Tow Vehicle

[Montana_2661]

We are dealing for a 2005 Montana 3475. We had a 3500 GMC in mind for pulling it. We would really prefer a 2500 (Dodge, Chevy or Ford) so we could use it more freely when not pulling. I guess my question is, what options do I have? Looks like it would be about 13,000 pounds. Every one I have looked at, on a lot, was not rated that high. What a great web site!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks

[Bill and Ann]

Joe: A 2500 of any make will pull your 3475. There are previous posts on this subject. Look under Tow vehicles and Towing.

[Montana_3151]

You can also get an F-350 with the single rear wheel that will certainly pull it without difficulty and still get around town just as easily as with the F-250. It also comes in a short bed.

[sreigle]

I agree with the others, all 3 mfrs have 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks that will handle that load. We're towing 13,980 lbs with a 3/4 ton rated for 15,400 with gcwr of 23,000. 3.73 axle and 6.0PSD. We previously towed it with a '99 F350 single rear wheel V10 and an '03 F350 single rear wheel 6.0PSD. Around town the F350's were as easy as the F250 is. I assume you're wanting to avoid the dually. I think GM and Dodge have single rear wheel 1 ton trucks, too, if I'm not mistaken. I don't know the numbers for the other brands but the Ford 3/4 ton can be configured to 17,000 with gcwr of 23,000 (maybe 23,500- would have to look) and the 1 ton to 19,200 with gcwr of 26,000.

You have lots of good choices among the diesels and the Ford and Dodge V10 and the GM 8.1L V8 gas engines.

Good luck, hope you find one that excites you.

Congratulations on the Montana, too. I hope the deal works out for you.

[Montana_1985]

Personally, I wouldnt be caught dead (maybe) without a dually...but i'm prone to overdo it a bit when it comes to safety.. I love the fact that a dually won't sway or if I have a blowout, at least I have a spare to ride on (in my mind).
Being we have never towed our house around, I'm still paranoid (to a degree) of the weight and size, and even with a 7.3L turbodiesel dually F350, it still feels weird!!
For what it's worth, that's my 1.5 cents....

[jrgwdenner]

Joe, welcome to the forum! We have a Dodge 1 ton dually that is very comfortable to ride in without the Montana and pulls the fiver like a dream. It also has a quieter diesel than older models. You might try a ride in one. You'll be surprised how nice they are.

[Chester]

The 3475 has one of the heavier pin weights of the Montanas. By the time you are loaded you can expect the pin weight to be in the 3000lb range. Check both the towing capacity and payload capacities of any truck you're going to buy. More often it's the payload capacity you will be limited by.

[Montana_1892]

hi, we have been towing with a dodge 2500 and have had problems with rear tire wear ... after the chip and exhaust. any way am seriously considerig 3500 with duals and new better brakes ... thoughts?

[sreigle]

Brad is right about pinweight. The 3295RK like ours has a little bit heavier pinweight than the 3475RL. Ours clocks in at 3120 lbs but we're very heavily loaded. So 3000 for a heavily loaded 3475 sounds about right to me. If loaded for weekends and vacations it may be closer to 2700-2800, as our 3295 was in our weekending/vacationing days.