Captscrub

Looking to replace my exiating PU. 2012 GMC Denalt 2wd . My trailer, car , and equipment is about 7500lbs. Looking at Ford and Dodge. The Dodge is definitely more wallet friendly. I have to use premium fuel now. Would like to stay away from that if possible. I tow about 1200mi./ year. I live in FL. so 4wd is not mandatory unless accompanying suspension would help. Looking at used vehicles. Thank you

mla413

I have a 2022 Ram 1500 5.7 V8 (no e-Torque) with the Tow/Trailer package. Max capacity is ~12,000lbs.
My trailex and racecar are less than 4k lbs together, so it's like it's not even there. Having the integrated brake controller is pretty awesome since I use to have to install one in my older trucks. The zoom reverse camera is also amazing for hitching up quickly. Gone are the days of trying to line up and making a few moves to get it right. Just about to cross 4,500 miles and it's been perfect. Highway mileage is near 20, towing around 11-13.

Originally bought it to tow a heavier trailer but sold that to a friend. Now looking to downsize the Ram and my other SUV into one vehicle, but I highly recommend the Ram!

Yellow996

FORD F350 DIESEL

Why? Because it's freaking awesome and Go Big or Go Home. Right?

LuigiVampa

+1

CaymanR99

I have an F-150. Trailer, car and another set of wheels is around 4500lbs. Truck does ok but I don’t push it.

For 7500 lbs I’d go with 3/4 ton truck at least, leaning towards 1 ton truck. You can do it with an F-150 or equivalent but you’ll have to service it more frequently and eventually replace more expensive stuff like transmissions. Bigger trucks cost more up front, but they have a much higher capacity for towing, hauling, etc.

Pay now or pay later…

okie981

+1

I have a 2020 F250 6.7 diesel with max tow package and 10,200 GVWR package, 3.55 rear axle.

Awesome tow trucks and very comfortable as a long-haul ride, towing or not.

When not towing, I get ~22.5 mpg if I keep it 76 mph or below. The mpg drops off noticeably as cruise speeds go above 76.

I have an ARE camper shell and 40-gallon reserve tank mounted at the front of the bed under the shell. I crawl in with the fuel hose to fill.

Towing the trailer shown with 3,500 lbs. car/gear inside, I get ~11 mpg at 70 to 72 mph.

lcrain

For 1200 miles towing a year...a big 3/4 ton or 1 ton diesel is overkill, imo. I have towed a similar weight with an F150 for years. Current rig is a 2021 f150 with max tow package and it gets the job done no problem. Put 115k on my last f150 towing the same package and did not have any additional maintenance as a result. Just one counterpoint to everyone saying you need a bigger truck. Would it be nice? Sure, but not necessary in my opinion. Is it your daily driver? If not, then I would consider a more basic trim level 1/2 ton with the best tow package the manufacturer offers.

okie981

I had a 2018 GMC Denali crew cab with 6.2L gas engine and increased GVWR package, although wasn't "max" GVWR that was possible with more options. The 8-speed transmission started crapping out at 28,000 miles so I sold it.

My F250 is a quantum leap forward in overall comfort, performance and towing safety compared to that Denali.

I like to be able to take cross-country towing trips if needed, any terrain, with less stress.

I also use the F250 for lots of non-towing driving. It's comfortable, quiet, safe. Fuel economy is decent in these modes for what the vehicle is.

As always, to each their own.

jerome951

I'll give you my recent experience.
I used to pull my car on an open steel trailer with a half-ton truck. Total trailer weight ~6400# and never had an issue in 14 years.
I recently bought an enclosed trailer with total weight ~6400#, and pull with the same truck.

When everything is fine, everything is fine. But, throw in gusty winds, passing semis, etc, and it's not so 'fine'.
Case in point. I ran the PCA March VIR event, including Sunday's enduro. The drive home was in gusty weather and I was fighting to stay in my lane. Got home (5 hour drive) and was tense and absolutely beat. Not a good experience...
Next truck will be a 3/4 ton, likely the F250 w/ a gas engine. Should be a much more relaxing and stable in all conditions. I don't drive enough nor pull heavy weights to justify the a diesel, and since I'm working from home ~half-time for the foreseeable future, the extra gas cost over a 1/2 ton isn't too great.

If you do take our advice , best of luck finding a used 3/4 ton at a reasonable price. Asking prices for trucks w/ 30-50k miles are similar to what they sold for when new... I'll probably wait until ~December to order a new one and hope to have it before next year's track season.

Locker537

I went straight to the the F350 (gas) and 20ft enclosed.

Wind + semis passing is still a bit sketchy at times, so I'm very happy with my decision.

You're right. Used prices are out of whack. Super Duty orders are closed for the year as well...

okie981

What you describe is often left out of the discussion on which truck is the best to tow with. If you never expect to tow an enclosed trailer, a heavy duty diesel tow truck makes much less sense and are probably not worthwhile.

ExMB

I have found that a WD/SC hitch helps a lot. Enclosed usually require those compared to open ones.

Mike Roblin

I’m considering ordering an F250 with the tremor package and the 7.3L gas motor. Any advice?

I don’t have an enclosed trailer, but I do have a pretty big (heavy) boat and I’m thinking it would be a good forward-looking plan.

Igooz

Tremor has a (relatively speaking) very soft initial spring rate, and you may end up with a nose bleed stance with the boat hooked up, which is pretty disgusting on an F250. Can you test it before you commit?

Also, has Ford solved all their initial teething problems with the "godzilla" and every other new engine they launch? Lifter wear, valve guides, oil consumption, etc.

FWIW: I am very happy with the 6.7 diesel.

Nickshu

Don't get the Tremor if you want to tow. Just get an FX4.

Starting in 2020, the F250 with the High Capacity Trailer Tow Package is the same as an F350. They do this for states that tax 1 ton trucks higher, so you can get an F350 (that says F250 on it) without paying the taxes. I believe the only difference is the rated bed capacity is slightly lower. Whether it's actually lower is a matter if internet debate (part numbers are all the same).

That said I think the HCTTP requires the diesel engine, not sure. Mine is a diesel. The 6.7L engine is amazing. It runs so consistently and could pull a house.

Getting plow springs on the front raises the front by 1" if you like the leveled look w/o having to install a leveling kit. Many say the trucks tow better w/ the plow springs up front, but I have no comparison. Snow Plow prep also gets you bigger alternator and upfitter switches, as a bonus.

If you are retaining stock ride height (not lifting) installing Caster shims on the front makes a world of difference in the steering tracking straight on the highway. I went with the Carli shims. Literally takes 10 minutes per side to install, then go get it aligned.

Mine is setup w/ Airlift airbags on the rear and I run an Equalizer WDH if towing longer distances. Ran it without the airbags first and just the WDH. Tows much better w/ both IMO, despite that the airbags reduce the WDH effect, I am just using the WDH for sway control really now.

Adaptive cruise makes highway towing a dream with these trucks.

Many debate adaptive steering (reduces wheel turns needed at low speeds). Some like it, some don't. I drove both before ordering. Did not get it.