Need towing Info

by Grumpy on 10/15/2011, 3:39 pm

I tried to post earlier but must have fudged up. I have a 27RLWB (I Think) it's the floor plan and length that matches mine. Says 7350 lbs or thereabouts for dry weight. Believe I am at 8000 lbs loaded up. I just started 5th wheeling and have gone thru 3 trucks this summer, trying to find enough power. 1st was a 2001 4.6 litre ford f150 4x4 owned for 5 years. My mechanic talked me out using it before I installed my hitch . Sold it bought a mint 1994 gmc 5.7 4x4 fitted up in july thing was a dog both power and Gas had 3:73 gears worked well at 70 mph, but our speed limit was 55 mph or 90 km per hr. we can get away with 60 mph law does'nt bother us. Sold the truck after 4 small trips. Bought a 1999 silverado LS 2500 6litre ext cab 2wd gasser works good, but would like better gas mileage and it lacks power too, but it's bearable. We are getting older and don't do long trips or mountains as the land is fairly flat where I live. Was thinking of cold air intake and dual cat back system to help get mileage above 8 mpg.I am running 245 x75x16 tires, 373 gears. will give 15 mpg empty staying around 100 km. Truck only has 105,000 miles works nice I like the truck . But>>>> My friend called me today and said he want's to sell his 2000 Ford F-250 7.3 PowerStroke 2wd ext cab heated leather, all options fully loaded. I know it was well cared for but has 311,000km or about 185,000 miles it is in good shape was'nt a work truck and no rust.It Has 5th wheel hitch, air bags & dual 4" exhaust. He claims high fuel mileage hauling his horse trailor. Looked up on intranet says 235 HP @2700 RPM & 500 Ft Lb Torque @1600 rpm. Will I see a big difference in power and fuel mileage ? I know diesels are more expensive to maintain but the 7.3 seems to have a good reputation. He said I can have it for $7500.00 which seems to be a good price. I am undecided as I do like the style of the Silverado nicer style my opinion. but I can sell the Gasser for around $5500.00 If any body is out there more experienced in tow vehicles please chime in. Thanks Ron

by Glen Schumann on 10/15/2011, 9:57 pm

Ron,

A well taken care of diesel (any NA make) with 105,000 miles on it should have AT LEAST another 200,000 miles in it. If I were in your situation I would jump at that offer. You will never regret the power of diesel. I have a Chev and a chip system (see sig below) and average 12.6 MPG towing at 65 MPH with a 10,000 lb WC.

I suggest you get your WC and truck weighed. The only wieght number provided by RV manufacturers which can be accepted at face value is the GVWR. The "dry wieght" wil not even include any options your 5er may have (not even the awning). Unless you get weighed loaded for camping you do not know your weights. Your GVWR should be in two places: on an exterior plate and inside in a cabinet near the entry. The latter may be more accurate for "dry weight" because it's supposed to be after being built but will still not include any dealer added items.
If you add your rig information to your signature it will be easier for us to answer your questions. This can be done in your profile (see just below top photo). Once there click on the Signature tab and enter your information. Be sure to Save.

Oh, and

welcome

From Winona and Fort Knox.

by beartoo on 10/15/2011, 11:27 pm

Welcome to the forum, as for the 7.3 PSD it will pull things.
The mileage is hi but if it is not chipped it could last a long time.
Again Welcome.

by Grumpy on 10/16/2011, 3:06 am

New to the 5th wheel scene always had class C's and my last one up till july 2011 was a 31 'Class A. it Really sickened me on fuel mileage and no vehicle to drive when Camping. I am really pleased with my WC especially with the slide its like a house to me, love it. Plus having a vehicle to drive etc. when unhooked at campground.
Just have to get myself satisfied with a hauler the 6 liter silverado will do, but the Ford f-250 7.3 Powerstroke is an appealing option. from what I hear about diesel haulers,I am going to take for a drive in a couple of hours. Never owned a diesel B-4, every body tells me I will see better pulling power at lower RPM plus additional 4-5 mpg over the Gasser which is a huge jump from 8mpg gas to hopefully 12mpg with a diesel. or am I being mislead? The gasser has good power but it still let you know when you are on a hill.

by RichGeorge on 10/16/2011, 4:35 am

to the forum. My guess is once you try the diesel, that will be that, both from the towing ability and fuel economy.

