WestWardHo said
08:29 PM Feb 10, 2014
NWescapee wrote:
You might want to check out a Toyota Tundra, we had a TT that we pulled with the Tundra that had the V8 engine (previous rig), I found that truck more comfortable than the Fords for those of us below average in height.
X2 on the Tundra! Great truck and we miss ours but needed to upgrade to a heavier truck to pull our big rig.
Toyota service is available almost everywhere, not that we needed it.
Sherry
NWescapee said
10:05 PM Feb 10, 2014
Agree with Sherry - very seldom needed Toyota service. I know Terry loves Fords, but honestly if Toyota built something with enough tow power for our DRV we wouldn't have a Ford now, we'd still have a Toyota. Of course, this is from a couple who has had at least one Toyota parked in our garage / driveway for well over 25 years.
I'm 5" 1' and find the F450 okay to drive, especially once we found the "special" button that pushed the pedals out so I didn't have to move the seat so far forward that I felt like I was pinned against the steering wheel. If you are vertically challenged, make sure the truck has those adjustable pedals, made a huge difference in my comfort level.
Of course I still think the Toyota was more comfortable overall and had better inside ammenties such as more cup holders, easier reach for interior controls to reach the temp controls, etc. IMO.
Penny and Paul said
09:14 AM Feb 12, 2014
We have a 2005 F250 with the 5.4L engine, 3:73 rear end, and the towing package with an integrated brake controller. We towed a trailer much like yours with it and it was a pleasure to drive. We got around 12 mpg on a trip from Chicago to Branson, MO and back. I'm gonna miss that truck when I sell it!
Paul
azrving said
11:28 AM Feb 12, 2014
I will start by saying I am a "Ford Guy" too. But I am also a mechanic by trade so I do know what I'm talking about when it comes to vehicles/trucks.
Toyota products are not as good/dependable as they used to be IMO. They are great for MPG's and great grocery getters too but their trucks are not even in the same class as the domestic (IE: Ford, Dodge, Chevy) trucks when it come to hauling/towing heavy loads.
Don't forget the frame recall on the Tundra trucks, some 2002-2003 Tundra's had to have the frame, wiring harness, brake lines replaced if you lived in wet/snowy climates and they extended this recall through 2012 (for the earlier models). The Tundra averages 15-20 mpg (unloaded) so it's no better than the domestics on fuel mileage either. I wouldn't trust the frame on any import truck if I was hauling or towing any substantial weight. Recall
Ford, Dodge & Chevy are built with hauling and towing in mind and their frames, brakes, etc. are able to handle the additional weight. If you want to make a run to Home Depot or grab some eggs and milk, the Tundra will suit you fine but leave the heavy jobs for the other trucks. My opinion.......Flame Suit On
I'd say that for what you're going to tow, the Tundra with the V-8 would be more than adequate. But as was stated by azrving, if you're looking to haul a serious load, there's nothing like good old fashioned American Iron. The new Dodge with the Cummins Diesel and Aisin tranny can pull 30,000 pounds up a hill, all day long without breaking a sweat.
Terry and Jo said
07:26 PM Feb 12, 2014
When choosing a truck, don't go by the "towing weight" of the manufacturer. What one needs to know is the Gross Vehicular Weight Rating (GVWR) of both the truck and the trailer. Then, keeping in mind that the truck won't usually get all the way to its GVWR for most people, one needs to look at the truck's Gross Combined Vehicular Weight (GCVW) rating and insure that the weights of both units of the rig do not exceed that weight.
Hello All!
It is possible I have found THE ONE. The TT that will be my home for the next xx years. It is a used 24' Coachman (and it has solar panels already installed!) with the following specs:
Hitch weight - 560
Dry weight - 4129
Max cargo - 2000
So I'm trying to decide on a TV (within my budget which is 30K for TT plus TV). I originally wanted to go small (tiny TT and SUV) because I didn't want to drive a large truck around, being a petite flower, you see. It can be really uncomfortable to sit in a driver's seat intended for someone 12-16 inches taller than me.
But now that I've decided on a bigger TT than tiny, and based on advice I've seen, it seems like I should go for more truck than I think I need. Which means I should go for a Ford F250, I think. Does anyone think I'm underthinking (or perhaps overthinking) this?
Thanks!
Sophia
Hello,
I have a Ford truck. Towing weights are based on truck model, engine size, and axle ratio. A ford F250 can tow up to 12,500 pounds with the largest engine and highest axle ratio. I will post a link below to the Ford towing guide:
http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/13FLRVTTgde_Oct19.pdf
Now, keep in mind that this comment comes from someone that has lived in small towns and in rural areas. While the Toyota's have a pretty good reputation, if you will be going to more rural areas for camping, then it might be more difficult to find Toyota dealers should one have to have repairs done. On the other hand, the Fords might have a better network of dealerships.
As for the Fords, my wife is only about 5'4" tall and had no problems with driving a Ford F250.
Terry
Sophia
X2 on the Tundra! Great truck and we miss ours but needed to upgrade to a heavier truck to pull our big rig.
Toyota service is available almost everywhere, not that we needed it.
Sherry
I'm 5" 1' and find the F450 okay to drive, especially once we found the "special" button that pushed the pedals out so I didn't have to move the seat so far forward that I felt like I was pinned against the steering wheel. If you are vertically challenged, make sure the truck has those adjustable pedals, made a huge difference in my comfort level.
Of course I still think the Toyota was more comfortable overall and had better inside ammenties such as more cup holders, easier reach for interior controls to reach the temp controls, etc. IMO.
Paul
I will start by saying I am a "Ford Guy" too. But I am also a mechanic by trade so I do know what I'm talking about when it comes to vehicles/trucks.
Toyota products are not as good/dependable as they used to be IMO. They are great for MPG's and great grocery getters too but their trucks are not even in the same class as the domestic (IE: Ford, Dodge, Chevy) trucks when it come to hauling/towing heavy loads.
Don't forget the frame recall on the Tundra trucks, some 2002-2003 Tundra's had to have the frame, wiring harness, brake lines replaced if you lived in wet/snowy climates and they extended this recall through 2012 (for the earlier models). The Tundra averages 15-20 mpg (unloaded) so it's no better than the domestics on fuel mileage either. I wouldn't trust the frame on any import truck if I was hauling or towing any substantial weight. Recall
Ford, Dodge & Chevy are built with hauling and towing in mind and their frames, brakes, etc. are able to handle the additional weight. If you want to make a run to Home Depot or grab some eggs and milk, the Tundra will suit you fine but leave the heavy jobs for the other trucks. My opinion.......Flame Suit On
Durabilty TEST Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge vs Toyota
Ford vs Tundra Frame
2014 Tundra Specs
I'd say that for what you're going to tow, the Tundra with the V-8 would be more than adequate. But as was stated by azrving, if you're looking to haul a serious load, there's nothing like good old fashioned American Iron. The new Dodge with the Cummins Diesel and Aisin tranny can pull 30,000 pounds up a hill, all day long without breaking a sweat.
When choosing a truck, don't go by the "towing weight" of the manufacturer. What one needs to know is the Gross Vehicular Weight Rating (GVWR) of both the truck and the trailer. Then, keeping in mind that the truck won't usually get all the way to its GVWR for most people, one needs to look at the truck's Gross Combined Vehicular Weight (GCVW) rating and insure that the weights of both units of the rig do not exceed that weight.
Terry