Newbie

[CaptainRandy]

Howdy

Jackie and I will be receiving a new 3750FL Montana Fifthwheel May 1st and locating it in Pinedale, WY - with Jackie and I will be 3 mini dachshunds and 1 katt. With winter temps getting down to a -30F in this part of the world next winter will be interesting. At least we will have the summer to gear up for it.

We have not picked out a tow vehicle yet - still plowing thru all the specs/opinions/ prices etc, all suggestions along this line are appreciated.

We are not new to RVing having a 23' Winnabago for 5 years - it was our hurricane plan while we lived on our 35ft sailboat in St Petersburg, FL for 11 years - I was a sailboat charter captain and sailing instructor down there for 7 years & sailed Central America for 2.



Captain Randy

[stiles watson]

Welcome, Randy & Jackie. Glad you found the MOC. Think 1-ton on the truck. All the majors make powerful tow capable trucks. Obviously I like the Ford or I would have bought something else. Your 3750 is a bit over sized for a 3/4-ton. Some tow with a 3/4, but since you are having to get one, go for the 1-ton. Many like the dually. I drove one for almost 4 years. We covered 45 of the lower 48 and parts of Canada. The 2008 F350 had 67,000 miles and I just traded for the one in my signature. Like I said, all the big three will do the job and have their adherents and their rationalities for their choice, so get what you like and don't look back.

[NCFischers]

Welcome to the forum. We tow with a 1 ton dually and as a personal choice, wouldn't tow with anything else. This is the place to be for questions so feel free to jump in anytime.

[kylec2]

Congratulations on your new purchase! I would also suggest strongly going with a 1-ton truck; I am partial to the Fords as well.

[bncinwv]

Congratulations on a great choice of a rig. I have an unwritten pledge to not get involved with truck and weight threads, but if you take a look at the signature picture below, it will give you an idea of my preference!! I will be very interested in reading your upcoming cold weather postings!!!
Bingo

[Mudchief]

Congratulations on your new Montana. We hope you enjoy it like we have with both of ours. Any of the 2011 trucks will do a good job. Pick out one you like and like Stiles said above " Don't look Back "

[CamillaMichael]

Welcome to the MOC and congratulations on your new Montana...for a tow vehicle, look at what your fifth wheel weighs (loaded for a trip) and then shop for a truck that has the towing capacity to handle your fifth wheel...more capacity is better than less!

[WaltandLynne]

Welcome to the forum. We tow with a 1 ton SRW Chevy and we love it. Safe travels to you.

Walt & Lynne

[7.3Ford]

Randy,

I have 2001 F350 SRW right now. If I were buying new today I would look at F450 or F350 DRW in that order. Chevy or Dodge equals are all great TV, just matter of what preference you have.

The price isn't that much different for the F450 vs F350 DRW, if you are looking at diesel engine. Diesel and DRW is standard on the F450, so when you add those to the F350 there isn't that much difference. Haven't price both out for a long time, since I will keep my 2001 for another 10-15 years, it only has 61,000 miles on it.

[Captain Joe]

To: Captain Randy
From: Captain Joe

Congrats and welcome. The 3750FL is special. Recommend a 1-ton dually diesel. Would buy a good used one...no need to spend the big bucks on a new truck, unless you have money to burn.

[Bill-N-Donna]

Hello to Randy & Jackie! Welcome to the best forum there is to find out the information you need to know about your new Montana. That is a beauty you are getting we really like that model a lot. We don’t have one but maybe one day who knows? Suggesting to someone else as to what to purchase for a tow vehicle isn’t an easy task. My only thought is that if I were going to purchase a tow vehicle I would be looking very closely at all weight ratings including the CGVWR. Since you are not new to RV’ing you might be very aware of the ratings and how they work. This is always a personal choice and one that you will have to live with. The reason I have the truck we have now is because it is what I found the best deal on at the time of purchase. I bought used and doubt I will ever buy a new truck. Had I got a better deal on another brand that is probably what I would be using! We have owned a Dodge gas dually V-10 and it worked well for the needs. However the diesel seems to have a lot more power. I like the dually a lot and doubt that I would go any other direction with that after having one. I would even consider looking at a 450 or even a 550 for towing if one became available.

[CaptainRandy]

Hi

Have flown from Wyoming (where ut was snowing Friday April 22) and am now helping my better 3/4's pack the cabin here in Georgia for the movers comming Wednesday. We drive to Casper, WY to take delivery of our 3750FL Friday/Saturday. Can't wait!!!!!!

[HamRad]

Captain Randy,
We MUST meet! We are Doxie lovers too. We currently have 3 relatively little guys. One is a ChaWenie. One is a full Doxie (Small standard), and one slightly larger Doxie mix. He is a cross between a Doxie and probably a Cocker Spaniel. He is a rescue and we don't know his exact date of birth but believe he is about 9 months old now. Our oldest is about 4 years old while the little guy is about 3. They are a sight to behold when they all get moving at the same time. You sometimes think you are caught in a small black and brown tornado!

The picture in my signature block shows Bandit on the left and Buddy on the right. I need to get one that includes Spike and repost the updated info. Always something to do.

We will be at the 7 Feathers Gathering in early June if you're going to be out this direction lets get in touch. Have a great time with your new rig! Welcome. Later, Dennis

[HOOK]

I owned a tow truck fleet for 30+ years...was also GM of RV dealer for 8 yrs.More is always better, think 1 ton dually HD. having what you need to do the job becomes very important in an emergency...to late to rethink after the fact.I have 1 ton Chev.dually. I personally prefer the Allison trans. To each his own. Recently Trailer Life ran an article comparing. Check them out.