by Scruffy and Tater on 10/16/2011, 4:40 am

Grumpy,
Definitely go with the diesel - you'll like the power it has. And welcome

to the forum.

by BobnPi on 10/16/2011, 7:09 am

The mileage you get with the diesel will depend geatly on your driving conditions. When I had a TT and switched from gas to diesel I saw only a slight increase, maybe 1 to 3 mpg, but the increase in power was substantial. This was even more evident when increasing speed to enter a freeway. With the size and weight of my 5ver, I personally would not want to tow with a gasser.

by GustheUsher on 10/16/2011, 7:44 am

I am not sure why my truck is so good on fuel, I babied my Sierra 2500HD gasser and got about 7-8 mpg when towing and about 11 around town. I bought a 05 2500HD Dodge diesel and I am about 20mpg around town and about 17-18 when towing, I did put a Banks cold air intake on and I don't even know the Cat is back there when towing, merging onto the highway and steep hills are no problem accelerating up them. I was never a brand specific person but when I got a deal on this diesel I jumped on it and love it, it has 260 000kms and still runs like brand new.

by wohtex on 10/16/2011, 8:47 am

I have the outfit listed in my signature and just completed a trip from Denver Co to Raleigh NC, I drove between 65 and 70 as road permitted, went thru the Ozarks and Smoky Mountains, some grades I was down to 50 MPH, averaged 9.6 mpg rig did fantastic, so far I have towed it about 2700 miles with this Ford

7.3 diesel and it would be hard to talk me out of it, only other consideration for me would be the Dodge diesel.

Bill

by Grumpy on 10/16/2011, 2:13 pm

Thanks to everyone who welcomed me and posted their opinions on my TV dilema. I went to see the ford F-250 today It is different as I did'nt find it as comfortable as the 6 litre silverado, even though it is a lariat model. it rides like a big truck very stiff or rigid maybe it was the airbags, which he did'nt lower the air pressure down for empty driving and it requires some attention, couple of minor scratches tow /haul on shifter does'nt work, he said it rarely downshifts and he never noticed it. the upper console doesnot give the temp and the left mirror electric adjuster dosent respond . Maybe I am too pickey as every thing optional on my silverado LT works and my truck seems more comfortable and even at a year older my truck is in better shape physically . I believe his is top notch in mechanical condition but I like everything to work as installed on a vehicle. I have to let him Know tomorrow @ $7500.00 Including the 5th wheel hitch and firestone airbags Included that alone is a $1500.00 option For the pair installed. It has good tires 10 ply( 235x85x16) and alloy hd american racing 16" wheels . I am going to have to make up my mind on this one in next 12 hours..

by Lograf on 10/16/2011, 4:56 pm

GustheUsher wrote:I am not sure why my truck is so good on fuel, I babied my Sierra 2500HD gasser and got about 7-8 mpg when towing and about 11 around town. I bought a 05 2500HD Dodge diesel and I am about 20mpg around town and about 17-18 when towing, I did put a Banks cold air intake on and I don't even know the Cat is back there when towing, merging onto the highway and steep hills are no problem accelerating up them. I was never a brand specific person but when I got a deal on this diesel I jumped on it and love it, it has 260 000kms and still runs like brand new.

Which Banks intake system did you install? The Ram-Air intake system or the Monster-Ram or both? Just curious.

by BobnPi on 10/16/2011, 10:07 pm

That's a lot of little things that are wrong. The tow/haul shifter could be some major expense. I also don't like the fact that you can't get the temp. I try to scan my instruments often to alert me to a possible problem before it becomes critical. What happens if the temp light also fails? With so many little things, I wonder what will fail next? If it were me, I'd look for another. At least you can tow with your current vehicle until you find one in better shape. Either that or get some of the things fixed immediately if you decide to go with this one.

by Scruffy and Tater on 10/17/2011, 3:45 am

I agree with BobnPi. The Ford diesel will nickle and dime you to the poorhouse, and who knows what major repairs you'll have to get. Sounds like it isn't such a good deal after all.

BTW, we love our Ford diesel, and expect to have it for many years.

