So, we decided we love the DRV 39DBRS3. It's 41' and heavy! Gross 21,000, Unloaded 16,715, Hitch 3800, CCC 3500. Number one, we want to travel conservatively and safely. We want to be able to travel through mountains etc. without worrying that our truck will be able to handle the climbing or the stopping. Number two, we need room in the truck to travel occasionally with 2 extra people. It seems pretty unanimous that a long bed and a dually are a must have. I know nothing about trucks, and since I seem to be doing most of the research in this family I'm putting it out there! What truck do we buy? Have at it boys!!!!
Jane
The Junkman said
08:37 AM Sep 30, 2014
Is this a trick question? Everyone knows this one.. No competition.. 13 and up RAM 3500 drw.. That's a easy one..Crew cab w/ long box.. and your done for a long, long time.. Do some searches here and else where..
Mine pulls, and stops, with in specs, at 70.. with cruise and AC on..23k GVW drv Lexington.
Enjoy..
There has been so many people who like ford.. so many arguments..Alot of hdt/mdt guys are switching to these too.. Lots of threads on this all over the internet..People are in denial..lol
-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 08:39:20 AM
-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 08:40:39 AM
-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 08:41:01 AM
-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 08:41:38 AM
Glenn West said
10:46 AM Sep 30, 2014
Well you can pay 60-70k for an new truck from Ram, Ford or GM. I wouldn't put one above the other. All of them are towing beasts. Then you could spend 40kish and get a converted HDT that will git a great ride, great view, more power than you will ever need, no loosing speed on even the highest hills. Register them as an motorhome and tags cheap. They turn shorter than the cc lb duallys. If you go with the LDT just watch out for your pin weight. About 5k is the most you want to put on them. Anything else air bags and such. Everyone one I know of towing with that much pin has bags. If you need bags you are overloaded. I care less what the specs state, if you modify the truck to tow more it is overloaded. I am not trying to start any war. This is facts. You decide what you want. Also if you go the LDT, my advise is an hauler bed. No issues with truck bed side clearance, easy to get to hitch. You will find many posts with people welding steel tubing to bottom of RV to get clearance. Hauler bed solves all this.
-- Edited by Glenn West on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 10:47:28 AM
-- Edited by Glenn West on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 11:02:13 AM
Terry and Jo said
11:44 AM Sep 30, 2014
Glenn touched on a good point if one goes with a light duty truck (LDT). I was reading over on SOITC (Suites Owners International Travel Club) where someone just bought a 2015 Ford F350 for their Suites. They found that they were able to lower their fifth wheel hitch to midway and be level with the trailer. With their previous GM product, they had to have their hitch set at the highest point to clear the sides of the pickup bed, and even then, they were nose high on the trailer, thus adding extra weight to the rear axle.
I can't remember whether folks were having clearance problems at the nose with the Dodge or not. But, if you don't go with an HDT (Heavy Duty Truck) like a former semi-truck, to help with clearance, the hauler body would be the way to go. We didn't because I have too much stuff to haul in the bed when we travel to use a hauler body. Incidentally, the Ford F450's have a very good turning radius, and if I remember right, the new F350's might have the same feature now.
Now, as to traveling conservatively, with respect to heavy trailers, I'm not sure any are really economical on fuel. I've not kept up with all the newer trucks, but it seems that the newer ones will have better mileage than the older ones. We have a 2008 Ford F450 and it is not economical, but, I knew that when I bought it. I bought it primarily for towing our Mobile Suites.
Terry
AZbillsfan said
02:46 PM Sep 30, 2014
I've done a ton of looking at the RV sites like this one and escapees, and if I could convince my DW that it really is a safety issue and not just a big boys' toy, I would have a HDT converted to haul. The big difference is stopping power and the ability to descend steep slopes with the "jake brake" alone, leaving your service brakes available for emergencies.
jcordar2 said
03:06 PM Sep 30, 2014
"Now, as to traveling conservatively, with respect to heavy trailers, I'm not sure any are really economical on fuel."
Sorry Terry, by "traveling conservatively", I meant having more than enough truck power to haul and stop the RV safely. We don't want to be "borderline" with the towing capacity.
