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Old 05-23-2023, 01:39 PM   #1
GetGone
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Tow Vehicle Opinions

Greetings fellow Montana Owners. This is our first post hete. We are in the process of trading our 2018 Wildwood Heritage Glenn BAR337 5th wheel on a 2023 Montana 3793RD. The Montana about 4000 +- heavier than the Heritage Glenn which we towed with a 2005 Ford F350 Power Stroke Diesel Dually. This truck had absolutely no pulling issues with the H.G.. We are going to buy a new tow vehicle to replace our 2005 truck. If y'all don't mind I'd like to hear opinions on what different folks think is the best truck and set up to efficiently handle the new Montana 3793RD. We're not really loyal to any brand, though we are leaning towards Ford or Dodge. We truly appreciate the feedback.
 
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Old 05-23-2023, 01:48 PM   #2
Foldbak
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I don't have any experience with a 40 footer but if it were me knowing what I've learned I'd probably go with a dually 3500 diesel. Brand is a personal choice. I'm a GMC fan
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Old 05-23-2023, 01:53 PM   #3
JamesDean334
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I'm pulling our 2017 3791RD with a 1999 F-350 Lariat, ZF6 speed manual trans., crew cab, long wheelbase, dually. The old girl has allllllmost 480k miles and still going strong as an ox. We don't do any really long trips, as we're not retired, and held to mostly weekend getaways. As long as that dually you have has been well maintained and isn't giving any issues, I'd let'er eat for as long as she's up to the task. Unless, of course, you're just wanting a new truck. In that case, I'd stick with a Ford F-350 dually. If you're bent on upgrading, an F-450 but, that would be a little overkill in my opinion.
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Old 05-23-2023, 01:57 PM   #4
Rotnjonny
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Good afternoon. We have a 2022 3791RD which is the predecessor to your model. We have a 2022 F350 crew cab dually 4 wheel drive diesel. It is more than enough truck! Axle weight is 12,740 with 3,200 on the pin. Front axle weight only changes by 100 pounds when adding the 5’er onto the back.

I would have liked to have had a F450 because of the improved turning radius and larger brakes but we couldn’t find one in the time frame necessary.

Personally I cant imagine all this trailer on a single rear wheel but there are many that do it. I like the increased stability of the dual rear wheels.

Hope this helps
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Old 05-23-2023, 02:14 PM   #5
Carl n Susan
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Your 2005 Ford F350 Power Stroke Diesel Dually is enough truck despite the problematic 6.0L motor. The newer Ford 6.7L motors (and competitors) are significantly more powerful and reliable. And the newer technology in these trucks is awesome. But your existing truck will work and you don't have to rush to find a replacement. You can afford to wait for the "right" replacement truck.
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Old 05-23-2023, 02:18 PM   #6
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Scott,

First, welcome to the forum! Enjoy your new rig.

Search the forum - you will find many threads on this subject.

Your question will certainly provide a wide range of answers but in the end it will be your decision driven by how you plan to use it.

-Manufacturer - All 3 can do a good job. Make sure whatever you choose has the required load capacity for your trailer plus what you plan to carry. You will need at least a one ton. While a gas powered truck will do the job, most will pick a diesel.

-2WD or 4WD. Personal preference based on where and when you plan to use it. Most go with 4WD.

Is your rig going to be a daily driver or only used to tow? If a daily driver, many go with short bed non dually. A dedicated tow rig, many consider a LB dually assuming it will fit in your garage.
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Old 05-23-2023, 02:48 PM   #7
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You can’t go wrong with a diesel dually of any of the big 3 brands. All have adequate power, comfort, and conveniences. We all have our preferences. And biases. It’s just a matter of which one YOU like best.
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Old 05-23-2023, 03:06 PM   #8
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We have 3 great trucks to choose from. Each will pull your camper. In fact they are so close there is no difference between them. My advise is pick the one that is best for you. Go drive all three check the specs and the options then go drive all three again. Then choose the one that best suits your needs. Don’t make a mistake before you buy and not get the best truck for you and you will never know if you don’t compare all three.
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Old 05-23-2023, 04:14 PM   #9
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Tow vehicle opinions- Yes you need a tow vehicle!
Sorry, I couldn't resist! LOL
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Old 05-23-2023, 04:36 PM   #10
GetGone
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Thanks for all the answers thus far. I should have been more specific. Yes, it will definitely be a diesel, dually, most likely a 4x4 and definitely be a 350 or 3500 depending on the brand. Though I have my own opinions, I enjoy reading and hearing other folks opinions and thoughts on this. Someone may offer a nugget of info that I've not thought of. Again, thanks to the info thus far.
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Old 05-23-2023, 05:25 PM   #11
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There is so little difference in the trucks, the better question might be in the hitching. Standard pin box or air ride pin box. Standard hitch or air ride hitch. Or ball mount hitch. Standard pin box or gooseneck adapter. Lots of options and combinations. And opinions.
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Old 05-28-2023, 02:42 PM   #12
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Personally I like our F450. However, the GMC and Chevy trucks on board computer connects with the in-command system on your camper. This feature wasn't a make-or-break deal for us.
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Old 05-28-2023, 03:07 PM   #13
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If you are leaning towards an F350 or F450, I have a couple of thoughts.