Tater

by Portagie1968 on 10/17/2011, 4:27 am

The 7.3's are a great engine, the Ford truck is the same but the tranny behind a 7.3 are highly susceptible to failure. If they had the tranny I have in my 2004 it might be worth buying.

by GustheUsher on 10/17/2011, 5:32 am

Hi Lograf, I installed just the cold air intake from banks so far, I am really considering the exhaust brake as some of the back mountains in Tenn really made my brakes heat up on the Cat and my truck. I am really happy with the Dodge although it isn't as nice as my Sierra was but I needed the pulling power and there is lots with this truck.

by Lograf on 10/18/2011, 2:32 pm

GustheUsher wrote:Hi Lograf, I installed just the cold air intake from banks so far, I am really considering the exhaust brake as some of the back mountains in Tenn really made my brakes heat up on the Cat and my truck. I am really happy with the Dodge although it isn't as nice as my Sierra was but I needed the pulling power and there is lots with this truck.

I've got the Pacbrake (PRXB) and am really pleased with it. Installation was a breeze on my 06 because the ECU was preprogrammed for it.

by Grumpy on 11/2/2011, 3:10 pm

I thank Everybody who put forward their thoughts and kind words
on my post. I have been patient and kept on looking. I finally think I have found a hauler for my 8500 lb 5er It may be overkill but it is a nice unit 2000 dodge 3500 dually with 5th wheel hitch 80 gallon auxiliary tank 5.9 cummins, 4"exhaust turbo back & a cold air intake, Quad cab SLT and at a very reasonable price. The owner of this vehicle has had it for 10 years plus bought it with 5400 miles and it now has 210,000 miles was highway certified Sept past Never winter driven was stored with his 5th wheel until this year . everything works fine has piller guages as well. He says his 5th Wheel weighed 14,000lbs with 3 slides so it should haul mine for a treat. at approx 8500lbs. They are giving up travelling and sold the camper going the condo route, now the truck is for sale.

by Mopar_Earl on 11/2/2011, 3:24 pm

Grumpy wrote:I thank Everybody who put forward their thoughts and kind words
on my post. I have been patient and kept on looking. I finally think I have found a hauler for my 8500 lb 5er It may be overkill but it is a nice unit 2000 dodge 3500 dually with 5th wheel hitch 80 gallon auxiliary tank 5.9 cummins, 4"exhaust turbo back & a cold air intake, Quad cab SLT and at a very reasonable price. The owner of this vehicle has had it for 10 years plus bought it with 5400 miles and it now has 210,000 miles was highway certified Sept past Never winter driven was stored with his 5th wheel until this year . everything works fine has piller guages as well. He says his 5th Wheel weighed 14,000lbs with 3 slides so it should haul mine for a treat. at approx 8500lbs. They are giving up travelling and sold the camper going the condo route, now the truck is for sale.

Sweet!

Earl

by Grumpy on 11/18/2011, 6:39 am

Sounds like you are a Dodge fan Earl. Was talking to the owner of the dually today from Florida he is sending me the key for it and the wife and I are going to have a look see , Apparently he also has an edge chip in it but only the small 35 HP one he said he did'nt want to hurt the engine. Also he changed the gears out years ago from 3.55's To 4.10's Said I can have the 355's in the deal as he saved them bearings and all .He also installed the 4" stainless exaust from turbo back and an AED cold air intake It supposidly woke it up tremendiously and better MPG mileage.. For my trailor at max 8500lb Plus the daily use of the Truck, would I be better off to change back to the 3.55's ? He was hauling 14,000 lb trailor plus doing some custom hauling out of Indiana back to Canada. I am throwing this question out to any one on the site feel free to chime in , OH by the way sold my silverado 2500 6 litre Gasser So I am truckless right now. Any way the camper is tucked away for the winter.And don't really need a truck Saved storing it and under coating as well. Actually Can cancel the insurance for winter months Might as well save the Pennies for next years higher prices on travelling in general, Diesel Here Is $6.00 a gallon 4.5 Litres just went up 7 cents ltr couple days ago.

by bobinyelm on 11/19/2011, 11:13 am

GustheUsher wrote:I am not sure why my truck is so good on fuel, I babied my Sierra 2500HD gasser and got about 7-8 mpg when towing and about 11 around town. I bought a 05 2500HD Dodge diesel and I am about 20mpg around town and about 17-18 when towing, I did put a Banks cold air intake on and I don't even know the Cat is back there when towing, merging onto the highway and steep hills are no problem accelerating up them. I was never a brand specific person but when I got a deal on this diesel I jumped on it and love it, it has 260 000kms and still runs like brand new.

