What to tow a 375FL 15,500 lbs loaded

[jameswbarton]

Thanks! I feel a little better knowing the Ram can pull it long enough to let me shop for a bargain value Diesel truck. There are just none around here as I live in Farm country and they do not last long on a lot. I had not thought about putting the generator/s in the truck. I did not get one in the 375 as I never used it in the Motorhome in 6 years, Is there room left in an 8 foot bed for tool boxes? I have always been good on actual weight and use scales frequently so I always know my weights as in a MH you never want a blowout! My biggest mental issue is I had a carhauler for all of my tools, car, motorcycle and hobbies full timing in a Motorhome and now have a Pickup Truck in its place. It is a mixed bag of emotions thinking of full timing without all that stuff but Brinca reminds me that that is why We bought the new RV so I could retire working on the RV all the time! I guess i will miss the motorcycle as there is no easy way to carry it.

[jcurtis934]

If you are wanting a used diesel truck, then open your search area to the whole country. That way, you can find what you want. Obviously newer is better. John

[TLightning]

I, for one, sure get tired of reading how these trucks "pull fine." Of course they pull fine, especially the diesel. Pulling is not the issue...the issue is the ability to carry the pin weight (and every thing else we carry) and remain in limits. The gasser, being much lighter without the heavy diesel engine, can carry the weight, but doesn't have he power. The SRW diesel cant't always carry the weight but has the power. The diesel dually has both cargo capacity and power.

[richfaa]

That is way to simple Tom.

[JABURKHOLDER]

My Montana tops out at 16,960lbs. I purchased a 2016 Ford F350, 4x4, crew cab, dually, 6.7 diesel, 4.30 gears, high capacity trailer tow package, plow and camper rated. What all that means is upgraded, heavy duty suspension. This also means upgraded payload capacity. 440hp at 2200 rpm and 860lb-ft torque at 1600 rpm. Max payload is 6460lbs and max trailer weight is 26500lbs. All of this may sound like overkill but that's what you want. You want MORE truck than you need. The engine, transmission and suspension will never be overstressed that way. With the dually, the truck and RV are the same width making for a more stable platform. The truck also came factory prepped for a fifth wheel hitch. I purchased the hitch from Ford also. The hitch can be removed in less than ten minutes with no tools giving you full use of the bed when needed. With the eight foot bed you easily have room for a bed box at the front of the bed. As far as fuel economy, I get between 10 - 12 mpg while towing on all grades, tow/haul mode and cruise controls on driving 58 - 60 mph. Unhitched I've gotten as much as 16 - 18 mpg averaging 65 mph. Anyway, that's my two cents.

[JABURKHOLDER]

P.S. I'm not a Ford dealer, just an enthusiast.

[Bill.vannuys]

Concur, Dually handles way more payload; pin weight and cargo weight "weigh" big in any decision.

For my purchase, I was dragging my feet cause I hate to spend big money and couldn't get a good deal locally in the Kansas City area. My wife got tired of waiting and searched the country on the internet and found several great deals - one of which we bought in Indiana. Got $2000 more for my trade in and about $3,000 cheaper on the truck with the same options. I'll drive 600 miles to save $5K!

I was specifically looking for the SRW, but there were way more DRWs for sale when we searched - and not much price difference. My wife searched the northern half of the Midwest because we were looking for/wanted to ensure we had any cold weather options.

[jameswbarton]

Tom said it simply but it took me a long time to get a straight answer. Even the truck dealers cannot answer around here. The question I never got answered is why the SRW Diesel versions are all weight limited around 16K lbs when the DRW with the identical engine and transmission but a slightly higher rear end ratio can pull the extra 10,000 lbs. So the answer must be the SRW is limited by the rear suspension and frame/axle not the drive train. The slight difference in gear ratios on the SRW to DRW must be to keep the engine a little closer to the power curve at the cost of gas mileage for the DRW. With my many years of experience I know some day I will have the 375FL loaded at Max. I can easily calculate what weight I would like to carry in the 8 foot truck bed and passenger seat so I can make a good decision. I will bet it will be a DRW with the 375FL fully loaded @ 15,500lbs.

[Eagleback]

1 ton diesel here. I have a 2013 ram DRW with the aisin trans and love it, but any of the brands will be fine.

