Starting to look for new TV

[krackeer]

I can't stand being 300 miles away from my TT. I can't do anything to it without spending a bunch of money and time. I want it home! Anyways, what do I need to tow this girl? It is a Jayco Swift 32TSBH. Weights are as follows

unloaded vehicle wgt....7775
dry hitch wgt......815
gross vehicle wgt rating...10500
cargo carrying capacity...2725

Here is my situation. I want a used 3/4 ton, 4 door, since it will pull double duty as my normal vehicle as well. Most of my towing will be done on fairly level roads. I prefer the beach to the mountains so I figure, that is where I will usually be headed. Probably my biggest issue is diesel or gas. When looking for used, I see that diesels cost about $4000 more than a similar gasser. I know they get better gas mileage and are better towers, but all considered, I am having a difficult time justifying the extra 4 grand. I put about 12000 miles a year on my vehicles, and my present truck averages only about 15mpg. From what I see, if I get a diesel, I will probably see an increase in mpg, and I know they last longer than gassers. What should I be looking for? I figure that any of the gassers lower than 6 liters would not do the job. Are there certain year chevy, fords or dodges, that I should be keeping an eye out for? Certain years to stay away from? What about factory tow packages, and axle ratios? I just need some guidance to get me started on my way. I am a big comparison shopper, and never rush into any large purchase. It might be a year before I find exactly what I want, but I will wait till I do. Thanks in advance.

[Crabman]

I just bought a used `04 Chevy 2500HD Crew cab, 73,000miles, with the 6.0l, 4.10rr for towing my trailer. The tow rating is 10,000 lbs so you would be a bit over that on your GVWR. The payload is 3400 so that would not be a problem. The diesels with the Allison transmission have a higher tow rating and CGWR. I looked at new ones, 40 grand for a nicely equipped gasser, much more for a diesel so went used for about 1/3 the price of a similarly equipped new one. 40 or 50 grand just aint gonna happen for Crabman right now! (maybe not ever) It also took me awhile to find this one, older 2500`s with relatively low mileage equipped the way you want and in a Crew Cab are not so easy to find, locally.

[clubhouse]

You will not regret a diesel. I just made the move to diesel and love it.

[tinlizzie23]

I agree with hesitation on justifying the extra $4,000 for a diesel. I have a 2003 F-350 V-10 gasser that pulls an 11,000lb 5th wheel with ease, and gets about 14mpg non-towing and 8-9mpg towing. It's not great mpg, but I can buy an awful lot of gas for that extra $4,000. Yes, you will get better mileage with the diesel, but around my area, diesel fuel is about 70 cents/gal higher than the regular that my gasser takes. You do the math. And another thing - when I was shopping for my truck, I encountered a man who owned two identical F-350s for his business, except that one was powerstroke and the other a V-10 gas. He stated flatly that the V-10 would out-pull the diesel, except on steep hills with heavy loads. So if you are primarily on flat roads, the diesel might not be the most economical way to go to get the job done. JMHO.

[dmax_83]

I opted for diesel because I wanted it, the cost is not justifiable on paper due to the increased expense of the diesel engine option, the more expensive fuel, and the lack of towing that I do. However, when I do tow, it is unbelievable and my towing fuel economy is the same as my previous gassers unloaded mpg. Also, as you have noticed, the diesel trucks retain their resale value longer.

[Grumpytrkr]

I have a 2004 dodge diesel, and get 14 mpg pulling my trailer, and 20 mpg running empty. With a gas engine, I would suggest the 4:10 rear axle. The trailer package would be a must have, also. Good luck!

[Seann45]

How long do you keep your vehicle? IF you trade off every few years then get the 8L gasser if you plan to keep it the get the diesel.. With 120,000 miles on my diesel it is just getting broken in..

[clutch]

The diesel engine will last a very long time but the rest of the truck is just plain ole Ford, Dodge, GM. When the miles pile up so will the repair bills. With an 800# hitch weight you may be able to find a half ton that will tow it.

[krackeer]

Originally Posted by clutch

The diesel engine will last a very long time but the rest of the truck is just plain ole Ford, Dodge, GM. When the miles pile up so will the repair bills. With an 800# hitch weight you may be able to find a half ton that will tow it.

So, your saying a half ton might tow it. I guess I don't understand what the numbers I posted really mean, or what the numbers manufactures post truely mean. Can someone explain in layman terms?

[Crabman]

The 815 hitch weight is "dry hitch weight", meaning the weight of the hitch before anything is loaded in the trailer and before any options are considered. The GVWR of that trailer is 10,500lbs(maximum loaded weight), which could easily have a loaded hitch weight of over 1300 lbs. when considering the ideal tongue weight is about 13% of loaded weight. The unloaded weight will also likely be more then the published weight of 7775 lbs, mine was over 200 lbs more. I think this trailer would be much better suited to a 250/2500 then a half ton. IIRC its also a 35'+ trailer. Another thing to consider is that the tow rating of a vehicle includes the weight of the passengers and any gear you place in the bed of the vehicle along with what you are towing. So it all counts and adds up against the tow rating and combined gross vehicle rating, which is the total weight of what you are towing and your tow vehicle and contents.

There are some excellent sticky threads in this TV forum which explain weights and ratings in detail.

[clubhouse]

Originally Posted by krackeer

So, your saying a half ton might tow it. I guess I don't understand what the numbers I posted really mean, or what the numbers manufactures post truely mean. Can someone explain in layman terms?

A 1/2 ton is not a suitable match for your trailer. Instantly you will exceed the payload capacity of a 1/2 ton.

[clubhouse]

Originally Posted by dmax_83

I opted for diesel because I wanted it, the cost is not justifiable on paper due to the increased expense of the diesel engine option, the more expensive fuel, and the lack of towing that I do. However, when I do tow, it is unbelievable and my towing fuel economy is the same as my previous gassers unloaded mpg. Also, as you have noticed, the diesel trucks retain their resale value longer.

I absolutely agree, for recreational towing you can't justify the cost of a diesel, but you sure do appreciate having it.

To me it's almost laughable anyone with a TT is trying to justify the TV. How could someone justify the TT initially? You can't, it was just something they wanted and bought...the same is true for the added expense of a diesel.

[newrvguy68]

Originally Posted by clubhouse

A 1/2 ton is not a suitable match for your trailer. Instantly you will exceed the payload capacity of a 1/2 ton.

I totally agree with Clubhouse...as others have often said, better to have more truck than what you may need than not enough truck for what you need...or something like that. I think that is just too much trailer for a 1/2 ton.

[exjay1]

Ohhhh.... just go get you a 3500 and be done with it . Dont forget to factor in what you will be saving on your storage fees here at the beach too when deciding your TV price range.

[hausknwa]

Originally Posted by exjay1

Ohhhh.... just go get you a 3500 and be done with it . Dont forget to factor in what you will be saving on your storage fees here at the beach too when deciding your TV price range.

That made me smile. I started looking for a new TV about 2 months ago. Starting looking for a used vehicle then moved on to new vehicles, but stripped down models with the minimum necessary towing capacity. I have since moved on to 3500's with all the bells and whistles. Can't say why I didn't start there, except I am at heart "Cheap" but love shiny things that have diesel engines.:lizard: