Looking to get a truck w/ tractor transport in mind (MF 1540)

[nikerret]

https://www.autotrader.ca/ico/ford/...Cpo&ncse=no&orup=15_15_399&pc=K0A1A0&sprx=100

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/ford/f-...=no&ursrc=hl&orup=7_15_399&pc=K0A1A0&sprx=100
https://www.autotrader.ca/ico/ford/...howCpo&ncse=no&orup=8_9_9&pc=K0A 1A0&sprx=100

Just some good ones I found, in a quick search. You壇 have to call to get the ratios on two of them. Just for an idea. The best rated 5.0L with the best gears (3.73 for the 5.0) is around 3,000 lbs lower in rated towing capacity than the weakest F-250 with the 6.2L. 9,300 lbs versus 12,300.

 

[Grumpycat]

Grumpycat, I appreciate that reply! So the Ram 1500 with the v8 and nicer axle ratio has a tow capacity of around 11k pounds. I figure at 6k of tractor and gear, still gives me a lot of wiggle room for a big trailer... I think?

The off lease costs are crazy at some of the used lots around here, ouch.

You have to be very careful with manufacturer's tow ratings. The fine print subtracts a lot of capacity. Make sure it is for your specific truck as-equipped and not generic best case for RAM 1500.

I thought the off-lease price of trucks which had logged 30-40,000 miles/year was high enough that a new truck offered a much better value.

 

[dodge man]

One thing to look at is payload. On newer trucks it’s on the door jamb sticker. Keep in mind the allowable payload does includes passengers and driver. Take a payload of 1300 pounds. Your trailer will have maybe 900 lbs of tongue weight. That leaves you with 400 pounds for passengers, driver and other stuff in the truck. I’d look for a payload of at least 1500 lbs minimum.

Also almost all half ton hitches are class IV. They say tongue weight over 500 lbs and trailer weight over 5000 lbs should have a weight distribution hitch. This seems to often be ignored but should be used.

 

[ottawarob]

One thing to look at is payload. On newer trucks it’s on the door jamb sticker. Keep in mind the allowable payload does includes passengers and driver. Take a payload of 1300 pounds. Your trailer will have maybe 900 lbs of tongue weight. That leaves you with 400 pounds for passengers, driver and other stuff in the truck. I’d look for a payload of at least 1500 lbs minimum.

Also almost all half ton hitches are class IV. They say tongue weight over 500 lbs and trailer weight over 5000 lbs should have a weight distribution hitch. This seems to often be ignored but should be used.

Thanks, that's great info!

 

[ottawarob]

https://www.autotrader.ca/ico/ford/...Cpo&ncse=no&orup=15_15_399&pc=K0A1A0&sprx=100

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/ford/f-...=no&ursrc=hl&orup=7_15_399&pc=K0A1A0&sprx=100
https://www.autotrader.ca/ico/ford/...howCpo&ncse=no&orup=8_9_9&pc=K0A 1A0&sprx=100

Just some good ones I found, in a quick search. You壇 have to call to get the ratios on two of them. Just for an idea. The best rated 5.0L with the best gears (3.73 for the 5.0) is around 3,000 lbs lower in rated towing capacity than the weakest F-250 with the 6.2L. 9,300 lbs versus 12,300.

Just found a 1500 with the hard to find 3.92 axle ratio. Going to try to check it out on the weekend!
https://southbank.ca/view/used-2018-ram-1500-outdoorsman-415549/

 

[nikerret]

Just found a 1500 with the hard to find 3.92 axle ratio. Going to try to check it out on the weekend!
https://southbank.ca/view/used-2018-ram-1500-outdoorsman-415549/

I really like Ram trucks, but I wouldn’t get a 5.7L. They have been plagued with issues, I believe from the cylinder deactivation. My work tried to order a few and the Dodge dealer wouldn’t even sell them, right now. We had to order Chevrolet’s.

 

[dodge man]

That is simply not true. I currently own a F150 but between cars and trucks I’ve owned 5 different 5.7 hemi and not had a problem. We still own 2 of them. I’m also active on forums and would see problems pop up on that engine. They are solid.

 

[nikerret]

That is simply not true. I currently own a F150 but between cars and trucks I’ve owned 5 different 5.7 hemi and not had a problem. We still own 2 of them. I’m also active on forums and would see problems pop up on that engine. They are solid.

I guess the Dodge dealer just really didn’t want to sell the trucks. I also know we lost compression on a cylinder (one that shuts down) on our 2014 5.7L Ram 1500, around 115k miles. We must read different forums. I regularly see Chargers and Ram 1500’s with the 5.7L on their second and third engines, in less than 100k miles. Several agencies from different States reporting the same issues. For me, it’s not worth the gamble. The Ram 6.4L, on the other hand, I’d be all over that.

 

[dodge man]

It’s the first I’ve heard of it. To be fair I don’t visit the Ram Forums as much as the Dodge Challenger Forums. If you visit the forums of any vehicle enough someone will have problems no matter how good the vehicle.

I also have heard the newer Ford F-150 5.0 engines are having problems using oil. This would be 2018 and newer. Most people don’t have problems but I see enough complaints I see a trend.

 

[fried1765]

I would look for a 3/4 ton (2500/F-250) with a gas engine work truck. It痴 a step up over what you need, but there痴 a lot of comfort in not working hard. The work truck has vinyl flooring and as few electronics you値l find. Make sure it痴 set up, for towing, from the factory. Better cooling and integration.

Please, don稚 use a 7k trailer. That weight includes the weight of the trailer and doesn稚 leave much, if any, room for payload. A trailer with two 5,200 lbs axles would be perfect. Best if it has brakes on both.

^^^^^^ BEST ADVICE!
In Ontario.......get 4 whl. drive if at all possible!