[mlh]

James do a Google search for J2708 tow rating. You will see the DRW trucks have a higher tow rating mainly because they are held to a lower standard.
Lynwood

[CORattler]

Tom,
Don't forget stopping ability as well.

quote:Originally posted by TLightning

I, for one, sure get tired of reading how these trucks "pull fine." Of course they pull fine, especially the diesel. Pulling is not the issue...the issue is the ability to carry the pin weight (and every thing else we carry) and remain in limits. The gasser, being much lighter without the heavy diesel engine, can carry the weight, but doesn't have he power. The SRW diesel cant't always carry the weight but has the power. The diesel dually has both cargo capacity and power.

[CORattler]

What kind of mileage do you get towing in the Rockies?

quote:Originally posted by JABURKHOLDER

As far as fuel economy, I get between 10 - 12 mpg while towing on all grades, tow/haul mode and cruise controls on driving 58 - 60 mph. Unhitched I've gotten as much as 16 - 18 mpg averaging 65 mph.

[Fire5er]

IMHO - Diesel DRW Long Bed

[pkbridges77]

quote:Originally posted by jameswbarton

Tom said it simply but it took me a long time to get a straight answer. Even the truck dealers cannot answer around here. The question I never got answered is why the SRW Diesel versions are all weight limited around 16K lbs when the DRW with the identical engine and transmission but a slightly higher rear end ratio can pull the extra 10,000 lbs. So the answer must be the SRW is limited by the rear suspension and frame/axle not the drive train. The slight difference in gear ratios on the SRW to DRW must be to keep the engine a little closer to the power curve at the cost of gas mileage for the DRW. With my many years of experience I know some day I will have the 375FL loaded at Max. I can easily calculate what weight I would like to carry in the 8 foot truck bed and passenger seat so I can make a good decision. I will bet it will be a DRW with the 375FL fully loaded @ 15,500lbs.

Most dealers are in the business of selling vehicles and unfortunately are not reliable experts in the use of their vehicles. Although they don't mind up selling with more than you need, my guess is that few have a whole lot of experience towing anything - and their experience in a truck is limited to whatever they are permitted to take home from the lot. Peer reviews like this forum based on real experience carry a lot more weight than information from someone who makes their living selling the product.
That said, we found out the hard way by starting with a 3/4 SRW diesel only to trade and upgrade in 8 months to the 1 ton DRW. Completely satisfied and never looked back.

[egregg57]

I am happy with our 6.7L Powerstroke. The short "regular bed is no problem for us. Rides, drives, pulls, and feels great!

[Beau2010]

2016 3500 CTD DRW pulling our 36 ft Montana gets 12+ mpg; empty up to 19. Previous truck was a 2500 CTD 5.9 which also pulled it fine; just a whole lot louder and a little less stable. We went with the bigger truck so the DW would feel easier about driving the rig. So far from Georgia to California and back to Arizona this spring, we could not be happier with this truck.

[captl27]

You can check on line what tow rates are for the new models. What I have seen is Chevy SRW have a max of 17000lbs, Ford is Max's out at 15500 for SRW. I tow with a short bed SRW because it is more maneuverable when you get some where.

[mlh]

The gas mileage you get is going to depend on how you drive. Take it easy in flat country 12 in our mountains or follow me maybe 10.
Lynwood

[Artemus Gordon]

I am so late you bought a truck and have a new rig by now. Before I forget note I weighed my F450 loaded with generator, tools etc. no people and came in at 9400 lbs. I choose F450 for many reasons, but foremost it's unique turning radius. It's tighter than F250 and most every heavy duty truck. My 3750 is older and its weight was slightly less than your estimate on a newer model. I would not discount looking on Car guru for used F450s. See them all the time in great shape. My 2014 has had zero recalls or issues. Then you know you have enough truck when it and trailer are loaded. Lic fees tax at least in Ca same for F350. Just be aware of getting too heavy in combination.. In Ca when you get over by just one lb to 26,000 lbs you move into driver license issues. So my truck with dogs, DW, me is very close to 10,000. At 15500 and my point gets clear! I just took my written and go back in few weeks for towing test. Lots to consider especially if you will be traveling heavy in truck and RV! Good luck. FYI many states including mind require an added endorsement for any trailer over 15,000 lbs. it only matters in an accident and or ticket!

[TLightning]

quote:Originally posted by captl27

You can check on line what tow rates are for the new models. What I have seen is Chevy SRW have a max of 17000lbs, Ford is Max's out at 15500 for SRW. I tow with a short bed SRW because it is more maneuverable when you get some where.

As has been said on here before, tow rates are second, behind cargo capacity...these trucks will "tow" any 5th wheel.