I have been towing trailers up to 16,000 lbs since the 1970s! There is one thing to consider seldom mentioned! The longer the wheelbase of the tow vehicle the more stability one has!
A couple important points on axle ratios I think you missed: First, most pickup trucks nowadays no longer offer optional axle ratios, it is usually dictated by engine and vehicle configuration. In the case of GM trucks, there are no optional axle ratios anymore (except for one included with the NHT max trailering pack available with 5.3L or 6.2L 1500s). Second, with more and more speeds in transmissions, axle ratios are less and less relevant. With new 10 speed transmissions in many trucks today, different axle ratios (if they were available, which they usually aren't per above) would make very little difference. The less transmission speeds, the more difference axle ratios makes, and vice versa. Too many folks still think about axle ratios as they affected trucks back when 3 and 4 speed auto transmissions were most common. Next, on the topic of a "trailering package," I think more explanation is needed. For many years the term trailering package generally referred to a receiver hitch, wiring connection, and often more robust cooling. Those features are nowadays standard on almost all HD pickups and on most popular half ton configurations. But there are now other packages which include trailering related equipment, such as the GM max trailering pack mentioned above, 5th wheel/gooseneck hitch, camera systems, trailering integration with infotainment systems, integrated brake controller, etc. Point is, the question isn't "Did you get the trailering package or not," since there are many different trailering packages with different features in each one, And the features which were included in trailering packages 15 years ago are now standard on most pickups.
All truck videos you made, they have been always very educational even though some videos you discuss the same or similar topics. I always learn something. Thanks!
On this channel according to him if you tow an rv you need a 3/4 ton or 1 ton no matter if it is a trailer that only two people can sleep in. A trailer package should have a transmission cooler and oil cooler. The 7 pin electrical plug in. Make sure you have a trailer brake installed and the fuse is in place to actuate the trailer brake.
Thank you for all your great advice. We had a difficult time hearing what you were saying because the audio was so low and so we checked another video of yours and the volume was great. Just an observation. Again thank you for your videos and great advice!
I have a tt I got last year. My old truck wasn’t enough. Felt it up hill and strong cross winds. Can’t wait to get out w the truck I got. 2013 f150 3.5 max trailer package and 157” wheelbase with 3:73 gears 7700 payload package.
I had an '11 Ecoboost with max tow pkg (3.73 rear axle ratio) and the 157" WB and put over 50k towing miles on that truck over the 5 years I had it going all over the country. Sold it to a friend who still loves it, but that thing was incredibly stable when towing. I now have a '12 Ecoboost with the short bed. It's not as good, but still does well. I also found a max tow version of that, as well.
Great video! We are in the process of looking to upgrade our truck for a future 5th wheel trailer. One thing we found the hard way was when we purchased our first camper, no one told us about figuring the hitch weight into the payload of the truck. While we realized very early that our 2020 Tacoma had the TOW capacity to pull the trailer we bought, no one told us about the hitch weight. Looking back, we now know that one of the reasons it seemed to struggle a bit was that the hitch weight combined with our weight basically put us AT/ABOVE the TOTAL limit for payload capacity! Yikes! Lesson learned. We still have the Tacoma, but purchased a used Tundra that made pulling that camper feel like we weren’t pulling anything! We did decide to get a bit bigger of a travel trailer and the Tundra works perfectly with it! We want to get a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel (probably a dually) because, down the road, we know we want to get a fifth wheel and need a truck capable of towing it, but also has the payload capacity! Any suggestions/recommendations?
Thank you for your detailed, thorough, extensive and informative presentation. Hmmm, perhaps seperate the RV into 3 categories then match a few different vehicles that would be best to tow small ( under 18ft long under 2000 pounds) , medium 18-26ft and between 2000-6000 pounds) and large anything over 26ft and 6000 pounds. Just an idea, thanks
Thanks 🙏🏻 I had to take note of everything you were saying🤣 I am looking for a truck to tow a trailer, never drove anything bigger than a sedan car😅😅 wish me luck🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I've watched a number of your videos and I notice you have a penchant for the word specific. What a great drinking game everybody take a sip every time JD says specific.
Thanks for all the awesome info. Still looking for a 5th wheel and a tower. We have run pretty much narrowed down to one of the jayco eagle models. Had a Rv salesmen tell me that payload didn’t include pin weight just because I told him I would like to stay with a 2500 duramax. He didn’t like it much when I showed him that it did. Thanks again for the awesome info.
Smallest truck I've one was a 3/4 ton. Next 2 were f350 SRW LWB truck. Finally got a 1 ton drw diesel flat bed lwb. I will never go less than a 1 ton. I was surprised driving the dually, I was worried I wouldn't like the duals but I now dont notice them plus the rear of my truck is the same width as my small car hauler. One of the issues people have when looking for that advertised max towing cap is that you cant get the most optioned 4 door cab 4wd truck. Most the high capacity trucks are 2wd short cab trucks Always better to have to much truck rather than too much trailer
Also, if you are buying used, there is a code on the sticker of the driver side door jamb that tells you the rear axle code. I saw endless descriptions of used trucks online that said it was one ratio when the sticker showed it was another. Verify if you are buying used.
I did the same! My truck is a 14 Ram 2500 Cummins long bed. Man has it been night and day compared to the 1500. Thatt engine break is worth its weight in gold * 5 I love it!
Thank you for doing these great informational videos. I'm a female who will be traveling solo in retirement and have so much to learn. I did do some camping growing up, but wow have rv's changed since then.
My trailer is 3400 pounds loaded. I went from a 99 Dodge Ram 1/2 ton with a 5.2 to a 96 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton with a 5.9. Both gas motors and automatic. While the half ton was fine, I prefer the larger V8 for the hills for sure. The better brakes are a big plus, too. The bigger truck does a lot better at overall and lost only 1 mpg towing. I would do a half ton again, but my first choice is for sure the 3/4 ton. I've had a couple of one tons way back when and they are overkill and a fair amount more to fix and maintain. I won't do a one ton unless it truly warrants it. Same with diesel.
