What do you tow with?

[doxford jim]

I drove the Alaskan highway from Vancouver up to Fairbanks and Anchorage using a 1986 F250 diesel 4x4 with the 6.9 diesel and C6 automatic , pulling a 27ft travel trailer. It did the job very well - even with 3.55 rear end. It also did not have any computer in the power train to go wrong. It was basically bullet proof and did very well.
I now have a 2002 Dodge 3500 dually QC, LB, 4x4, Auto with the 5.9 Cummins engine. This used to pull a 34ft Avion trailer 9,500lb GVW and other trailers. The 3500 is far superior when towing compared to the F250 and I would recommend nothing less than at least a 3/4 ton - better yet a 1 ton. That is just my opinion.
When I first started to tow travel trailers I used a 1976 F250 with the 351 Windsor engine (I think). It did the job - barely and in no way can be compared to the bigger trucks. There is night and day differences between the three sizes of trucks both when new and when old. The 1 ton will fair better over the years and probably be the best mechanically as it ages.
Again, this is just my opinion for what it is worth.
Opinions and just like rear ends - everyone has one.

 

[xtruckerbob]

My Dad always used a 1 ton Chevy with 454 like doxford said they were bullet proof with on computer. Wish we could buy a old school new truck how great would that be? I restored a old 67 Chevy truck and would love to find a late 70's or early 80's 1 ton Chevy and restore it, but now I'm disable because the war.

 

[jejeosborne]

Wow. That was the most immature response form you so far. You and your Ford buddies are getting quite the reputation on this site. You guys derail every thread with brand bashing, eco diesel bashing, who took bailout money bashing, etcc. Great contribution. Keep up the great work.

You already said all that I believe.

Back on topic...... Are you recommending the ecodiesel to the OP heading to Alaska?

 

[yelbike]

Can't say I've ever heard of a 1/2 ton pickup being pulled over and all its' contents weighed to see if you are over rated capacity. Probably have better chance of getting struck by lighting or winning the lottery in the USA. What you describe would really suck going through.

Agree on the brand and bailout garbage.

I got pulled over in ford ranger puliing an enclosed 4x6 trailer. Made drive on the scales. He was convince I was over loaded on my 2000# trailer axle. The dot guy was a real piece of work.

In the end he wanted to give a BS ticket. I was so pissed off I dared him to give it to me. I was seeing red, I told him I'd see him in court, and make explain to his supervisor why he followed me for about twenty miles before finally passing on the right hand side on a gravel shoulder. I've never ever given a Leo any attitude until that day. Wow was I pissed.

BTW I don't usually buy lottery tickets, maybe i should.

 

[timswi]

As has been said on this thread repeatedly, 3/4ton and one tons of yore are nothing compared to 1/2 tons of today..Mine is rated for nearly 11,000# and I have no doubt it could do much more if it had to.

 

[bdeboer]

Today's 1/2 tons are worlds ahead of that '99, but I agree with your statement about going with a 3/4 for longer trips.

I agree that they are ahead, but still have to wonder when the 1/2 tons on the lots have "P" rated SUV tires.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I agree that they are ahead, but still have to wonder when the 1/2 tons on the lots have "P" rated SUV tires.

Order them right and you get LT tires. My last 3 have all had LT tires. Prior to that I can't honestly remember.

Chris

 

[JESSE1]

I tow with a '15 F-450. Rated at 40,000# GCWR so I'm far from being overloaded with this load.

 

[roadhunter]

You already said all that I believe.

Back on topic...... Are you recommending the ecodiesel to the OP heading to Alaska?

I suspect the eco diesel would do just fine for the OP but I would not take a vehicle with a new engine on a trip like that. Always risky taking something that is so new out because if for some reason you have a problem in the middle of nowhere you are stuck with nobody in the region who knows how to work on what you are driving. I had the same problem with a jeep GC with a 3.0 Mercedes diesel. Most rural dealerships had never even seen one let alone had training or tools to work on them. Had a buddy have the same problems a couple of years ago going to Alaska with a new truck. F150 Eco w/ Lift - Hunt Talk Forums


What are you recommending to the OP?

 

[jejeosborne]

I suspect the eco diesel would do just fine for the OP but I would not take a vehicle with a new engine on a trip like that. Always risky taking something that is so new out because if for some reason you have a problem in the middle of nowhere you are stuck with nobody in the region who knows how to work on what you are driving. I had the same problem with a jeep GC with a 3.0 Mercedes diesel. Most rural dealerships had never even seen one let alone had training or tools to work on them. Had a buddy have the same problems a couple of years ago going to Alaska with a new truck. F150 Eco w/ Lift - Hunt Talk Forums


What are you recommending to the OP?

I made a recommendation earlier. Here is the post.

The hemi will out pull the ecodiesel. The ecodiesel would be a good choice for towing smaller loads. It makes good torque but has very low HP ratings. Be careful with the half ton rams because they have the lowest payload capacities of any of the half tons. My favorite truck right now for lighter duty work but I wouldn't categorize your plans as lighter duty. There are half tons available to meet your requirements but towing to Alaska I would probably jump up to a 3/4 ton or find a lighter trailer.

Here is an article with a loaded up ecodiesel with a payload capacity of 490 lbs. You would need two of these trucks to get 4 average guys to the golf course. Lol
Our Inaugural Annual Physical: This Time, V-6s - PickupTrucks.com Special Reports

I could recommend to the OP an ecodiesel but only if it is a stripped down version. My guess is that if he can afford an 8000 lb camper and a trip to Alaska, I doubt he would want a work truck version. Love the Ram 1500's for light work though. Bump up the payloads to match the competition and it would be a winner winner.

You posted a link to a poor fellows unfortunate experience with his ecoboost. I've got 38,000 hard miles on mine without a hiccup. It has been a huge success and for 2015 ford is rolling out a smaller version. I am anxious to see the published payloads for the new aluminum bodied f150.