After a few months of research and some test drives, we selected a Ford F-350 1-ton pickup truck with the 6.7L diesel option and dual rear wheels. It also is loaded with other neat options specifically for towing. Some of the reasons for selecting this truck are:
- The Ford 6.7L diesel is the best in class torque at 925 lbs-ft
- Best in class 5th wheel towing at 32,000 pounds (our trailer will be about 18,000)
- Way more Ford pickups are sold than any other brand, so there are more service outlets around the country
- The long wheelbase at 176″ with crew cab and 8′ bed has a decent ride even when not loaded
- I’ve had 2 small pop up trailers and 2 medium sized pull behind camping trailers at the 27-29 foot size, so 4 in total over the years. The 2 larger rigs were pulled with GM 1/2 ton vehicles with a small block GM 5.7L 350 type engine. The last one was a Suburban. Both were under matched and had trouble with hilly terrain and with sway. This time I opted for way more truck than trailer. Hopefully got it right.
The competition is the Dodge Ram with a Cummins 6.7L engine. This is a very durable engine capable of 300,000 miles quite easy. But, I’m more interested in the 100,000 miles and the Dodge truck has a rougher ride.
Third down the line is the GM with a Duramax 6.6L diesel. While it has slightly higher horsepower, the number on the road are significantly lower than the rest. The ride is actually very nice and softer than the Ford. It made me wonder how it would handle loaded.
I need to put about 1,000 miles on it before towing, so that sounds like a Myrtle beach trip is in order soon! Gotta break it in. Only 200 miles so far and the on board computer is amazing in all that it will do. Guess I need to get the book out to figure it all out.
The gas mileage at 200 miles (1/4 of a tank), is not going to set any records. Yep, that on board computer shows a whopping 12.7 so far. After a break in period, I’m sure it will zoom up! Yeah right. The guy at work with a Prius asked me about the MPH. I asked him if his car could pull 32,000 pounds. He just muttered something. I doubt if it could handle a Christmas tree on top.
Have a good day!