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Post by plakeway on Dec 28, 2019 23:49:43 GMT -5
We have ordered our RV and are looking for the truck. Curious what you all have and recommend? We've test driven F350 and were shocked at the lack of turn radius.... going to be a lot to get used to. I heard the F450 was better..... I've no idea about RAM's or others..... Would like to hear from you experts out there.... appreciate the help
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Post by capemayal on Dec 29, 2019 8:44:42 GMT -5
No matter what truck you get. The turning radius is poor - they're just too big. I find that Ram trucks have the best ride and quiet cabin. Mine is a dually. Drive them all , see what you like. Keep all your weights within specs. You did the right thing - trailer first then match the truck to it.
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Post by midlotexan on Dec 29, 2019 11:04:22 GMT -5
My fifth wheel is only 14k lbs, but we chose a F350 crew cab with long wheel base. The ride is like a 1 ton truck in many cases, and yet on soon roads here in DFW, it rides better then my previous 1/2 ton Silverado. But most all the trucks will pull like a freight train, and in the end that's the key. As my dad would say, drive what you like, like what you drive.
My only recommendation is getting a truck with the factory bed connections. The puck system. So easy, just snap out the plastic caps and drop in the hitch. When you hitch is out, you have a clean unobstructed bed.
Good luck and safe travels! Kirt
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Post by mdcamper on Dec 29, 2019 14:05:38 GMT -5
For that size of a camper you want a 1 ton (or better!) dully. Drive all the brands before you purchase. They all will be poor with turning radius as others have pointed out.
They all have their own issues but the ford Diesels are not the best nor the most reliable. The GM diesels (Isuzu duramax) have issues with emissions components and injectors. The RAMS will have problems with the front ends eventually (I know someone in the parts industry and the dodges are about 5:1 in front end component failures compared to other brands).
BTW, GM and Dodge in house engineers could not develop a diesel motor to save their lives. They tried and failed. That's why GM partnered with Isuzu who have a great deisel design and Dodge partnered with Cummins. Same with their transmissions. Neither could make a heavy duty one that would handle the job so they outsource.
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Post by Edd505 on Dec 29, 2019 22:03:33 GMT -5
For that size of a camper you want a 1 ton (or better!) dully. Drive all the brands before you purchase. They all will be poor with turning radius as others have pointed out. They all have their own issues but the ford Diesels are not the best nor the most reliable. The GM diesels (Isuzu duramax) have issues with emissions components and injectors. The RAMS will have problems with the front ends eventually (I know someone in the parts industry and the dodges are about 5:1 in front end component failures compared to other brands). BTW, GM and Dodge in house engineers could not develop a diesel motor to save their lives. They tried and failed. That's why GM partnered with Isuzu who have a great deisel design and Dodge partnered with Cummins. Same with their transmissions. Neither could make a heavy duty one that would handle the job so they outsource. I have been in super duties since 1999 and the only one that had issues was the 2006 6.0, that had the head gasket issues the 6.0 was known for. My current 6.7 is about to turn 100K with most miles towing, zero problems by keeping oil changed and fuel clean. Back to the old whats brands better, depends on who you ask.
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Post by laknox on Dec 29, 2019 23:09:57 GMT -5
We have ordered our RV and are looking for the truck. Curious what you all have and recommend? We've test driven F350 and were shocked at the lack of turn radius.... going to be a lot to get used to. I heard the F450 was better..... I've no idea about RAM's or others..... Would like to hear from you experts out there.... appreciate the help The F450 has a solid front axle from a medium duty truck and has a shorter turn radius than the lighter trucks, with the independent front suspension. Wheelbase also makes a difference. Be advised that the 450 can have a =smaller= GVW than the heaviest 350s; need to shop carefully. If you're a GM guy, the Topkicks are pretty much the same. Lyle
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Post by nvguy on Dec 30, 2019 0:08:58 GMT -5
Every one of them (Ford, GM, Dodge) has their good and bad points. All of them will tow your 5th wheel faster than you have any business going. None of them will have a turning circle like a car (or even a 1/2 ton truck), so pretty much forget one shot U turns. Only consistency is get a dually, and the factory puck system. Buy the truck that fits you best, both ergonomically, and comfort wise. Now, here is the gotcha: Pay very close attention to the details, checking -or not checking- one box on the order form (either when the dealer ordered the truck or if you do) can have an impact on tow rating. Verify everything, most salespersons have no idea about anything. My point is, yes you can add a 5th wheel hitch or a brake controler, but aftermarket isn't as good as factory- and wont have the factory warranty.
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Post by csp1116 on Dec 30, 2019 12:06:38 GMT -5
Get the new Ford F350 7.3 gas SRW long bed with the 10 speed transmission. That’ll be more than enough. If you’re using it for a lot of daily use it’s better than the diesel and cheaper. I’m a gas guy never had a problem. If your full-timing it do the diesel.
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Post by ronc on Dec 30, 2019 19:18:37 GMT -5
Surprisingly good advice ... usually the truck fan boys blast the other guys. I have a 2016 F350 dually, 6.7 diesel, crew cab, long box. The dually and long wheelbase are a noticeable advantage when towing. I think any of the big 3 would make a good tow vehicle if properly (and similarly) equipped. Ford’s new diesels are very reliable ... don’t know where that criticism came from. This assumes you are buying new. If you buy used, particularly older than 2-3 years, you need greater awareness of brand strengths and weaknesses. 6.0 Fords were problematic. GM’s used to have low GCVW ratings. Rams also had issues so when going used research your chosen truck’s brand history. I would tell you that a diesel is a superior towing platform and helps trucks retain a better resale value. Good job on picking the rig first and then buy a truck that is suited to tow it safely.