Payload is also important to note. You'll always reach your payload before your max tow weight. Usually you can safely haul about half of your tow max due to payload.
Another important tip is don't order the perfect truck for yourself 3 weeks before a world wide pandemic and the factory has to shutdown mid build 😭. Its almost done and should ship in the next couple weeks 🤞🤞
How about the truck's tow and payload capacities? These will come into play when matching specific trailers to your truck. Or, if you already have the trailer and you want to match a truck to it. That's what I did. My Ram, with a 1176 pound payload, was borderline for my 6,000 pound trailer. So, I replaced the truck with a Silverado with a 1,734 pound payload. It didn't hurt that the truck's previous owner had replaced the tires with oversized E rated BF Goodrich KO2s. Of course, they don't give me a higher payload capacity, but it means that I don't have to worry about my tires.
I’ve been watching your channel for a little bit now and I think that you give a good solid advice. My plan was to get a 4 to 5000 pound trailer and do some traveling a travel trailer I was working to get either a Colorado or Tacoma because they would fall into the correct range of weight. After watching channels and doing some reading I figured a little bit of overkill on the truck wouldn’t be that bad. So I went with a half ton tundra yeah V8 4 x 4 I found was in my budget.
Good points, all round! Been doing a lot of research about what to look for in a truck; and it seems to be a polarizing topic, with a lot of people on the extreme ends believing things that aren't true. It makes it difficult to cut through all the BS. My advice to any truck Newb is to do the research on the trucks; and get to know every aspect of the various makes and models. Become a true armchair expert, long before you even decide which truck to buy for the RV that you want to tow. You'll be surprised at what you learn.
Hello again JD...been watching you for over 2 years and you'd help me make the diesel vs gas desition. I don't tow my 7300lbs travel trailer but once every 2 or 3 months, live in the FLAT state of Florida...gas is doing the job just fine!
Ford has an option called the High capacity trailer towing package. It is for the 6.7L diesel because it weighs so much. It adds useable payload to compensate For the payload stolen by the heavy engine. I was looking through dealer inventory and I saw very few trucks with this worthwhile option in dealer stocks.
Big Truck Big RV also my travel trailer has a dry tongue weight of 550 lb. Dry weight of the trailer is 5300 lb. I also have the Eaz lift R6 weight distribution hitch.
@@jeremywilliams1677 l believe you, I have a 2019 high country 6.2 with the advantage tow package and is capable of pulling 15000 lbs. That is the territory of the 3/4 ton has Biggers brakes and better suspension from factory, not all 1/2 ton are the same. I respect the comments everyone said but they need to explain all the details, 😊
I bought a truck that has a trailer tow package but did not come with the brake controller or a transmission cooler. Never again. I added a brake controller, but my transmission heated up going over a mountain pass in Colorado. I had to find a pull off area to let the truck idle for a little while and let the transmission cool down. I was one of several who had to do that.
I actually spent half my morning (and half of this month) looking at used trucks! My I want a late model 3/4 ton Limited or Platinum but my wallet wants an old 1/2 ton so I’m kinda stuck!
nice video straight to the point. although I disagree with the gear ratio most people will benefit from a higher gear ratio although this is experience from my work truck not from an RV aspect. but people don't need to be able to get going from 0-60 in 10 sec. My 94' dodge 1500 can just as easily pull anything my 2016 chevy 2500 with a tow package can. you're going to see your gear ratio in effect during 1 time that's getting the truck moving. sure you might argue what about going up mountains??? that's why they got slow truck lanes you might not be able to go up that mountain going 75mph. but look if you're buying a huge RV and trying to pull it with a Ranger you're wrong, buy the truck for the job. I road my motorcycle out west but before I did I changed the front and rear sprockets to give me longer gears. much much better gas mileage and going up some mountains I would have to down shift into 4th that's fine. when I was getting was getting 50mpg from 38-40 mph. Gas mileage should come before acceleration. if the gas mileage from 1 truck is 22mph hwy vs 16-18mph hwy that 4mph is going to add up. sure you're going to be going 70 before me but I'm going to be going alot longer. now if you're going to be pulling your RV off road in the rough country sure go for the lower gear but like most people I see pulling they're campers on the highway parking at an RV park. get the longest gear ratio you can get. that's what I think
Please consider a video on alternate tow vehicles, specifically full size vans. A recent model full size van 3/4 ton can be bought for $19-25k compared to $25-35k for a pick up. What are their differences towing wise? We are budget driven and are considering a van over a pick up....
Goes without saying but be sure you get big mirrors. If the truck has the items you mentioned it will have the mirrors. My truck is 13 years old and everything but the mirrors. Yep, need a newer truck.
Superduty Supercrew 8’ bed for the win 🙂 Seen enough of these Supercrew F150 grocery getters with the 5.5’ beds But hey, that’s what the boys must be wanting or better than 95% wouldn’t be 5.5’
I did the mistake of giving my trust to the vendor when I purchase my truck. I just told him that we are looking at fifth wheels when we purchase. Told him that we will need the tow paackage etc. etc. The vendor told me and my wife, don't worry the towing capacity is 11,300 lbs.That was during the pandemic. 10 months later receive my trucks. Was still towing my popup trailer since the fifth wheel we were looking for was not in good shape so everything was good. This year (2024) we bought our new travel trailer, which is 5600 lbs dry with a hitch weight of 724 lbs. Max weight 6884 lbs. Was sure that I got everything right for the truck. Looked at the stickers for towing capacity, 9200 lbs, total GCWR 15 000 lbs Max hitch weight 920 lbs. Truck is a Silverado 1500 LT with the 5.3L. I can say that I would prefer having a 3/4 ton truck. And for thebrake controller not existing.. I was sure that the brake controller was electronic as the vehicule is a 2022. Had to get one installed. Hope it's the last thing I get wrong on this truck.
Love this information - I think in one or some of your videos you say it's best to buy the RV (or at least settle on a specific model) before you buy the truck so you know how much truck you need, but I can't find the specific video. Anyway, that makes a lot of sense.
