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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Tow Vehicles -> Would this truck pull my RV? 2001 Chevy Diesel.
Post Info TOPIC: Would this truck pull my RV? 2001 Chevy Diesel.
TheDigitalHippies


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Would this truck pull my RV? 2001 Chevy Diesel.
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I'm going to be moving across the country for work in about 3 weeks, we need to get a truck and 5th wheel hitch installed asap. The budget is $7,500 to $10,000

Truck: 2001 CHEVY DURAMAX DUALLY PICK UP http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant/cto/5091852218.html

Our RV is a 2008 Keystone Fuzion 383 that I think weights 12-13k based off of the 2010 model brochure I found online http://www.keystonerv.com/media/1042376/2010.fuzion.brochure.pdf.pdf

Other trucks locally on our radar:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/ctd/5074577678.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/5099408973.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant/cto/5077772576.html

 



-- Edited by TheDigitalHippies on Tuesday 7th of July 2015 07:25:20 PM

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Sushidog


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You should consider the 1,7000+ lb GVWR of your toy hauler, not its UVW when crunching the numbers. It looks like the max this truck is rated to tow is around 15,000 lbs according to these specs: www.trailerlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Trailer-Life-Towing-Guide-2001.pdf However only you will know if you will be loading it near its 5,300 lb capacity. If it were me, I'd lok for a little later year model 1 ton tuck. The other trucks you referenced are also insufficient for this trailer. Even a 2008 F-350 has some configurations that will pull it and some that won't. Be sure and research the specs of the exact truck you have in mind before pulling the trigger. I don't think it needs to be said, but DONT TRUST WHAT THE DEALER TELLS YOU.

Chip

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TheDigitalHippies


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Does the towing capacity of a truck change when you tow 5th wheel vs standard ball and hitch? I thought a truck could pull more because of the mounting type and point of a 5th wheel.

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Howard


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The number Sushidog mentioned, around 15,000 pounds of capacity IS the number for fifth wheel towing.  Conventional towing on that truck has a max capacity of around 12,000 pounds.  So, yes, trucks can generally tow heavier fifth wheels than travel trailers, but this particular truck has a documented fifth wheel limit of 14,900 - 15,100 depending on the bed length and rear axle ratio.

My guess is you will be hard pressed to find a pick-up truck in your budget range that will have documented capacity to cover your toy hauler's GVWR which is around 18,100 according to the brochure you linked to.  IF you run well under your GVWR, a very BIG IF, you may be able to find a truck with the towing capacity in your price range, but you will be pushing its limits with little safety margin, especially regarding braking.

Perhaps consider paying to have your fifth wheel transported cross country, and then take your time and save up at your new job to purchase a tow vehicle that will provide more peace of mind and safety for you and your family.  Just a suggestion.  :) 



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TheDigitalHippies


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So am I to look for an f450 then? What options are available past the standard 1 ton dually besides an f450?

Thanks Chip, Howard, and Brian for the advice. I want to be safe. The trailer would be loaded somewhat, so I'm now looking at the bigger trucks.

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The Digital Hippies - Fulltiming Family <-- Click

We are a young full-timing family who works building websites, hence the digital.
We also enjoy nature, being earth friendly, and being nice to others, hence the hippy.
TheDigitalHippies


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GAS, but would it pull well?

 

Link http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/5075308961.html 



-- Edited by TheDigitalHippies on Wednesday 8th of July 2015 11:41:53 AM

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We also enjoy nature, being earth friendly, and being nice to others, hence the hippy.
BiggarView


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An f450 should be able to tow more, but check out the various towing guides out there to be sure. I don't think anybody out there will recommend GAS over a DIESEL for your situation. Diesels produce more torque which what you need to get the whole rig/truck combo moving. Plus you'll be revving your engine at much higher RPMs to get the needed HP to sustain any forward motion. Can you say "How big is my bank account?" 

Brian



-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 10th of July 2015 07:06:17 PM

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Sushidog


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That 1999 Ford F-450 should do fine for your application. That V-10 is reliable and still has about another 100k miles left on it depending on how well it was maintained. Sure you won't setting any speed records towing in the mountains, but so what? Sounds like a great budget TV for your toy hauler.

Chip

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1999 National Tropical Class A gasser

Toad - 2.4l Chevy Cobalt SS with 400k miles and counting.
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