Yes, the F450 has a tighter turn radius than the F350. (used to be you could get the Tow Boss option for the F350 which would give the tighter turn radius, but alas, no more)
Yes, the F450 has larger brakes than the F350.
The F450 is also heavier than the F350 which reduces its payload. The F350 has a greater payload capacity.
Depending on your pin weight, weight of your hitch, you and passenger, fuel, cargo, etc., might make a difference.

Just another part of the equation.
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Old 05-28-2023, 03:58 PM   #14
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I spent my career working for an auto manufacturer. We had an engineer in our department who had worked for GM previously and was on the R&D team for the Duramax. I asked him which diesel pickup he would like and he replied: "the Cummins engine with the Allison transmission on a Ford chassis". Good luck finding that one; actually good luck finding much selection on any diesel pickup now, they seem to be having issues manufacturing them. I haven't personally shopped for one in a few years, but I hear they are getting sticker +$, no negotiating at all. Conversely, if you do find what you want, you're more likely to get more $ for trade-in or private sale of your truck than you might imagine. I used to own a 2004 F350 srw to pull our previous camper, but sold it shortly after the camper caught fire from the Dometic refrigerator and didn't need it any more. I still see a few of that vintage on the road.

I objectively looked at all 3 manufacturers when I bought mine and ended up with an F350 mostly because I thought it to be the most comfortable to drive and got a much better deal for a truck with the highest trim package. The only real drawback I have is the turn radius seems very long.

The other drawback I see with the F450 is the only rear axle ratio offered is 4:30 which has to be detrimental to fuel economy. Mine has a 3:55 which concerned me a bit at first but has pulled my 40 footer with ease everywhere I've gone. Where you live and where you plan to pull would be a factor here. I get between 11-13 mpg while towing and recently took a 600 mile trip with just the truck and it averaged 18 mpg for the trip.
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Old 05-28-2023, 04:19 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by Bourbon County View Post
The other drawback I see with the F450 is the only rear axle ratio offered is 4:30 which has to be detrimental to fuel economy. Mine has a 3:55 which concerned me a bit at first but has pulled my 40 footer with ease everywhere I've gone. Where you live and where you plan to pull would be a factor here. I get between 11-13 mpg while towing and recently took a 600 mile trip with just the truck and it averaged 18 mpg for the trip.
My 2016 F350, dually, diesel, crew cab, long bed has 4:30 gears. I consider that a plus. With those gears and the Tow/Haul mode, I can move a mountain.
Fuel economy is taken care of by the multi-geared transmission. Depending on terrain, I get 10-12 mpg towing (Tow/Haul mode, cruise control at 59 mph) and I have gotten as high as 21 mpg non-towing 65 mph+.
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Old 05-29-2023, 06:24 AM   #16
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I spotted one of those rare conversions while in SD last year. Pulled into a convenience store next to a Ford pick-up. While waiting, I noticed the Cummins badge. When the owner arrived I asked about his Ford. He proceeded to tell me about all the changes made and proudly stated that all the gauges worked. So strange to be looking at the Ford and hear that distinct Cummins engine.
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Old 05-29-2023, 09:06 AM   #17
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Good morning -

I think he truck you have would work! You may consider holding onto you funds for the new truck and see what options you would like to add to your new trailer or the truck. Upgrade trailer the solar for boondocking, larger storage tanks, etc.

Just a thought!
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Old 05-29-2023, 10:28 AM   #18
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Almost exactly what. I was going to say except we have a 2017 F 350 and a 2019 3854, but the sentiments are exactly the same
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Old 05-29-2023, 11:32 AM   #19
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We use a Ford F350 Diesel Dually, we knew the future would be going across the Rocky Mountains and beyond. It has pulled well anywhere we have traveled. Always go BIG as you can. Lots of trucks can pull the large Montanas, it’s the unknown you are planning for.

Enjoy the journey.
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Old 05-29-2023, 01:41 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl n Susan View Post
Your 2005 Ford F350 Power Stroke Diesel Dually is enough truck despite the problematic 6.0L motor. The newer Ford 6.7L motors (and competitors) are significantly more powerful and reliable. And the newer technology in these trucks is awesome. But your existing truck will work and you don't have to rush to find a replacement. You can afford to wait for the "right" replacement truck.
Carl is right. If your present truck brings you happiness, keep it...
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