I have worked on all diesel trucks the ease of working on the Cummins and price of parts I would say Ram. Cummins is a much simpler engine with more room in engine bay to make repairs. Plus you do not need a two post lift as your first tool to make repairs as with a Duramax or Powerstroke.
First rule... figure out your loads... How much does the trailer weighs? How much will it weigh after you put all your stuff inside? How much payload the trailer will take from your truck? Where is it gonna be hitched? (5th wheel/gooseneck or regular bumper hitch) How much weight you are gonna put in the truck to add that hitch point? What are you planning to take with you inside the truck while towing including people, dogs, tools, gear... and how much does it weight in total? Now, the best way to do it is to aim for all or almost all those total weights to be around 80% of the truck capacity in total and if not all can be there, never go above 95% of the one you are willing to sacrifice (you might be 80% of your max towing rating, and 80% of the max tire load and 95% of the total payload rating for example). Never go into 100% of the max rating of anything. Much less over that if you dont know what yoj are doing and even then, it should be under the most secure environment possible (short run, little time, low speeds, no more people that what you need for the operation you are performing, low traffic, good visibility, good pavement conditions...) And, if you are under 50% of the ratings of your truck with the most you plann to tow, you dont need so much truck. (For example, if you are barely at 50% of the max ratings of a dually, you might find a single rear wheel 1 ton or even 3/4 ton truck that will be stressed to 80% of its max ratings and that is a better buy for the guy that doesn't live towing all days of the week). Now, If you plann to tow heavy on a daily or almost daily basis, then you should be looking to use a truck that can handle twice the stress you are gonna put on it. No vehicle (other than semi trucks and trains) is designed to regularly be stressed to its maximum advertised capacity. People that tow for a living across the country will get a 1 ton dually or a 1.5 ton truck to tow a trailer that a 3/4 ton or 1 ton single would be able to handle on paper. Why? Because their truck will be more reliable and last them for much longer than the other truck at 80% of the capability. I wrote this before I saw the video because I know about this stuff a lot, so I hope I hear something in the general lines of this and I also hope someone gets value out of this comment. Oh, and if you do know a lot on towing but you plann to tow short distances in great conditions just a few times per year (1 tk 12 or so) you might be able to sacrifice a bit more and go for the truck that will be maxed out in the case of your max towing scenario.
I really appreciate this video because right now, I'm packing and loading my f150. But books and clothing is heavy and it ads up. So, that's why I was wondering, even though I'm not towing a trailer. And I did an experiment: I noticed that dragging a bale of hay is easier than carrying it. So, with that in mind, I think I'm going to remove a lot of weight before I leave. I have criss-crossed America several times, and one time towing a trailer, happened exactly like you said and I thought I was going to die! And I'm in San Jose, California, so my options are either Sacramento to Lake Tahoe, or Flagstaff, which is a huge hill, or #10 which is hot and scary. Plus, I have to take #17 to Santa Cruz to get my mail and that road is treacherous. I am trying to figure out a way around that road. I was thinking 580 to Livermore, and then 5 south. But I don't like LA neither. I think I'm going to unpack and seriously lighten my load. Thanks.
Your series on matching trucks to trailers is vital information. My eventual goal is to buy the 5100 lb. Rockwood 2509S Mini Lite. Just bought a 2020 Silverado 1500 LT 4x4 with the max trailering package & trailer camera package. Seems like Chevy is favoring the 3.42 gears on the max trailering package now that they have the 8-speed and 10-speed transmissions. Finding a 3.73 geared Chevy was like looking for a 4-leafed clover. I got the 3.42's, but with an Andersen weight distribution hitch with sway control, I should have no issues and be at your recommended highest trailer weight for a 1/2 ton truck.
machfive916 we have the 2509s and love it!! We tow with a 2018 Eco Diesel with 3:92 gears, handles it easily in the north Georgia mountains. Don’t know how it would do with 3:42
Hey there. Saw you posted a long time ago. I am looking at an travel trailer that, when all the water and gear is on board, it can't be more than 7700lbs. 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton truck?
When you say "gear ratio" I think you mean the rear end differential, I drive a duramax which only offers the 3.73 in their light duty trucks, which I prefer as my truck is my daily driver and I tow maybe 20% of the time (I am full timing). Therefore my toyhauler weight was considered when buying the truck.
@@BTBRVReviews Ok, not a big deal, just offered the term for clarity, maybe that is a Texas term, but here in the Detroit area...where we make the trucks for the Big Three, (Ford, General Motors, Chrylser/Ram) my clients for 15 years, in the Auto industry we use the term rear end differential, possibly in the RV industry they use the more general term "gear ratio" which could apply to the transmission itself.
I`m asking these same questions. Good video His other Video about this is well coved the gear thing,is not easy to understand .sales man can confuse this. The r/l pair wheels need to be weighted that one set is not carrying all the weight.
Curious to how you used the AUX camera to view the Gooseneck Ball. I have a 2020 F350 and can't view the ball with the toolbox added. A video about how you achieved this would be awesome.
I added a side camera using the Aux Camera connection at the back of the truck. I got the camera kit from Camera-Source.com. Also, I use the low-Profile Better Built Toolbox, which gives me clarity over it with the High Center mount camera.
You referenced in this video multiple videos on what trucks match with different trailers but I'm not sure I'm finding the right ones. I'm a first time truck trailer buyer and I'm only interested in a travel trailer not a 5th wheel. I'm liking two brands, the Aliance Delta 292 RL and the Alta Xtreme 365 model KXT 3100 which is a full time living trailer but very heavy. Can you give me some links to videos?
Any of the big 3 1-Ton Dually trucks, with either Gas or Diesel engines should be fine. Most should have between 4800-5800lb capacities. But be sure to check the yellow door sticker to verify you have the payload capacity (including people and supplies) to hold the weight.
This last weekend I ran into one of the F150 ecoboost guys who thinks he can tow the planet because he has twin turbos. This was an extreme case, he bought a grand design fifth wheel 12k lbs. Please don’t be this guy.