"Now, as to traveling conservatively, with respect to heavy trailers, I'm not sure any are really economical on fuel."
Sorry Terry, by "traveling conservatively", I meant having more than enough truck power to haul and stop the RV safely. We don't want to be "borderline" with the towing capacity.
Well on that note, I suggest you look hard at HDT. There is a few at Escapees rv forum for sale but they are standard shift. I'm waiting on an auto shift. God bless and happy hunting.
The Junkman said
06:08 PM Sep 30, 2014
21k? and you all are telling this person to get a tractor trailer? Really?..jeeze..
Really.?.
Dude, get out and search some fourms. I got the same thing here a few months ago. Not sure what a used 13 Ram is going for .. but it's not 60k.. I bet more like 35k. but I have not looked. Maybe a used 550 ford or something too..
If you want a hdt.. skip the 5th wheel all together, and just get a class A. If I HAD to pull with a commercial tractor trailer truck.. That is what I would do.. And I expect what many of these folks should have done. Cause your not do anything else with that HDT , except pull the RV. Why bother.. you still need a daily driver.. pull it behind your diesel pusher..Me, I need my RAM for more than just pulling the RV. my work depends on it. I thought about getting a class A , and pulling it behind a DP..lol
as to the RAM's capabilities...
I'm tired of arguing with the old timer attitudes and opinions of ways of pulling heavy..too. Most forums have already stopped this argument and realized, there is a whole new level of trucks out there.
The numbers speak for themselves. And the proof is in the performance. Times change.. sometimes the people don't.
People need to look at things with a open mind.. not a closed one. I will argue a case for ever.. but if I see the truth in the matter, can see the light, I will change my opinion in a minute.. as I am convinced. Sometimes you can show the numbers, show the the evidence, prove ..beyond a doubt, and still .. still people can not see the light.. lol.. well..Lights off now..lol Keep selling tractor trailers that are hard to drive, hard to register and insure, hard to store at camp grounds, look funny pulling a big camper.. on a positive..They are very cheap though.
Of course.. just my opinion.. if it's not deleted..
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
08:37 PM Sep 30, 2014
Junkman- How long are you planning on keeping the Dodge? Many of the folks that buy the HDT's keep the trucks until they come off the road altogether. and just upgrade to newer toads when they feel the need. Many people carry Jeeps so they can explore off the beaten path, the all popular Smart car, and a host of other smaller vehicles. One couple we know lease a new car every other year. Since they carry it on all moves over 100 miles, their yearly mileage is around 7-8k a year.
The other issue, is when you use more than 60-70% of your truck capabilities continuously, the life span of the truck is reduced dramatically.
To the OP-
Its already been stated that any of the newer big 3 should perform decently for you. But weigh the pro's and con's yourself. Factor in replacement if you continue to fulltime more than 5-6 years, are both of you comfortable driving a dually truck around town, etc.
The northeast is about the only area that is tight on campsite size limits.
The Junkman said
07:33 AM Oct 1, 2014
Alie and Jims Carrilite wrote:
Junkman- How long are you planning on keeping the Dodge? Many of the folks that buy the HDT's keep the trucks until they come off the road altogether. and just upgrade to newer toads when they feel the need. Many people carry Jeeps so they can explore off the beaten path, the all popular Smart car, and a host of other smaller vehicles. One couple we know lease a new car every other year. Since they carry it on all moves over 100 miles, their yearly mileage is around 7-8k a year. The other issue, is when you use more than 60-70% of your truck capabilities continuously, the life span of the truck is reduced dramatically.
To the OP- Its already been stated that any of the newer big 3 should perform decently for you. But weigh the pro's and con's yourself. Factor in replacement if you continue to fulltime more than 5-6 years, are both of you comfortable driving a dually truck around town, etc. The northeast is about the only area that is tight on campsite size limits.
For the record, we just bought a 2015 Elantra for us to bang around in.. so the ram sits, unless I'm pulling, or working with it. Paid cash for it. I don't expect this is for everyone. 10year/ 100k on drivedrain. I was perfectly fine running the dually around. I prefer it.
