Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Searching for correct tow vehicle

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Searching for correct tow vehicle

    We have 2011 Expedition King Ranch XL 5.4 liter 4X4. I’m looking to upgrade as we just purchased 2023 Grand Design 2670MK. I don’t want to make a mistake and purchase an unsafe vehicle to pull this 8,498 GVWR 32’ trailer. Your thoughts and recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks

  • #2
    Originally posted by Bruce & Becky McFadden View Post
    We have 2011 Expedition King Ranch XL 5.4 liter 4X4. I’m looking to upgrade as we just purchased 2023 Grand Design 2670MK. I don’t want to make a mistake and purchase an unsafe vehicle to pull this 8,498 GVWR 32’ trailer. Your thoughts and recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks
    Welcome, and good on you for researching this topic!

    If you've read through the Welcome Letter (linked on the home page) there are threads on this forum that are tagged as a Reference Library thread. So a great place to look for applicable information is reference library threads in the Towing and Hitches channel.

    Again, you'll learn about this in the Welcome Letter (and Forum How To channel) but here's a quick synopsis:

    Click on the small down arrow in the search field (near the top, on the right side of this page) then click on ADVANCED SEARCH.

    In the TAGS field enter reference library

    In the SOURCES field click on TOWING AND HITCHES

    Then click SEARCH NOW (example below).


    Click image for larger version  Name:	Advanced Search.jpg Views:	0 Size:	61.1 KB ID:	109338

    That Advanced Search will return the "best of the best" (all the threads tagged with reference library) from the Towing and Hitches channel (partial list below).

    Click image for larger version  Name:	return.jpg Views:	0 Size:	71.1 KB ID:	109339

    The first two I recommend you read are the Payload Problems: How Much Can I (Really) Tow? and Tow Vehicle Ratings Explained threads.

    Once you've had a chance to review those resources, if there's a specific question don't hesitate to fire away.

    Howard
    Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

    2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by Bruce & Becky McFadden View Post
      We have 2011 Expedition King Ranch XL 5.4 liter 4X4. I’m looking to upgrade as we just purchased 2023 Grand Design 2670MK. I don’t want to make a mistake and purchase an unsafe vehicle to pull this 8,498 GVWR 32’ trailer. Your thoughts and recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks
      Read this first https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...ings-explained

      With the trailer length and while it is technically tow able with a 1/2 ton truck if properly equipped, I would recommend a full size 3/4 ton truck or equivalent van or other 3/4 ton rated vehicle. You need the vehicle weight to handle the trailer length. When shopping pay attention to the door sticker for the vehicle ratings. Also look for the hitch tag to be sure the hitch is rated enough for you new trailer.

      It might help us if you list the vehicles you considering too. That way folks can recommend specific brand towing components. Also think long term (I see you keep you vehicles long term as I do) - will you be wanting something bigger down the road. Personally I would go for towing package - rear sway bar (Ford option with camper package) and max GVW available - in other words an F350.

      Good luck in your search.
      2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

      Comment


      • #4
        In addition to what Howard and Keith have already posted, before you venture off on a new vehicle spend a few dollars and weigh the unit in travel trim. This means all in on food, clothing, holding tank capacities, etc.

        WHY? How you load the unit is just as important as how much weight you add. Weighing the unit will let you know if you are tongue heavy or light and need to adjust where you place things.
        Joseph
        Tow
        Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
        Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
        South of Houston Texas

        Comment


        • #5
          Bruce & Becky,

          I have the 2020 version of the 2670MK. We pull are's with a 2015 F-250 super duty lariat crew cab with the 6.7 diesel engine. I use a weigh safe True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch. The hitch is on the higher price tag end but was worth every penny. I have reduced 90% percent of sway and can drive with the big rigs and not feel them there. I really think the is the best matched truck, hitch, camper setup i ever had. I will tell you the hitch is built like a tank and is heavy.
          On to the truck. with the diesel I lose a little payload capacity but the pulling power in the mountain and the exhilaration with the camper attached is great for the short highway on ramps here in PA. The only thing I want to upgrade is adding a larger fuel tank, the stock tank is only 26 gallons. For now I carry an extra 10 gallons of fuel in cans as a just in case i have trouble finding an RV friendly place to get fuel.
          We have had this setup for two years now. Hope this helps. let me know if you have any other questions. Jim