Requesting your thoughts on the 2020 Winnebago Micro Minnie 2405RG and using a half ton 2020 GMC Sierra with the AT4 package. Thanks for any information you can give, what do you think?
Interested to see what you would think or what your choice would be. If budget wasn't in question and you could just buy the truck outright and you would own it from day one. What truck would you buy would it be a half ton one ton, what manufacturer?
I just recently purchased a three-quarter ton truck with a 2 1/2 inch receiver I normally have 2 inch ball mounts Will it be safe for me just to purchase a adapter so I can still use my 2 inch ball mounts? 😊 Thank you!
Is there an advantage pulling with a 4X4? Living in south Florida its all flat eventually we want to travel out of state up and down mountains. Wont be doing anything off road what do you think? We are thinking a trailer around 25 feet near 6500 lbs. Your comments would be greatly appreciated
If someone wants to go full time, do you think they should buy a 5th wheel first then get a truck that will haul it or buy the truck first then buy a 5th wheel that the truck can haul?
Hi JD. We have a 2020 36SSWS Jayco pinnacle and I am shopping for a dually to tow it. Do all F-450's come equipped with the wide track front end or do I have to request that? I also heard a rumor that the 2021 Dodge Ram 3500 may also have the same wide track front end. Can you shed some light on these subjects please? I always look forward to your videos. You were such a great help to Mark and Trish with Keep your daydream. Thank you! We are also willing to travel to another state (from Cali) to make a purchase.
Quick question; Will I notice a big difference between a 3:73 ratio and a 4:10? If so, what could I expect to see? I know lower gas mileage, but right now I struggle on grades. No problem on flat terrain. I want to not struggle so much on grades.
I bought a ram 2500 gas Tradesman for a 6000 pound travel trailer....pulls it like butter....tradesman has crank windows etc...due to be being stripped down has a better payload etc..I do not need all the extras....I can not believe all of the guys that need all the crap with a truck...total girlie men.....
Check all your trailer wiring, ensure maintenance is done(oils,coolant,springs) if you live somewhere prone to rust, check your frame and hitch attachment.
Thank you,@@Exsonius ....oye, Long Island. Local Ford service rep assures me the undercarriage is in great shape. Haven't found my perfect TT yet. I will have it checked when I find it.
What is the best truck to use for a 27 ft tow hitch camper I have a 2009 Nissan Titan 5.9 four-wheel drive with a tow package is that good enough the trailer is 5600 lb empty
Should I get a 2020 Ford F-350 power stroke srw or gmc durmax srw for towing a 17,500lbs gvwr gooseneck for hotshot trucking. Because I’m 18 trying to start a non cdl hot shot trucking business
I have been towing trailers up to 16,000 lbs since the 1970s! There is one thing to consider seldom mentioned! The longer the wheelbase of the tow vehicle the more stability one has!
PERFECT observation. That's One of the Most important things !!!
@@andaleebmakki462 Thanks!
Facts peep no one really toes with single cab
Right on!
Thankyou
A couple important points on axle ratios I think you missed: First, most pickup trucks nowadays no longer offer optional axle ratios, it is usually dictated by engine and vehicle configuration. In the case of GM trucks, there are no optional axle ratios anymore (except for one included with the NHT max trailering pack available with 5.3L or 6.2L 1500s).
Second, with more and more speeds in transmissions, axle ratios are less and less relevant. With new 10 speed transmissions in many trucks today, different axle ratios (if they were available, which they usually aren't per above) would make very little difference. The less transmission speeds, the more difference axle ratios makes, and vice versa. Too many folks still think about axle ratios as they affected trucks back when 3 and 4 speed auto transmissions were most common.
Next, on the topic of a "trailering package," I think more explanation is needed. For many years the term trailering package generally referred to a receiver hitch, wiring connection, and often more robust cooling. Those features are nowadays standard on almost all HD pickups and on most popular half ton configurations. But there are now other packages which include trailering related equipment, such as the GM max trailering pack mentioned above, 5th wheel/gooseneck hitch, camera systems, trailering integration with infotainment systems, integrated brake controller, etc. Point is, the question isn't "Did you get the trailering package or not," since there are many different trailering packages with different features in each one, And the features which were included in trailering packages 15 years ago are now standard on most pickups.
Dodge Ram 1500 would like a word...
Best feature on my 6.7 Ram is the exhaust brake. A must have if you do a lot of mountain driving.
All truck videos you made, they have been always very educational even though some videos you discuss the same or similar topics. I always learn something. Thanks!
Anyone who watches this prior to buying a truck for towing will certainly reap the benefits.
I'm at that stage now
On this channel according to him if you tow an rv you need a 3/4 ton or 1 ton no matter if it is a trailer that only two people can sleep in. A trailer package should have a transmission cooler and oil cooler. The 7 pin electrical plug in. Make sure you have a trailer brake installed and the fuse is in place to actuate the trailer brake.
Thank you for all your great advice. We had a difficult time hearing what you were saying because the audio was so low and so we checked another video of yours and the volume was great. Just an observation. Again thank you for your videos and great advice!
Marvelous video! The gear ratio chart you provided was extremely helpful. You have a new subscriber 🤠
I have a tt I got last year. My old truck wasn’t enough. Felt it up hill and strong cross winds. Can’t wait to get out w the truck I got. 2013 f150 3.5 max trailer package and 157” wheelbase with 3:73 gears 7700 payload package.
I had an '11 Ecoboost with max tow pkg (3.73 rear axle ratio) and the 157" WB and put over 50k towing miles on that truck over the 5 years I had it going all over the country. Sold it to a friend who still loves it, but that thing was incredibly stable when towing. I now have a '12 Ecoboost with the short bed. It's not as good, but still does well. I also found a max tow version of that, as well.
