Towing 6000 lbs. What's the perfect truck?

[doonkin]

...in a perfect world,

Thinking new truck
Bought a new TT. 5500 full + gear, never over 6000-ish.
Im looking at biting the bullet n getting a truck to fix all worries
Family of 4 comfort, best gas mileage, no sweating up hills.
Basically, never worry again about gcwr or anything like that.

I'm looking at all 2500's but not sure, or maybe a 1500?
I'm trading in a nissan titan which is under the vital numbers
And will work for now, but doesn't have the factory big tow package

Any thoughts?
Thankyou

[Camper_bob]

Just about any 1/2 ton truck that is reasonably equipped will handle that load just fine, AND not be too bad on the daily driver task either. But, having made a few decisions on the matter myself recently, I would still go with a 3/4 ton truck if you can. If nothing else, for future growth. It'll probably be overkill for a 6K lb trailer, but if you ever want to go bigger, at least you won't have to look at buying a bigger truck. You'll also not have to worry so much about what you put in the truck (firewood, kayak, canoe, bikes, coolers, extra fuel...) because we all know, payload is where 1/2 ton owners get the short end. But then again, I have a pretty short commute to work, so I can handle a lower empty MPG rating for daily driving than most people.

[Jdaniel343]

Ford F150, EcoBoost, max tow pkg,3.73 gears.
I pull 26RLS fifth wheel which weighs 9000 loaded without a problem. I live in Wyoming.

[doonkin]

I was thinking 3/4 ton too. Does anyone have a preference on maker?

I'm going to test my Titan 4x4 next week by picking TT up at the dealers empty
(No hills on way home), then July 4th with a short-but-steep hill.

Any pref of gas/diesel?

Thx everyone for the advice

[SouthCo]

Originally Posted by doonkin

...

Family of 4 comfort, best gas mileage, no sweating up hills.

Basically, never worry again about gcwr or anything like that.

Because of these two wants, go 3/4 ton (or more) diesel.

I'm really happy with my gmc 2500 diesel. It's overkill for our 264bhs but if I decide to get a bigger trailer I don't have to worry if my TV can do it.

[Bobx2]

Originally Posted by SouthCo

Family of 4 comfort, best gas mileage, no sweating up hills.

Basically, never worry again about gcwr or anything like that.


Because of these two wants, go 3/4 ton (or more) diesel.


I'm really happy with my gmc 2500 diesel. It's overkill for our 264bhs but if I decide to get a bigger trailer I don't have to worry if my TV can do it.

Bingo! This is exactly right. Do not waste the time or money on any 1/2 ton if this is truly your goal. You have described a diesel pickup as what you ultimately want, so don't settle for anything less.

[WVDusty]

Originally Posted by Bobx2

Bingo! This is exactly right. Do not waste the time or money on any 1/2 ton if this is truly your goal. You have described a diesel pickup as what you ultimately want, so don't settle for anything less.

X2 perfectly said!!!

[DocBrown]

If you think you might get a bigger trailer in the next 5 years, go for the 3/4 diesel now and not later. If you think you'll be staying with this trailer for a while or staying in the same size/weight range get a 1/2 ton. When it comes time to repairing many things, the 3/4 ton will be more expensive. A lot more expensive in some cases. It's certainly worth it if you need to haul a lot of weight. But a modern 1/2 ton will work great for you in this weight range. I agree with the above, the F150 EcoBoost deserves a serious look.

[milw156]

It's all up to your budget of course, but you'll find that a mid-range 3/4-1 ton with the diesel is the same cost as an upper level heavy 1/2 ton. Going from an F150 Ecoboost Lariat with the Max Tow and doodads was about the same as my Chevy 1 ton LT + (leather plus digital climate control) with the Duramax diesel. It's overkill for our 28DSBH but now my tow is comfortable plus room to grow.

[UPCamper]

Originally Posted by doonkin

...in a perfect world,

Thinking new truck
Bought a new TT. 5500 full + gear, never over 6000-ish.
Im looking at biting the bullet n getting a truck to fix all worries
Family of 4 comfort, best gas mileage, no sweating up hills.
Basically, never worry again about gcwr or anything like that.