Wife can't drive it at night.. that started the issue. then factor in milege, insurance, etc.. at 35 mpg, car pays for itself in 4 years.. it's free, after reselling it.. Just a numbers game. Fuzzy math. I wanted a camaro convertible, but had to settle for what made sense..that sucks..lol
I can't arugue the price of the HDT / mdt.. I see them out there stupid cheap.. less than I paid for the elantra. and could have saved money over the RAM.
But the limits and hassle for a hdt, outweighed the cost, FOR ME.. Your limited at rv parks, roads and bridges you can take, maintence cost must be way higher?.. tires are not cheap. Parking has to be nightmare, at some the parks I'm looking at. Some parks charge extra for a second vehicle. and the loss of use of a pick up truck is just a killer for me..
I think the dually guys out number the hdt/mdt guys 100 to 1, out there..probably more like 1000 to 1.
btw.. florida is very tight on campsites too.. at least the ones near attractions and water. i think you would need to stay in the woods here.. or park your HDT elsewhere? Not sure how that works. Visted 10 rv parks around tamp..seen 1 hdt.
BiggarView said
07:52 AM Oct 1, 2014
As I follow round 15642 of this "Battle of the All-Stars"... Truck edition, something that came to mind at recent visit to a repair shop, is the cost of typical repairs and maintenance items for each brand/type of TV one might select. It occurs to me that the current crop of LDTs, properly equipped should be up to the challenge depending on various usual criteria like, gear ratios, engine ratings, DRW as appropriate, pin & trailer weights etc., so personal preference/taste appears to be the deciding factor, all brand/type specific chest thumping aside. Many are passionate about their TV picks and that is perfectly OK.
But back to the cost of repair/maintenance.. filters, fluids & quantity for each service, wear on various components etc. While these items will be more or less similar for each brand within a class of vehicle, Brand X may have higher parts costs vs Brand Y. Ease of servicing some items will play a big factor in maintenance costs also.
My point being, just because Brand X can outdo Brand Y or Type B in the towing/stopping/performance arena doesn't mean it's the defacto best for a given application if it costs an arm and a leg to operate or maintain it. One has to look at all aspects to determine the so called "best" for each situation. I'd be interested to see some real world upkeep numbers for each brand and/or type of tow vehicle so I could get a handle on how much to set aside for this important budget category.
FWIW, Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Wednesday 1st of October 2014 02:44:14 PM
JackKim said
12:15 PM Oct 1, 2014
Okay.....so quick laugh at my expense.....
The topic is TV Suggestions. I read it and wondered why the topic started off with talking about trucks. Who knew TV stood for "Tow Vehicle"? Probably everyone but me. Lol.
Continue on with talking about trucks now and not what channel you are watching!
Blissfully ignorant,
Kim
Terry and Jo said
12:22 PM Oct 1, 2014
The Junkman wrote:
21k? and you all are telling this person to get a tractor trailer? Really?..jeeze..
Really.?.
Dude, get out and search some fourms. I got the same thing here a few months ago. Not sure what a used 13 Ram is going for .. but it's not 60k.. I bet more like 35k. but I have not looked. Maybe a used 550 ford or something too..
If you want a hdt.. skip the 5th wheel all together, and just get a class A. If I HAD to pull with a commercial tractor trailer truck.. That is what I would do.. And I expect what many of these folks should have done. Cause your not do anything else with that HDT , except pull the RV. Why bother.. you still need a daily driver.. pull it behind your diesel pusher..Me, I need my RAM for more than just pulling the RV. my work depends on it. I thought about getting a class A , and pulling it behind a DP..lol
as to the RAM's capabilities... I'm tired of arguing with the old timer attitudes and opinions of ways of pulling heavy..too. Most forums have already stopped this argument and realized, there is a whole new level of trucks out there. The numbers speak for themselves. And the proof is in the performance. Times change.. sometimes the people don't. People need to look at things with a open mind.. not a closed one. I will argue a case for ever.. but if I see the truth in the matter, can see the light, I will change my opinion in a minute.. as I am convinced. Sometimes you can show the numbers, show the the evidence, prove ..beyond a doubt, and still .. still people can not see the light.. lol.. well..Lights off now..lol Keep selling tractor trailers that are hard to drive, hard to register and insure, hard to store at camp grounds, look funny pulling a big camper.. on a positive..They are very cheap though.