          Comment


          • #6
            On thing in addition to what I said. Make sure the truck or new selection fits you, no matter what brand, especially seats and dash layout and features. It can make a huge difference after a few hours driving
            Keith
            2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

            Comment


            • #7

              We began our long trip for 2023 last Saturday. From San Antonio, TX we headed east. We started in Louisiana, then stayed a night in Mississippi, now just outside Atlanta. Tomorrow we will end up on the coast of NC for a few days. After NC, we will head up through Virgina and Delaware, then stay in Maryland for a week. Then through Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Shenendoah NP, down the Blueridge Parkway into Tennessee, where we will stay at Great Smokey Mountain NP, then a state park in Tennessee....then, finally, back home to Texas. We will probably log just under 5,000 miles over varied terrain.

              We are in just outside Atlanta this evening. Through Mississippi and Alabama there are some long hills that have you climb and descend over and over. Some are quite large and the grade is fairly steep. A lot of trucks, including 1/2 ton and some vans/SUV's would be able to pull are little 21G, but having a 3/4 diesel takes so much stress and anxiety out of long travel days. We are glad we went with something that is a bit "overkill".

              2 years ago we traveled to Southern Utah, then to Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier. We were very thankful for our "overkill" tow vehicle on that trip as well.

              My point is that, in my opinion, you can't go wrong with an overkill tow vehicle.

              In Louisiana I hit a Cat Scale. Tongue weight (with weight distribution) is about 1000# which makes the trailer just 9000#. THis is well under towing capability of many 1/2 trucks. However, I doubt any 1/2 ton would tow as easily and capably as our 3/4 ton did.

              Also, note the total weight of steer and drive axle. total is 10,380#. This is over 1/2 ton GVWR and certainly over payload. Our 3/4 ton has a GVWR of 10,800#. We are only 420# under GVWR for a 3/4 ton with a small, under 30' bumper pull.

              Also, rear axle rating for our truck is 6400#. We are less than 500# from capacity of the rear axle.

              If we bought the standard 3/4 ton truck with 10,000# GVWR we would be over capacity in our "little" trailer.

              Also consider the frontal and side area of the trailer you are towing. The larger the frontal area, the more drag your truck has to fight. The more side area, the wind becomes an issue with lighter tow vehicles.




              Click image for larger version

Name:	cat scale.jpg
Views:	276
Size:	78.9 KB
ID:	111061
              Allen

              2021 Momentum 21G

              Comment


              • #8
                I have noticed on the GM side that a 1500 1/2 ton truck is virtually the same price as a 2500 3/4 ton once you add the options for towing. To my mind the 2500 is a no brainer since you also get the 6.6l gas engine (no cylinder deactivation complexities) as the base along with the 10 spd trans (the lightest application this trans is used in) coupled with the LT tires Its my firm belief that if you are towing anything over 28ft and 7k the 2500 just makes so much more sense. Unfortunately it is a bigger truck but if you want to make omelets you gotta be willing to break some eggs.
                2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2021 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas. Nellie the wonder boxer

                Comment


                • #9
                  I would also agree with the 2500 truck as it has many advantages over the 1500. I would also argue that the engine type is a critical decision point as well. Diesel engines offer significant benefits over gas depending on the weight you are pulling and the altitude where you spend most of your time towing. I read a comparing article recently where diesel and gas towing charges were nearly a wash on today's engines.

                  I would read this article to familiarize yourself with some of the pros and cons. I have towed allot with both and would never go back to gas for towing at altitude. Good luck with your decision. J


                  Diesel vs. Gas Truck: Which is right for you? | TireBuyer.com
                  Last edited by COReflection; 04-26-2023, 12:20 PM.
                  40-year Camping Enthusiast
                  2022 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS with tons of upgrades
                  2022 GMC Sierra 3500 AT4 CC LB SRW D-Max 3865 Cargo Capacity