Great video! We are in the process of looking to upgrade our truck for a future 5th wheel trailer. One thing we found the hard way was when we purchased our first camper, no one told us about figuring the hitch weight into the payload of the truck. While we realized very early that our 2020 Tacoma had the TOW capacity to pull the trailer we bought, no one told us about the hitch weight. Looking back, we now know that one of the reasons it seemed to struggle a bit was that the hitch weight combined with our weight basically put us AT/ABOVE the TOTAL limit for payload capacity! Yikes! Lesson learned. We still have the Tacoma, but purchased a used Tundra that made pulling that camper feel like we weren’t pulling anything! We did decide to get a bit bigger of a travel trailer and the Tundra works perfectly with it!
We want to get a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel (probably a dually) because, down the road, we know we want to get a fifth wheel and need a truck capable of towing it, but also has the payload capacity! Any suggestions/recommendations?
Thank you for your detailed, thorough, extensive and informative presentation. Hmmm, perhaps seperate the RV into 3 categories then match a few different vehicles that would be best to tow small ( under 18ft long under 2000 pounds) , medium 18-26ft and between 2000-6000 pounds) and large anything over 26ft and 6000 pounds. Just an idea, thanks
Thanks 🙏🏻 I had to take note of everything you were saying🤣 I am looking for a truck to tow a trailer, never drove anything bigger than a sedan car😅😅 wish me luck🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Probably if you don’t have either trailer or truck find the trailer first
Good video as always
I've watched a number of your videos and I notice you have a penchant for the word specific. What a great drinking game everybody take a sip every time JD says specific.
I don't know about you, but I take my drinking seriously. No games needed.
Thanks for all the awesome info. Still looking for a 5th wheel and a tower. We have run pretty much narrowed down to one of the jayco eagle models. Had a Rv salesmen tell me that payload didn’t include pin weight just because I told him I would like to stay with a 2500 duramax. He didn’t like it much when I showed him that it did. Thanks again for the awesome info.
Smallest truck I've one was a 3/4 ton. Next 2 were f350 SRW LWB truck. Finally got a 1 ton drw diesel flat bed lwb. I will never go less than a 1 ton. I was surprised driving the dually, I was worried I wouldn't like the duals but I now dont notice them plus the rear of my truck is the same width as my small car hauler.
One of the issues people have when looking for that advertised max towing cap is that you cant get the most optioned 4 door cab 4wd truck. Most the high capacity trucks are 2wd short cab trucks
Always better to have to much truck rather than too much trailer
Excellent video! Wish I had seen this two years ago, could have saved thousands!
Also, if you are buying used, there is a code on the sticker of the driver side door jamb that tells you the rear axle code. I saw endless descriptions of used trucks online that said it was one ratio when the sticker showed it was another. Verify if you are buying used.
Just bought 2018 ram 2500 Cummins for my 30ft travel travel. Will be a nice upgrade from the f150.
I did the same! My truck is a 14 Ram 2500 Cummins long bed. Man has it been night and day compared to the 1500. Thatt engine break is worth its weight in gold * 5 I love it!
We snagged a 2019 Big Horn 3500 6.7 with 10k miles for our little 27' trailer. Nice upgrade from an F150 3.5 ecoboost.
We sold our older F250 7.3 and purchased new Ram 2500. Loving the exhaust brake system when traveling over mountain passes.
Timothy Bockhoff I bought a 2018 ram 2500 with the g56 transmission....love it!
Dodge is the number one
Thank you for doing these great informational videos. I'm a female who will be traveling solo in retirement and have so much to learn. I did do some camping growing up, but wow have rv's changed since then.
My trailer is 3400 pounds loaded. I went from a 99 Dodge Ram 1/2 ton with a 5.2 to a 96 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton with a 5.9. Both gas motors and automatic. While the half ton was fine, I prefer the larger V8 for the hills for sure. The better brakes are a big plus, too. The bigger truck does a lot better at overall and lost only 1 mpg towing. I would do a half ton again, but my first choice is for sure the 3/4 ton. I've had a couple of one tons way back when and they are overkill and a fair amount more to fix and maintain. I won't do a one ton unless it truly warrants it. Same with diesel.
Payload is also important to note. You'll always reach your payload before your max tow weight. Usually you can safely haul about half of your tow max due to payload.
Another important tip is don't order the perfect truck for yourself 3 weeks before a world wide pandemic and the factory has to shutdown mid build 😭. Its almost done and should ship in the next couple weeks 🤞🤞
Did you ever get it lol
@@greedothedorito438 ordered February and picked up July 6th. Worth the wait but damn...
Tow package probably gives you wide mirrors also. I also suggest a long bed for stability, and with my Ford, a 48g gas tank.
Can you make a video about the trailer brake control how to use it
How about the truck's tow and payload capacities? These will come into play when matching specific trailers to your truck. Or, if you already have the trailer and you want to match a truck to it. That's what I did. My Ram, with a 1176 pound payload, was borderline for my 6,000 pound trailer. So, I replaced the truck with a Silverado with a 1,734 pound payload. It didn't hurt that the truck's previous owner had replaced the tires with oversized E rated BF Goodrich KO2s. Of course, they don't give me a higher payload capacity, but it means that I don't have to worry about my tires.
I’ve been watching your channel for a little bit now and I think that you give a good solid advice. My plan was to get a 4 to 5000 pound trailer and do some traveling a travel trailer I was working to get either a Colorado or Tacoma because they would fall into the correct range of weight. After watching channels and doing some reading I figured a little bit of overkill on the truck wouldn’t be that bad. So I went with a half ton tundra yeah V8 4 x 4 I found was in my budget.
Good points, all round! Been doing a lot of research about what to look for in a truck; and it seems to be a polarizing topic, with a lot of people on the extreme ends believing things that aren't true. It makes it difficult to cut through all the BS. My advice to any truck Newb is to do the research on the trucks; and get to know every aspect of the various makes and models. Become a true armchair expert, long before you even decide which truck to buy for the RV that you want to tow. You'll be surprised at what you learn.