The Cummins is a real fuel-sipper.

I have an '03 Dodge Dually Quad Cab Long Bed 3500 (6spd) and get up to 28mph highway, and 23 around town (max 60mph cruising speed), and 17mpg towing our '07 24RL weighing maybe 8500 pounds or so.

I consider that excellent (I was planning only 15mpg), and know I never would have done that will w/ my '99 7.3 liter Ford, though towing a 12,000 pound bumper-pull cargo trailer w/ the Ford I got 12mpg w/ an automatic and 3.55 differential (should have been 3.73 or maybe even 4.10).

In any case the low end torque will be a real eye opener for anyone used to gassers.

Even with gas at $3.19 and diesel at $3.65 here, diesel is THE way to go!

The 3.73 or 4.10 will be fine towing and not towing (maybe 1-2mpg fewer not towing than w/ the 3.55), but the higher numerical ratio will be MUCH better for towing-trust me on that one.

BTW, I rarely see even crappy diesel pickups 1995 and newer going for as little as $7500, so don't expect a showroom new older truck for that amount unless you're very fortunate.

Bob

by Mopar_Earl on 11/19/2011, 12:44 pm

Grumpy wrote:Sounds like you are a Dodge fan Earl. Was talking to the owner of the dually today from Florida he is sending me the key for it and the wife and I are going to have a look see , Apparently he also has an edge chip in it but only the small 35 HP one he said he did'nt want to hurt the engine. Also he changed the gears out years ago from 3.55's To 4.10's Said I can have the 355's in the deal as he saved them bearings and all .He also installed the 4" stainless exaust from turbo back and an AED cold air intake It supposidly woke it up tremendiously and better MPG mileage.. For my trailor at max 8500lb Plus the daily use of the Truck, would I be better off to change back to the 3.55's ? He was hauling 14,000 lb trailor plus doing some custom hauling out of Indiana back to Canada. I am throwing this question out to any one on the site feel free to chime in , OH by the way sold my silverado 2500 6 litre Gasser So I am truckless right now. Any way the camper is tucked away for the winter.And don't really need a truck Saved storing it and under coating as well. Actually Can cancel the insurance for winter months Might as well save the Pennies for next years higher prices on travelling in general, Diesel Here Is $6.00 a gallon 4.5 Litres just went up 7 cents ltr couple days ago.

If you plan to tow a lot or heavy, stay with the 4.10's. Like Bob said, you won't notice much in MPG between the two ratios till unloaded. 3.55's are ok but 3.73's would of been better and pretty much standard ratio on trucks today. I can understand why the guy changed out the 3.55's. The 4.10's also takes some stress off the transmission. By the time you pay the labor to switch back to the 3.55's, it will take a while to repay that back in MPG. I myself would stay with the 4.10's. You'll still get better MPG than any gasoline engine. I be willing to bet you'd get better MPG on the 4.10's while towing than the 3.55's. Now if you bought the truck to never tow or haul, than 3.55 or 3.23's would be ideal.

Earl

by Grumpy on 5/12/2012, 5:06 pm

Finally got a chance to tow the 5er . Have the 3500 dually the thing pullls like a freight train. Don't even ues the o/d lockout. never experienced power like this with my gasser. I just updated the pics to my sig. got it detailed going to put another coat of wax on this weekend. whats the homemade formula for waxing my cat and the proceedure saw it on here last season but never wrote it down , was a turtle wax and water with other ingredients.I now believe these who say once you pull with a diesel you won't go back to gas P.S. I got 20 plus mpg empty taking it home ,Thats truck empty at 65 mph. was impressed for a 3500 Series truck and Ride is decent. Earl will probably be happy to hear I like the Dodge , gettin used to the Noise from the Cummins.

by oldelmer1 on 5/13/2012, 3:24 am

I think this is the recipe you are looking for:

One cup of water, one cup of liquid turtle wax and one teaspoon of dawn dish soap

by Grumpy on 5/23/2012, 4:48 pm

Thanks for the info was away and just checked the forum been out at the 5er getting set up for a few weeks stay at the campground.
used dryer sheets on the nose works amazing how good of a job they do. Going to try the turtle wax mix friday.Thanks Again Ron

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