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    I've been amazed at how wide the payload numbers are within, for example, the GMC/Chev 2500 models. I've seen from 2193#'s for a 2017 diesel to 3400#'s for a gas one. 1200 pounds is a lot of difference. The prices between half and 3/4 or 1 ton are remarkably similar until one puts in a diesel. However, if it is also your daily driver, they ride rougher than a half ton. If we decide to spend more than 3 months south, we will look to upgrading truck and trailer. I guess one can order a Ford Heavy Duty for delivery in only10-12 months...
                    Ottertail, Minnesota
                    2022 Imagine 2500RL VIN 573TE3029N6637046
                    2022 Ford F-150 Lariat, SuperCrew, long box, max tow

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by AlexPeterson View Post
                      I've been amazed at how wide the payload numbers are within, for example, the GMC/Chev 2500 models. I've seen from 2193#'s for a 2017 diesel to 3400#'s for a gas one. 1200 pounds is a lot of difference. The prices between half and 3/4 or 1 ton are remarkably similar until one puts in a diesel. However, if it is also your daily driver, they ride rougher than a half ton. If we decide to spend more than 3 months south, we will look to upgrading truck and trailer. I guess one can order a Ford Heavy Duty for delivery in only10-12 months...
                      Yes, those are all things that have to be considered. The 2500s and 3500s do not ride like the 1500s---that's for sure but they are a heavier duty vehicle and as such just won't. Adding the diesel does have an affect on the payload capacities as you noted as well. For me it came down to comfort and stress when pulling and how hard each truck was working to pull our loads. The diesel exhaust brake and it's abilities over the gas engine brake was also a selling point. The requirements for weekend warriors are much different than for full timers. Each has to make the decision based on their budget, preferences, requirements, and tolerances. There are great gas and diesel trucks made nowadays.

                      I'm not sure what the current timelines are for the GM models--but I can say that a year ago, I ordered my GMC Sierra AT4 and it was 8.5 weeks from start of order to delivery. The process was quite easy and expeditious. I have another friend who has ordered a F450 and they are telling him 14-16 months. He ordered it 4 months ago.
                      40-year Camping Enthusiast
                      2022 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS with tons of upgrades
                      2022 GMC Sierra 3500 AT4 CC LB SRW D-Max 3865 Cargo Capacity

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by COReflection View Post

                        Yes, those are all things that have to be considered. The 2500s and 3500s do not ride like the 1500s---that's for sure but they are a heavier duty vehicle and as such just won't. Adding the diesel does have an affect on the payload capacities as you noted as well. For me it came down to comfort and stress when pulling and how hard each truck was working to pull our loads. The diesel exhaust brake and it's abilities over the gas engine brake was also a selling point. The requirements for weekend warriors are much different than for full timers. Each has to make the decision based on their budget, preferences, requirements, and tolerances. There are great gas and diesel trucks made nowadays.

                        I'm not sure what the current timelines are for the GM models--but I can say that a year ago, I ordered my GMC Sierra AT4 and it was 8.5 weeks from start of order to delivery. The process was quite easy and expeditious. I have another friend who has ordered a F450 and they are telling him 14-16 months. He ordered it 4 months ago.
                        Since 2020 3/4 ton trucks are very different than pre 2020...at least for Ford and GM. Both Ford and GM offer 3/4 ton trucks with increased GVWR when a diesel is paired with specific towing packages. This get's you very similar payloads between gas and diesel 3/4 ton trucks. For example, my 2020 F250 crew cab diesel has a payload of 3166#. This is within 100# of the high payload 3/4 ton gas trucks. Ford did this by offering a 3/4 ton with GVWR of 10,800# instead of the typical 10,000#.

                        GM does the same thing offering 3/4 ton diesel trucks with GVWR of over 11,000#.

                        Ram, however, sticks to 10,000# for their 2500HD trucks.

                        If my truck were a daily driver, I would seriously consider a 1/2 ton...but probably would have a smaller, lighter trailer as well.
                        Allen

                        2021 Momentum 21G

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          I would add to this discussion that you should not assume that the ride of a 3/4 or 1 ton truck will be rougher than a half ton. In recent years, truck manufacturers have all made significant changes to soften the upper end of suspension travel . . . basically to improve ride feel when empty. Other than work trucks, many (most?) HD trucks travel a lot of miles more-or-less empty. Certainly worth a test drive to confirm.

                          Rob
                          Cate & Rob
                          (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
                          2015 Reflection 303RLS
                          2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
                          Bayham, Ontario, Canada

                          Comment

                          Working...
                          X