jayman30
Bronze Member
Here's my tow rig -- 2008 Ford F-350 Lariat 4x4 with V10 gas motor and a 20' Top Hat Gooseneck trailer.
Your towing rigs and trailers
- Thread starter GreatWhitehunter
- Start date
- Views: 1441154
Nice, I like the V-10.
Nice, I like the V-10.
jayman30
Bronze Member
Thanks! That truck's never let me down and I've pulled some heavy loads with it.
farmboy12
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2008
- Messages
- 918
- Location
- Benedict, MD
- Tractor
- Kubota M4900 FEL; New Holland TC30 MMM; Ford 1620; Ford 1520 MMM; John Deere X740; John Deere 455 MMM; Craftsman 19.5hp;;;;; Antiques: 1946 John Deere B; 1951 John Deere MT; 1952 Allis Chalmers B; 1967 International 140
Haven't posted anything in a while, but felt compelled to share my excitement with you guys. I ordered a 2015 Ram 3500, CCLB, SRW, Cummins and 6 speed manual. I was upset with with the 3500 and the 6 speed all i could get was the 3.42 gear ratio, I would have preferred the 3.73 but I figured I should be fine with it. It is a Tradesman model, ordered exactly how I wanted it with vinyl seats and floor. Only options except for the drivetrain that I added were CD player, gooseneck prep kit, clearance lights, and factory added dash mounted auxillary switches. It is granite metallic in color. Didn't talk numbers yet since I was told it would take 8-12 weeks to come in, but the number they gave me was $42,292. Which I don't think is bad at all for the truck. Definitely plan on getting at least down to around $40 hopefully.
I will keep you all updated, if not between now and then I am sure I will have pictures the day it comes in or the day after. You guys have been a long time influence that has helped me think and plan this truck out for about 5 years now, and finally, at 18 years old, I am able to order it, able to afford it, able to use it, and able to take care of it. Glad I am living at the firehouse and have no bills except for truck payment, insurance, fuel and phone that make this possible.
Kyle
I will keep you all updated, if not between now and then I am sure I will have pictures the day it comes in or the day after. You guys have been a long time influence that has helped me think and plan this truck out for about 5 years now, and finally, at 18 years old, I am able to order it, able to afford it, able to use it, and able to take care of it. Glad I am living at the firehouse and have no bills except for truck payment, insurance, fuel and phone that make this possible.
Kyle
wmonroe
Elite Member
Congrats on the new truck. As for the gearing I think you will be very happy with the 3.42 ratio. My dad and I have nearly identical trucks, 07 & 08 quad cab long beds, same tire size, both 6 speeds, only difference is mine has 3.73 and his 3.42. The 3.42 performs better both empty and towing. The higher ratio allows more overlap between gears, places where I'm stuck in 6th unless I want to slow down he can run in 5th.
looknlearn
Platinum Member
This is my rig for towing my tractors and other toys. 2001 Ram 3500 5 speed 4x4, 24 valve. Zero complaints and has pulled anything I've hooked to it. Lately I put a I performance fuel filtration/pump system in it as well as a set of gauges to let me pull heavy without guessing on costly repairs.
Diamondpilot
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 16,331
- Location
- Daleville, IN
- Tractor
- Jinma 254/284 Ford 861 Powermaster at work
farmboy12
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2008
- Messages
- 918
- Location
- Benedict, MD
- Tractor
- Kubota M4900 FEL; New Holland TC30 MMM; Ford 1620; Ford 1520 MMM; John Deere X740; John Deere 455 MMM; Craftsman 19.5hp;;;;; Antiques: 1946 John Deere B; 1951 John Deere MT; 1952 Allis Chalmers B; 1967 International 140
I actually did ask for the brake controller Chris, but my said all the 2500 and 3500 trucks come with them now. It's on my spec sheet as $0 and same with the manual tow mirrors.
Kyle
Kyle
Green Power
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2013
- Messages
- 1,077
- Location
- Nebraska
- Tractor
- LS R4047H, Kubota L33400 JD: 5075E 6150M 9230 and 8520
Post pics when it comes in.
It's a solid drivetrain and chassis :thumbsup: - does well in RV applications too.
Rgds, D.
KenB2920
Veteran Member
Not a tow vehicle yet, but she has potential.
zing
Platinum Member
Not sure what you tow,but you should know that the 5.5 box is not designed for gooseneck or 5th wheel. Two reasons, one the bed is so short that if you cut hard while backing up the trailer it may crunch the back of your cab, and two the bed supports are not spaced properly for you to bolt in bed rails. You can get around number two by using a hidden hitch with drop ball that comes up through the bed instead of the standard hitch with rails, but even then unless you have a very pointy trailer you are going to have to be very careful backing up.
May not be relevant for you, but thought I would let you know since many folks that get 5.5 beds don't realise they can't be used for a 5WH or GN.
debo1683
Silver Member
Awesome! What year/motor/trans?
zing
Platinum Member
Doesn't look way too high, just a bit like you say. May not give you issues, but goosenecks that are too high in front will usually lock up the front tires easily. Thn if you lighten up the brake controller you are not getting enough help from the trailer with stopping. Loosen the two bolts on the back of the gooseneck and shorten the shaft a bit. Goosenecks should be levelled for different height truck beds if you want to get good braking performance.
Xfaxman
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2013
- Messages
- 13,292
- Location
- Guthrie, OK
- Tractor
- Toolcat 5610 G - Bobcat V417 - TORO+Loader
We have a friend with a F150 5.5 bed and she tows a horse trailer. This is how.
Gooseneck Hitch Extension | B & W Trailer Hitches
zing
Platinum Member
Ha! I guess I should have said they can't be used wothout some creative cheating.
As I said, it can also be done with a hidden hitch, but you are going to have to be careful when you back up. That gimmick you have pictured there though, I am not sure how much I like that. It moves the truck neck 10 inches back from the ball, but when you are turning that is going to put your ball 10 inches to the side of the bed center. And when you are making a tight turn (think fairgrounds and meandering roads/driveways into horse places) it is going to pivot in the bed and change the way the trailer would track. Not saying that it wouldn't work, just that you would have to be pretty careful until you get used to it. Interesting solution though, because for most people once they have bought the 5.5 inch bed they are going to be stuck with it for at least 5 years and if you decide you want to pull a GN or 5WH trading it in may not be an option.
zing
Platinum Member
Oops, double post, so here is a picture of me looking at my hay field. I think I see something moving in there.