I'm looking at all 2500's but not sure, or maybe a 1500?
I'm trading in a nissan titan which is under the vital numbers
And will work for now, but doesn't have the factory big tow package

Any thoughts?
Thankyou

The only thing that wont sweat going up hills and you won't have to worry about weights is a diesel. If there is a chance you'll be moving up in trailer size I'd say look into it. We made the mistake of upgrading truck and then trailer and then truck. All in all should have just bought diesel to being with. I'll never buy another gasser. They are more expensive to maintain and buy but it'll last forever. Never had a second thought about the price once I started towing with it. I can tow at any speed I want and on any terrain. And I can use cruise control because it doesn't want to constantly shift. A rougher ride when empty though.

BTW I have a Ford with the 6.7. Dodge has or is releasing a 1500 with a diesel in it. And Toyota and Nissan are following within the next year to 3 years. Don't know any specs on any of them though.

I get 12-13 pulling my 8000 lb 5er around Michigan. I got about 9 with my gasser. 3-4 mpg doesn't sound like much but it's a 33% increase.

[33 RLDS]

My big block laughs at hills and its not a diesel. But gas mileage is horrendous..lol

[gtsum2]

If half ton it is hard to beat a ford ecoboost. I had a 2013 ram 1500 and it had power but payload capacity was low and it sucked the gas when towing. Now that I have a 2014 3400 cummins, I doubt I would ever tow another trailer with a gas engine. The difference is night and day. No half ton truck compares to a diesel 3/4 or 1 ton when it comes to towing. Those that say their half ton tows it like it's not even there have likely not towed with a bigger truck. The trade off is higher price and rougher ride when empty

[WVCamper]

x2 on a Diesel, initial investment is more, but longevity and re-sale value is considerably better than a Gasser. Much is made of the horsepower and torque of Diesels, but in my opinion the breaking ability with the exhaust break is awesome! Once you get into a Diesel you'll probably wonder why you didn't do it earlier!
Good luck with your selection

[tjpolsin]

Originally Posted by doonkin

I was thinking 3/4 ton too. Does anyone have a preference on maker?

I'm going to test my Titan 4x4 next week by picking TT up at the dealers empty
(No hills on way home), then July 4th with a short-but-steep hill.

Any pref of gas/diesel?

Thx everyone for the advice

NOW you are going to stir up trouble. Asking for a definitive opinion on truck brand and engine type.

I bought my latest truck because:
a. most comfortable driver's seat for me
b. I still needed to seat 6
c. If I am going to spend that much money, I am getting luxury.
d. I like diesels, fewer moving parts, less maintenance, last longer, better milage (for equivant HP/Torque.
e. 8' bed, 'cause I had a short bed early in my life and wished I had a long bed.
f. cheapest of the big three (at the time)
g. 3/4T has heavier: brakes, frame, running gear.

Tim
TV: 2010 Dodge Ram Laramie 2500 CrewCab Long bed w/Cummins diesel
TT: 2008 JayFlight GII 26BHS (9300# gross trailer weight)

[doonkin]

I'm sold on the 3/4 ton diesel. Now I just have to pay down the TT
I haven't even picked up yet-haha.

The Dodge Ram 2500 'express black package' looks baaaadass.

I'm fully expecting my Titan to give me 6mpg when I pick it up this Wednesday.

[doonkin]

Oh --- 4x4 or 4x2? That seems like a chunk o change esp
in the 2500's across the board. I'm in southern CA, and seriously doubt
I will see anything wild enough to REALLY need fwd.

It is nice tho. Not sure if it's $4000+ nice.

Thx

[Iraqvet05]

I just sold my Silverado 1500 (5.3) and bought a 2500HD gasser. I was not impressed with the towing ability and constant transmission shifting of the 1500 (4 speed) towing aroung 5,200 lbs. I would have entertained a diesel but it wasn't in my budget and I'm not handy working on diesels. A co-worker has a new diesel and loves hers but hates having to put DEF in it all the time. 4x4 definately has a greater resale value and attraction in certain parts of the country...I learned that trying to sell my 2WD Silverado last week.

[Brownie]

Have you considered a lightly used truck? I realize that lightly used and truck seems like an oxymoron, but there are some out there. Mine was turned in from a 2-year lease and had only 23K miles on it when I bought it a year ago. Took over a year of searching to find it in the color I wanted, but it sounds like you've got some time.

Why not let someone else take the $10-$15K hit when they drove it off the sales floor?

[Aceffemt]

Take a look at the Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel. 9200# trailer tow cap and 30 mpg hwy with out trailer.

[gtsum2]

Originally Posted by Aceffemt

Take a look at the Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel. 9200# trailer tow cap and 30 mpg hwy with out trailer.

I think the ecodiesel is a great idea, but the payload on them are quite low...some less than 1000lbs