Of course.. just my opinion.. if it's not deleted..
It came very close to being deleted.
However, the matter of HDT versus LDT takes much more into account than simply the numbers. What makes much of a factor as to the choice will also come down to how much each person wants a "comfortable feeling" with their choice. To many, that may very well be an HDT.
To criticize someone for making the recommendation that they did is irresponsible. Each recommendation, even yours, has some value but to discount all others is nonsense.
Also, always keep one's source of information in mind when considering the various options. Just because information is presented on a forum, even this one, doesn't mean that it is valid for everyone.
Now, before this thread gets to an argumentative state (as another has already done and been closed), lets get back to reasonable recommendations that will actually benefit others. Each person needs to do their own research into what "works best" for them.
Terry
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
02:01 PM Oct 1, 2014
Junkman, the rule of thumb with HDT's and campsites is if a 40' diesel pusher can park in it, then an HDT with a 40' 5th'er can too. Now the truck itself may have to be parked in an overflow or storage area, but its generally a non-issue. Not may people pull with an MDT or HDT, I'd say its closer to 20,000 to 1 in the general campers. You'll see the horse crowd using the MDT's more than rv'ers along the East coast making their bi-annual pilgrimage from Kentucky to Florida.
The Junkman said
06:00 PM Oct 1, 2014
Alie and Jims Carrilite wrote:
Junkman, the rule of thumb with HDT's and campsites is if a 40' diesel pusher can park in it, then an HDT with a 40' 5th'er can too. Now the truck itself may have to be parked in an overflow or storage area, but its generally a non-issue. Not may people pull with an MDT or HDT, I'd say its closer to 20,000 to 1 in the general campers. You'll see the horse crowd using the MDT's more than rv'ers along the East coast making their bi-annual pilgrimage from Kentucky to Florida.
Yea, I've seen alot of rodeo , and horse guys using them around vegas..
This argument of ldt vs hdt.. really isn't worth the time arguing about it.. as there isn't many doing it.. And I expect, as Ford and Chevy catch up, even less now, and in the future.
If money was extremely limited.. I'd be pulling with one too..
The Junkman said
06:04 PM Oct 1, 2014
For the rest of the folks.. Man.. I really need to stopping arguing over this.. and stop caring..
Isn't there any ford dually guys out there pulling 20k? You guys take this over.. I'm on the wagon..
So, we decided we love the DRV 39DBRS3. It's 41' and heavy! Gross 21,000, Unloaded 16,715, Hitch 3800, CCC 3500. Number one, we want to travel conservatively and safely. We want to be able to travel through mountains etc. without worrying that our truck will be able to handle the climbing or the stopping. Number two, we need room in the truck to travel occasionally with 2 extra people. It seems pretty unanimous that a long bed and a dually are a must have. I know nothing about trucks, and since I seem to be doing most of the research in this family I'm putting it out there! What truck do we buy? Have at it boys!!!!
Jane
Is this a trick question? Everyone knows this one..
No competition.. 13 and up RAM 3500 drw.. That's a easy one..Crew cab w/ long box.. and your done for a long, long time.. Do some searches here and else where..
Mine pulls, and stops, with in specs, at 70.. with cruise and AC on..23k GVW drv Lexington.
Enjoy..
There has been so many people who like ford.. so many arguments..Alot of hdt/mdt guys are switching to these too.. Lots of threads on this all over the internet..People are in denial..lol
-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 08:39:20 AM
-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 08:40:39 AM
-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 08:41:01 AM
-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 08:41:38 AM
Well you can pay 60-70k for an new truck from Ram, Ford or GM. I wouldn't put one above the other. All of them are towing beasts. Then you could spend 40kish and get a converted HDT that will git a great ride, great view, more power than you will ever need, no loosing speed on even the highest hills. Register them as an motorhome and tags cheap. They turn shorter than the cc lb duallys. If you go with the LDT just watch out for your pin weight. About 5k is the most you want to put on them. Anything else air bags and such. Everyone one I know of towing with that much pin has bags. If you need bags you are overloaded. I care less what the specs state, if you modify the truck to tow more it is overloaded. I am not trying to start any war. This is facts. You decide what you want. Also if you go the LDT, my advise is an hauler bed. No issues with truck bed side clearance, easy to get to hitch. You will find many posts with people welding steel tubing to bottom of RV to get clearance. Hauler bed solves all this.