Hello again JD...been watching you for over 2 years and you'd help me make the diesel vs gas desition. I don't tow my 7300lbs travel trailer but once every 2 or 3 months, live in the FLAT state of Florida...gas is doing the job just fine!
Which truck you have?
@@elcanow got a 2019 F250 6.2L XLT FX4 package May of 2019 and loving it
Ford has an option called the High capacity trailer towing package. It is for the 6.7L diesel because it weighs so much. It adds useable payload to compensate For the payload stolen by the heavy engine. I was looking through dealer inventory and I saw very few trucks with this worthwhile option in dealer stocks.
What typically limits a 1/2 ton with towing RVs is payload.
Generally you want to keep the tongue weight under 700lbs. That leaves around 600lb for people and equipment that will be in the truck when towing.
Big Truck Big RV my 19 Silverado 1500 states 1764 lb of payload capacity on the door jam
Big Truck Big RV also my travel trailer has a dry tongue weight of 550 lb. Dry weight of the trailer is 5300 lb. I also have the Eaz lift R6 weight distribution hitch.
@@jeremywilliams1677 l believe you, I have a 2019 high country 6.2 with the advantage tow package and is capable of pulling 15000 lbs. That is the territory of the 3/4 ton has Biggers brakes and better suspension from factory, not all 1/2 ton are the same. I respect the comments everyone said but they need to explain all the details, 😊
@@jeremywilliams1677
Who cares about dry weight. Who pulls an empty trailer. For a tt, take 10% of gvwr & that's your tongue wt.
I bought a truck that has a trailer tow package but did not come with the brake controller or a transmission cooler. Never again. I added a brake controller, but my transmission heated up going over a mountain pass in Colorado. I had to find a pull off area to let the truck idle for a little while and let the transmission cool down. I was one of several who had to do that.
CC! Thanks for the content!
I actually spent half my morning (and half of this month) looking at used trucks! My I want a late model 3/4 ton Limited or Platinum but my wallet wants an old 1/2 ton so I’m kinda stuck!
I’m in the same boat. I feel your pain
Get a work truck new save 20k or more.
Nothing wrong with leasing to start until you can save up some money.
@@IaintTrynaGoOutLikeBIGnPAC HD trucks arent leaseable
nice video straight to the point. although I disagree with the gear ratio most people will benefit from a higher gear ratio although this is experience from my work truck not from an RV aspect. but people don't need to be able to get going from
0-60 in 10 sec. My 94' dodge 1500 can just as easily pull anything my 2016 chevy 2500 with a tow package can. you're going to see your gear ratio in effect during 1 time that's getting the truck moving. sure you might argue what about going up mountains??? that's why they got slow truck lanes you might not be able to go up that mountain going 75mph. but look if you're buying a huge RV and trying to pull it with a Ranger you're wrong, buy the truck for the job. I road my motorcycle out west but before I did I changed the front and rear sprockets to give me longer gears. much much better gas mileage and going up some mountains I would have to down shift into 4th that's fine. when I was getting was getting 50mpg from 38-40 mph.
Gas mileage should come before acceleration. if the gas mileage from 1 truck is 22mph hwy vs 16-18mph hwy that 4mph is going to add up. sure you're going to be going 70 before me but I'm going to be going alot longer.
now if you're going to be pulling your RV off road in the rough country sure go for the lower gear but like most people I see pulling they're campers on the highway parking at an RV park. get the longest gear ratio you can get. that's what I think
Please consider a video on alternate tow vehicles, specifically full size vans. A recent model full size van 3/4 ton can be bought for $19-25k compared to $25-35k for a pick up. What are their differences towing wise? We are budget driven and are considering a van over a pick up....
I've seen 2500/3500 vans pulling campers. Long wheel base and high payload typically. I believe it comes down to what is best for the consumer.
Goes without saying but be sure you get big mirrors. If the truck has the items you mentioned it will have the mirrors. My truck is 13 years old and everything but the mirrors. Yep, need a newer truck.
Superduty Supercrew 8’ bed for the win 🙂
Seen enough of these Supercrew F150 grocery getters with the 5.5’ beds
But hey, that’s what the boys must be wanting or better than 95% wouldn’t be 5.5’
Thank you! That was very informative and I learned so much. I appreciate it!
I did the mistake of giving my trust to the vendor when I purchase my truck. I just told him that we are looking at fifth wheels when we purchase. Told him that we will need the tow paackage etc. etc. The vendor told me and my wife, don't worry the towing capacity is 11,300 lbs.That was during the pandemic. 10 months later receive my trucks. Was still towing my popup trailer since the fifth wheel we were looking for was not in good shape so everything was good. This year (2024) we bought our new travel trailer, which is 5600 lbs dry with a hitch weight of 724 lbs. Max weight 6884 lbs. Was sure that I got everything right for the truck. Looked at the stickers for towing capacity, 9200 lbs, total GCWR 15 000 lbs Max hitch weight 920 lbs. Truck is a Silverado 1500 LT with the 5.3L. I can say that I would prefer having a 3/4 ton truck. And for thebrake controller not existing.. I was sure that the brake controller was electronic as the vehicule is a 2022. Had to get one installed. Hope it's the last thing I get wrong on this truck.
Love this information - I think in one or some of your videos you say it's best to buy the RV (or at least settle on a specific model) before you buy the truck so you know how much truck you need, but I can't find the specific video. Anyway, that makes a lot of sense.
I have worked on all diesel trucks the ease of working on the Cummins and price of parts I would say Ram. Cummins is a much simpler engine with more room in engine bay to make repairs. Plus you do not need a two post lift as your first tool to make repairs as with a Duramax or Powerstroke.
First rule... figure out your loads...
How much does the trailer weighs? How much will it weigh after you put all your stuff inside?
How much payload the trailer will take from your truck?
Where is it gonna be hitched? (5th wheel/gooseneck or regular bumper hitch)
How much weight you are gonna put in the truck to add that hitch point?
What are you planning to take with you inside the truck while towing including people, dogs, tools, gear... and how much does it weight in total?