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Post by mkpaint on Jan 1, 2020 9:24:35 GMT -5
Surprisingly good advice ... usually the truck fan boys blast the other guys. I have a 2016 F350 dually, crew cab, long box. The dually and long wheelbase are a noticeable advantage when towing. I think any of the big 3 would make a good tow vehicle if properly (and similarly) equipped. Ford’s new diesels are very reliable ... don’t know where that criticism came from. This assumes you are buying new. If you buy used, particularly older than 2-3 years, you need greater awareness of brand strengths and weaknesses. 6.0 Fords were problematic. GM’s used to have low GCVW ratings. Rams also had issues so when going used research your chosen truck’s brand history. I would tell you that a diesel is a superior towing platform and helps trucks retain a better resale value. Good job on picking the rig first and then buy a truck that is suited to tow it safely. Make sure you get 4:30 gear ratio and it will be good. I’m pulling with a 6.2 gas with 3.73 it works just shifts a lot. I believe if I had 4.30 gears I would be happier.
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Post by mkpaint on Jan 1, 2020 9:26:07 GMT -5
I meant with 7.3 gas just quoted wrong person
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Post by ronc on Jan 1, 2020 12:12:42 GMT -5
Surprisingly good advice ... usually the truck fan boys blast the other guys. I have a 2016 F350 dually, crew cab, long box. The dually and long wheelbase are a noticeable advantage when towing. I think any of the big 3 would make a good tow vehicle if properly (and similarly) equipped. Ford’s new diesels are very reliable ... don’t know where that criticism came from. This assumes you are buying new. If you buy used, particularly older than 2-3 years, you need greater awareness of brand strengths and weaknesses. 6.0 Fords were problematic. GM’s used to have low GCVW ratings. Rams also had issues so when going used research your chosen truck’s brand history. I would tell you that a diesel is a superior towing platform and helps trucks retain a better resale value. Good job on picking the rig first and then buy a truck that is suited to tow it safely. Make sure you get 4:30 gear ratio and it will be good. I’m pulling with a 6.2 gas with 3.73 it works just shifts a lot. I believe if I had 4.30 gears I would be happier. Just FYI ... it’s not a big deal to change the ring and pinion. I did that on a 4x4 (so I had to change front and rear) and the cost was pretty reasonable.
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Post by mkpaint on Jan 1, 2020 19:37:46 GMT -5
Yea I’ve done gear swaps before, but since we don’t tow much not gonna bother.
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Post by ronc on Feb 7, 2020 13:56:20 GMT -5
Get the new Ford F350 7.3 gas SRW long bed with the 10 speed transmission. That’ll be more than enough. If you’re using it for a lot of daily use it’s better than the diesel and cheaper. I’m a gas guy never had a problem. If your full-timing it do the diesel. The problem with your gasser is RAWR. A SRW truck just doesn't have enough carrying capacity ... it will pull it, but it also must carry the pin.
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Post by Edd505 on Feb 7, 2020 14:51:10 GMT -5
Get the new Ford F350 7.3 gas SRW long bed with the 10 speed transmission. That’ll be more than enough. If you’re using it for a lot of daily use it’s better than the diesel and cheaper. I’m a gas guy never had a problem. If your full-timing it do the diesel. The problem with your gasser is RAWR. A SRW truck just doesn't have enough carrying capacity ... it will pull it, but it also must carry the pin. The diesel will also weigh more, it's a heaver engine. Mines 9,993 with the 80 gallon transfer & truck full.
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Post by chulavista on Feb 10, 2020 16:51:11 GMT -5
This week we're ordering a 2020 Ford F350 Dually 4x4 with the diesel, then the end of the year we're ordering a 2021 382MBQ if it will still be available!
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Post by capemayal on Feb 10, 2020 21:37:51 GMT -5
AND - Do not believe anything a salesman says!
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Post by chulavista on Feb 11, 2020 19:30:20 GMT -5
AND - Do not believe anything a salesman says! I've found with both the truck and the trailer, we know far more than any salesperson we've talked to!
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Post by nvguy on Feb 12, 2020 1:26:49 GMT -5
This week we're ordering a 2020 Ford F350 Dually 4x4 with the diesel, then the end of the year we're ordering a 2021 382MBQ if it will still be available! Pay very close attention the order form, checking (or not checking) one of those boxes can affect your capacity. Most sales guys are complete and total idiots who have no idea what does what and will tell you anything to get you you to take the mis-ordered poorly specified pile of dung they ended up with thru some dealer trade the idiot general manger did.
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Post by luckydawg on Feb 12, 2020 15:18:26 GMT -5
This week we're ordering a 2020 Ford F350 Dually 4x4 with the diesel, then the end of the year we're ordering a 2021 382MBQ if it will still be available! chulavista - Coincidentally I have a 2017 F350 dually diesel 4x4 and a 2018 382MBQ. Tows like a dream. Last summer we went from so Cal. to San Antonio TX & back on a 2 week trip. Had to remember the trailer was there at times!
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