-- Edited by Glenn West on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 10:47:28 AM
-- Edited by Glenn West on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 11:02:13 AM
Glenn touched on a good point if one goes with a light duty truck (LDT). I was reading over on SOITC (Suites Owners International Travel Club) where someone just bought a 2015 Ford F350 for their Suites. They found that they were able to lower their fifth wheel hitch to midway and be level with the trailer. With their previous GM product, they had to have their hitch set at the highest point to clear the sides of the pickup bed, and even then, they were nose high on the trailer, thus adding extra weight to the rear axle.
I can't remember whether folks were having clearance problems at the nose with the Dodge or not. But, if you don't go with an HDT (Heavy Duty Truck) like a former semi-truck, to help with clearance, the hauler body would be the way to go. We didn't because I have too much stuff to haul in the bed when we travel to use a hauler body. Incidentally, the Ford F450's have a very good turning radius, and if I remember right, the new F350's might have the same feature now.
Now, as to traveling conservatively, with respect to heavy trailers, I'm not sure any are really economical on fuel. I've not kept up with all the newer trucks, but it seems that the newer ones will have better mileage than the older ones. We have a 2008 Ford F450 and it is not economical, but, I knew that when I bought it. I bought it primarily for towing our Mobile Suites.
Terry
I've done a ton of looking at the RV sites like this one and escapees, and if I could convince my DW that it really is a safety issue and not just a big boys' toy, I would have a HDT converted to haul. The big difference is stopping power and the ability to descend steep slopes with the "jake brake" alone, leaving your service brakes available for emergencies.
"Now, as to traveling conservatively, with respect to heavy trailers, I'm not sure any are really economical on fuel."
Sorry Terry, by "traveling conservatively", I meant having more than enough truck power to haul and stop the RV safely. We don't want to be "borderline" with the towing capacity.
Read through this website for reasons: www.jackdanmayer.com/
Well on that note, I suggest you look hard at HDT. There is a few at Escapees rv forum for sale but they are standard shift. I'm waiting on an auto shift. God bless and happy hunting.
Really.?.
Dude, get out and search some fourms. I got the same thing here a few months ago. Not sure what a used 13 Ram is going for .. but it's not 60k.. I bet more like 35k. but I have not looked. Maybe a used 550 ford or something too..
If you want a hdt.. skip the 5th wheel all together, and just get a class A. If I HAD to pull with a commercial tractor trailer truck.. That is what I would do.. And I expect what many of these folks should have done. Cause your not do anything else with that HDT , except pull the RV. Why bother.. you still need a daily driver.. pull it behind your diesel pusher..Me, I need my RAM for more than just pulling the RV. my work depends on it. I thought about getting a class A , and pulling it behind a DP..lol
as to the RAM's capabilities...
I'm tired of arguing with the old timer attitudes and opinions of ways of pulling heavy..too. Most forums have already stopped this argument and realized, there is a whole new level of trucks out there.
The numbers speak for themselves. And the proof is in the performance. Times change.. sometimes the people don't.
People need to look at things with a open mind.. not a closed one. I will argue a case for ever.. but if I see the truth in the matter, can see the light, I will change my opinion in a minute.. as I am convinced. Sometimes you can show the numbers, show the the evidence, prove ..beyond a doubt, and still .. still people can not see the light.. lol.. well..Lights off now..lol Keep selling tractor trailers that are hard to drive, hard to register and insure, hard to store at camp grounds, look funny pulling a big camper.. on a positive..They are very cheap though.
Of course.. just my opinion.. if it's not deleted..
The other issue, is when you use more than 60-70% of your truck capabilities continuously, the life span of the truck is reduced dramatically.
To the OP-
Its already been stated that any of the newer big 3 should perform decently for you. But weigh the pro's and con's yourself. Factor in replacement if you continue to fulltime more than 5-6 years, are both of you comfortable driving a dually truck around town, etc.