Now, the best way to do it is to aim for all or almost all those total weights to be around 80% of the truck capacity in total and if not all can be there, never go above 95% of the one you are willing to sacrifice (you might be 80% of your max towing rating, and 80% of the max tire load and 95% of the total payload rating for example).
Never go into 100% of the max rating of anything. Much less over that if you dont know what yoj are doing and even then, it should be under the most secure environment possible (short run, little time, low speeds, no more people that what you need for the operation you are performing, low traffic, good visibility, good pavement conditions...)
And, if you are under 50% of the ratings of your truck with the most you plann to tow, you dont need so much truck. (For example, if you are barely at 50% of the max ratings of a dually, you might find a single rear wheel 1 ton or even 3/4 ton truck that will be stressed to 80% of its max ratings and that is a better buy for the guy that doesn't live towing all days of the week).
Now, If you plann to tow heavy on a daily or almost daily basis, then you should be looking to use a truck that can handle twice the stress you are gonna put on it. No vehicle (other than semi trucks and trains) is designed to regularly be stressed to its maximum advertised capacity.
People that tow for a living across the country will get a 1 ton dually or a 1.5 ton truck to tow a trailer that a 3/4 ton or 1 ton single would be able to handle on paper. Why? Because their truck will be more reliable and last them for much longer than the other truck at 80% of the capability.
I wrote this before I saw the video because I know about this stuff a lot, so I hope I hear something in the general lines of this and I also hope someone gets value out of this comment.
Oh, and if you do know a lot on towing but you plann to tow short distances in great conditions just a few times per year (1 tk 12 or so) you might be able to sacrifice a bit more and go for the truck that will be maxed out in the case of your max towing scenario.
I really appreciate this video because right now, I'm packing and loading my f150. But books and clothing is heavy and it ads up. So, that's why I was wondering, even though I'm not towing a trailer. And I did an experiment: I noticed that dragging a bale of hay is easier than carrying it. So, with that in mind, I think I'm going to remove a lot of weight before I leave. I have criss-crossed America several times, and one time towing a trailer, happened exactly like you said and I thought I was going to die! And I'm in San Jose, California, so my options are either Sacramento to Lake Tahoe, or Flagstaff, which is a huge hill, or #10 which is hot and scary. Plus, I have to take #17 to Santa Cruz to get my mail and that road is treacherous. I am trying to figure out a way around that road. I was thinking 580 to Livermore, and then 5 south. But I don't like LA neither. I think I'm going to unpack and seriously lighten my load. Thanks.
Well done JD!!!! 👏👏👏
Your series on matching trucks to trailers is vital information. My eventual goal is to buy the 5100 lb. Rockwood 2509S Mini Lite. Just bought a 2020 Silverado 1500 LT 4x4 with the max trailering package & trailer camera package. Seems like Chevy is favoring the 3.42 gears on the max trailering package now that they have the 8-speed and 10-speed transmissions. Finding a 3.73 geared Chevy was like looking for a 4-leafed clover. I got the 3.42's, but with an Andersen weight distribution hitch with sway control, I should have no issues and be at your recommended highest trailer weight for a 1/2 ton truck.
machfive916 we have the 2509s and love it!! We tow with a 2018 Eco Diesel with 3:92 gears, handles it easily in the north Georgia mountains. Don’t know how it would do with 3:42
Hey there. Saw you posted a long time ago. I am looking at an travel trailer that, when all the water and gear is on board, it can't be more than 7700lbs. 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton truck?
Great info. Thanks!
Never seen so many Fast Food places in a single 10 minute drive in my life lol.
Yep
When you say "gear ratio" I think you mean the rear end differential, I drive a duramax which only offers the 3.73 in their light duty trucks, which I prefer as my truck is my daily driver and I tow maybe
20% of the time (I am full timing). Therefore my toyhauler weight was considered when buying the truck.
Well, since the industry standard terminology is "gear ratio", that's what I use.
@@BTBRVReviews Ok, not a big deal, just offered the term for clarity, maybe that is a Texas term, but here in the Detroit area...where we make the trucks for the Big Three, (Ford, General Motors, Chrylser/Ram) my clients for 15 years, in the Auto industry we use the term rear end differential, possibly in the RV industry they use the more general term "gear ratio" which could apply to the transmission itself.
If you plan on towing in general just get a 3/4 ton or bigger.
Very useful video. Can you make a video on the different truck models (half ton and 3/4 ton)?
I wanna know more because I have plans to live out of an rv temporarily while I save for land
I looked at it this way, how serious am I about camping. Am I 1/2 ton serious or 1 ton money serious.
I’m in the middle. 3/4 Ton diesel serious. Lol
@@bon2198 Gas in 1500 and 2500. Diesel in 2500 have lower payload than gas equivalent. Diesel in 3500 and above.
@@seagullsbtn you are very right
Let's talk about trucks!
Looking at a f350 and grand design reflection 315rlts travel trailer.
Excellent combo.
Great advice.
Drive safe.👍
Also a good idea to think ahead if you plan on running tires larger than stocks as this will change your effective ratio
You in Cali? Looks like neighborhoods in Anaheim.
Good video. Robin in FL
I`m asking these same questions. Good video His other Video about this is well coved the gear thing,is not easy to understand .sales man can confuse this.
The r/l pair wheels need to be weighted that one set is not carrying all the weight.
Curious to how you used the AUX camera to view the Gooseneck Ball. I have a 2020 F350 and can't view the ball with the toolbox added. A video about how you achieved this would be awesome.
There is one he installed a camera under the bed rail even with the ball
I added a side camera using the Aux Camera connection at the back of the truck. I got the camera kit from Camera-Source.com. Also, I use the low-Profile Better Built Toolbox, which gives me clarity over it with the High Center mount camera.
@@BTBRVReviews thanks so much for the reply. Will definitely look into this option when needed.
I've found that a 373 works best for my application
Very informative. Any thoughts on buying a used tow truck (for cars) to tow a goose neck horse trailer?