The northeast is about the only area that is tight on campsite size limits.
For the record, we just bought a 2015 Elantra for us to bang around in.. so the ram sits, unless I'm pulling, or working with it. Paid cash for it. I don't expect this is for everyone. 10year/ 100k on drivedrain. I was perfectly fine running the dually around. I prefer it.
Wife can't drive it at night.. that started the issue. then factor in milege, insurance, etc.. at 35 mpg, car pays for itself in 4 years.. it's free, after reselling it.. Just a numbers game. Fuzzy math. I wanted a camaro convertible, but had to settle for what made sense..that sucks..lol
I can't arugue the price of the HDT / mdt.. I see them out there stupid cheap.. less than I paid for the elantra. and could have saved money over the RAM.
But the limits and hassle for a hdt, outweighed the cost, FOR ME.. Your limited at rv parks, roads and bridges you can take, maintence cost must be way higher?.. tires are not cheap. Parking has to be nightmare, at some the parks I'm looking at. Some parks charge extra for a second vehicle. and the loss of use of a pick up truck is just a killer for me..
I think the dually guys out number the hdt/mdt guys 100 to 1, out there..probably more like 1000 to 1.
btw.. florida is very tight on campsites too.. at least the ones near attractions and water. i think you would need to stay in the woods here.. or park your HDT elsewhere? Not sure how that works. Visted 10 rv parks around tamp..seen 1 hdt.
As I follow round 15642 of this "Battle of the All-Stars"... Truck edition
, something that came to mind at recent visit to a repair shop, is the cost of typical repairs and maintenance items for each brand/type of TV one might select. It occurs to me that the current crop of LDTs, properly equipped should be up to the challenge depending on various usual criteria like, gear ratios, engine ratings, DRW as appropriate, pin & trailer weights etc., so personal preference/taste appears to be the deciding factor, all brand/type specific chest thumping aside. Many are passionate about their TV picks and that is perfectly OK.
But back to the cost of repair/maintenance.. filters, fluids & quantity for each service, wear on various components etc. While these items will be more or less similar for each brand within a class of vehicle, Brand X may have higher parts costs vs Brand Y. Ease of servicing some items will play a big factor in maintenance costs also.
My point being, just because Brand X can outdo Brand Y or Type B in the towing/stopping/performance arena doesn't mean it's the defacto best for a given application if it costs an arm and a leg to operate or maintain it. One has to look at all aspects to determine the so called "best" for each situation. I'd be interested to see some real world upkeep numbers for each brand and/or type of tow vehicle so I could get a handle on how much to set aside for this important budget category.
FWIW, Brian
-- Edited by biggaRView on Wednesday 1st of October 2014 02:44:14 PM
The topic is TV Suggestions. I read it and wondered why the topic started off with talking about trucks. Who knew TV stood for "Tow Vehicle"? Probably everyone but me. Lol.
Continue on with talking about trucks now and not what channel you are watching!
Blissfully ignorant,
Kim
It came very close to being deleted.
However, the matter of HDT versus LDT takes much more into account than simply the numbers. What makes much of a factor as to the choice will also come down to how much each person wants a "comfortable feeling" with their choice. To many, that may very well be an HDT.
To criticize someone for making the recommendation that they did is irresponsible. Each recommendation, even yours, has some value but to discount all others is nonsense.
Also, always keep one's source of information in mind when considering the various options. Just because information is presented on a forum, even this one, doesn't mean that it is valid for everyone.
Now, before this thread gets to an argumentative state (as another has already done and been closed), lets get back to reasonable recommendations that will actually benefit others. Each person needs to do their own research into what "works best" for them.
Terry
Yea, I've seen alot of rodeo , and horse guys using them around vegas..
This argument of ldt vs hdt.. really isn't worth the time arguing about it.. as there isn't many doing it.. And I expect, as Ford and Chevy catch up, even less now, and in the future.
If money was extremely limited.. I'd be pulling with one too..
For the rest of the folks.. Man.. I really need to stopping arguing over this.. and stop caring..
Isn't there any ford dually guys out there pulling 20k? You guys take this over.. I'm on the wagon..