You referenced in this video multiple videos on what trucks match with different trailers but I'm not sure I'm finding the right ones. I'm a first time truck trailer buyer and I'm only interested in a travel trailer not a 5th wheel. I'm liking two brands, the Aliance Delta 292 RL and the Alta Xtreme 365 model KXT 3100 which is a full time living trailer but very heavy. Can you give me some links to videos?
I would like to see what your recommendations would be for a slide-in camper somewhere in the wet weight range of 4500 to 5000 pounds. Thanks, JD.
Any of the big 3 1-Ton Dually trucks, with either Gas or Diesel engines should be fine. Most should have between 4800-5800lb capacities. But be sure to check the yellow door sticker to verify you have the payload capacity (including people and supplies) to hold the weight.
How bout wheelbase vs different weights/trailer style?
This last weekend I ran into one of the F150 ecoboost guys who thinks he can tow the planet because he has twin turbos. This was an extreme case, he bought a grand design fifth wheel 12k lbs. Please don’t be this guy.
I know a few myself. In this case, the tail is wagging the dog.
Please come out to Howdy RV and see us!!!!
Sure.
Are you an employee or a guest?
1x(4/4/24)…..done thank you excellent
@0:58 is that $1.87 for diesel and even less for gas?
Maybe you should check tire capacity also.
Requesting your thoughts on the 2020 Winnebago Micro Minnie 2405RG and using a half ton 2020 GMC Sierra with the AT4 package. Thanks for any information you can give, what do you think?
Thanks
Traded in my 2012 F250 gas for a 2018 Ram 2500 Laramie diesel. What a difference in towing with it versus the Ford.
Yea what a surprise gas vs diesel.
I’ll just get a pererbuilt. That should be enough for my one person trailer.
I always swap my pickups over to a 4.10 or a 4.31 gear, but then I’m a GM guy and their factory gears are always way to high.
If I get a 3.5 Dually High Sierra will that work?
@@kenthigginbotham2754It should. Never run into a truck it couldn’t be done in. It can be a big pricey, big nothing terrible.
For solo camping, what RV or travel trailer is best? Great video😊
Do you need to use your 4/4 to your truck when you pulling a travel trailer?
Interested to see what you would think or what your choice would be. If budget wasn't in question and you could just buy the truck outright and you would own it from day one. What truck would you buy would it be a half ton one ton, what manufacturer?
Fantastic info.
Truk in thumbnail is not a long bed nor do you need one I have RV'd to Guatemala with a short bed dually were you been son?
Sure you dont need one, but sharp turns you have the possibility to hit your cab with a shortbed
Great video. Thank you.
2009 f 150 4.6 has a milquetoast 5500# max tow package
Am I the only one who thought that windshield bug at 1oclock was a car about to pull out in front of him for the first 30 seconds?
🙋🏻♀️
Weight Distribution Hitch ..look it up people
I just recently purchased a three-quarter ton truck with a 2 1/2 inch receiver I normally have 2 inch ball mounts Will it be safe for me just to purchase a adapter so I can still use my 2 inch ball mounts? 😊 Thank you!
Is there an advantage pulling with a 4X4? Living in south Florida its all flat eventually we want to travel out of state up and down mountains. Wont be doing anything off road what do you think? We are thinking a trailer around 25 feet near 6500 lbs. Your comments would be greatly appreciated
If someone wants to go full time, do you think they should buy a 5th wheel first then get a truck that will haul it or buy the truck first then buy a 5th wheel that the truck can haul?
Hi JD. We have a 2020 36SSWS Jayco pinnacle and I am shopping for a dually to tow it. Do all F-450's come equipped with the wide track front end or do I have to request that? I also heard a rumor that the 2021 Dodge Ram 3500 may also have the same wide track front end. Can you shed some light on these subjects please? I always look forward to your videos. You were such a great help to Mark and Trish with Keep your daydream. Thank you! We are also willing to travel to another state (from Cali) to make a purchase.
I think a dually would only be useful for a very large toy hauler. Otherwise would rather put the money into a Class A and tow a small vehicle.
Good info 👍🇺🇸😎🦅
Quick question; Will I notice a big difference between a 3:73 ratio and a 4:10? If so, what could I expect to see? I know lower gas mileage, but right now I struggle on grades. No problem on flat terrain. I want to not struggle so much on grades.
I bought a ram 2500 gas Tradesman for a 6000 pound travel trailer....pulls it like butter....tradesman has crank windows etc...due to be being stripped down has a better payload etc..I do not need all the extras....I can not believe all of the guys that need all the crap with a truck...total girlie men.....
Helpful. Thanks JD. My concern is more my tow vehicle age, 16 years old. Any advise?
Check all your trailer wiring, ensure maintenance is done(oils,coolant,springs) if you live somewhere prone to rust, check your frame and hitch attachment.
My TV is a 2004 with 225k miles and running great.
Thank you,@@Exsonius ....oye, Long Island. Local Ford service rep assures me the undercarriage is in great shape. Haven't found my perfect TT yet. I will have it checked when I find it.
@@dandennis8465 thank you for the input. I am not going looking for max tow weight TT. Mountain towing (wear, stress)
Will be getting an F250 Tremor over the Chevy 2500 simply for the 40/20/40 bench seat. Chevy won’t allow with toe package, Ford will...
All gm 2500's are set up to tow. I just built one on their website with the split bench seat and the fifth wheel gooseneck package.
I just need a truck just tow a car under 5000lbs. Something under $40k. Tow Pack a must
Toyota Civic with the Nismo package
@@CaptainGanymede lol! front axle gonna roll forward instead of the car
How do i get that in Europe ? Can you look that up ?
Last I got a RAM3500 DIesel.
What is the best truck to use for a 27 ft tow hitch camper I have a 2009 Nissan Titan 5.9 four-wheel drive with a tow package is that good enough the trailer is 5600 lb empty
Should I get a 2020 Ford F-350 power stroke srw or gmc durmax srw for towing a 17,500lbs gvwr gooseneck for hotshot trucking. Because I’m 18 trying to start a non cdl hot shot trucking business