Well, my son just bought a 5th wheel camper. A 33 footer with 3 slide-outs. Now he's on the hunt for something to pull it. Here is some of the criteria for what he's looking for. 3/4 ton, diesel, preferable pre-smog engine configurations. I've always been partial to Chevys. But I'm not so sure the Duramax is the best for his situation. He's leaning towards a pre-2007 Dodge with the Cummins 5.9. The Ford Powersmoke I have unfavorable things about. I just want you guys opinions and comments. Thanks gents.
Preferred truck for pulling a 5th wheel camper
- Thread starter Chevys_n_Hawgs
- Start date
- Status
Originally Posted By: volk06
Thats a good choice. The 5.9 HO with the 6sp is a nice set up.
Im not too familiar with the configurations. The 6sp is an auto trans, or a manual?
Thats a good choice. The 5.9 HO with the 6sp is a nice set up.
Im not too familiar with the configurations. The 6sp is an auto trans, or a manual?
Originally Posted By: Chevys_n_Hawgs
Originally Posted By: volk06
Thats a good choice. The 5.9 HO with the 6sp is a nice set up.
Im not too familiar with the configurations. The 6sp is an auto trans, or a manual?
I was referring to the manual transmission.
Originally Posted By: volk06
Thats a good choice. The 5.9 HO with the 6sp is a nice set up.
Im not too familiar with the configurations. The 6sp is an auto trans, or a manual?
I was referring to the manual transmission.
All diesels from the domestic three have their quirks along with pros and cons.
How often is your son going to be towing the 5th wheel?
How much does everything weigh that will be towed and hauled by your son. Do not have to be accurate just a rough ball park will be fine, I prefer if you overstate.
How often is your son going to be towing the 5th wheel?
How much does everything weigh that will be towed and hauled by your son. Do not have to be accurate just a rough ball park will be fine, I prefer if you overstate.
What makes you think a Dmax wouldn't be a good choice?
My previous truck was an '07 Ram 3500 SRW with the 5.9 CTD and G56 manual. The CTD was great,the rest of the truck not so much.
My previous truck was an '07 Ram 3500 SRW with the 5.9 CTD and G56 manual. The CTD was great,the rest of the truck not so much.
Stay away from the Ford 6.0L power stroke, bad news. I would be looking at a one ton as a 3/4 will be over weight by the time he has the trailer all filled up. Older Fords with the 7.3L or newer with the 6.7L, Dodge with Cummings or newer GM Duramax, the early Duramax has headgasket problems. Just make sure the truck/trailer combo is legal weight wise, Calif is cracking down on trucks that are pulling to much weight.
I do not have a recommendation, but I do wonder if there are any engine brake systems that the OP should be looking for, or does the trailer have a brake system that works in combination with the truck, and if so would special attention to some kind of engine brake system still be a good idea?
PS I heard that some areas have restrictions regarding a certain kind of engine brake because it makes too much noise.
ALSO: There is a specific company (I can't remember the name) that specializes in upgrade packages for diesel engines, and what upgrades would be a good idea if any?
PS I heard that some areas have restrictions regarding a certain kind of engine brake because it makes too much noise.
ALSO: There is a specific company (I can't remember the name) that specializes in upgrade packages for diesel engines, and what upgrades would be a good idea if any?
I'd be looking for a dually. a 3/4 ton is too light duty imo.you can get an exhaust brake but not jakes. jacobs does not make jakes for the smaller diesels.
To be honest, anything besides a 6.0L will be great.
My family used to pull a 29' Aplenlite?? with a 5.0L F-150.
My family used to pull a 29' Aplenlite?? with a 5.0L F-150.
7.3L PSD with a 6-speed. You don't even need first gear unless it's towing something or carrying a huge payload. They made them up until '03, but the later ones can get expensive for a 10 year old truck due to the demand over the 6.0.
Early Duramax had numerous problems as do all 6.0 Fords. If he's looking at something 5~6 years old, The Cummins is really the best choice. They are the most economical and trouble free. I agree that the dually is the best choice. There are a lot of added expenses in some states and on toll highways where they are (unfairly IMHO) treated as commercial vehicles.
Another vote for the Cummins. Our school buses around here have the 6.7L and they make those 30k pound buses fly...
I have the Cummins ('06 Ram 3500 single rear wheel)-I wouldn't have anything else-except the Dmax! Run, don't walk, away from the Fords!
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2009
- Messages
- 10,258
6.0 liters are ok if you know what needs to be done to them to make them dependable. Personally, I would stick with a vehicle you don't have to modify. So 04.5-early 07 model dmax or anything up to an early 07 cummins. I would skip the 98-02 model cummins due to the 53 block. But if you know how to find the 53 on the side of the block then that year model would be fine too.
first gen. dmax's had injector cup and cylinder head issues, after that, they have been pretty descent engines and I wouldn't be afraid to run one. As far as the fords go, anything after the 7.3 power strokes are junk. The 5.9 cummins is a great engine, the rest of the truck, not so much, but if you go that rought, I recommend the 3rd gen trucks, their front ends seem to hold up better, unless you want a 2wd, then they are pretty solid no matter what the year. I second the recommendation for a 1 ton with that large of a camper. A dually will be more stable when pulling something that big. And as far as exhaust brakes go, an "exhaust brake" is a valve that is placed down stream in the exhaust and is used to create back pressure, this is what slows the engine down. This is what your going to find on a pickup it has one. They are quiet and shouldn't cause any noise ordinance issues. The new generation of pickups have variable vanes or nozzles in the turbo's and they use these to creat the back pressure when activating the exhaust brake. An "engine brake" is whats more commonly refered to as a "Jake Brake" and is what you find on most semi's. These are the ones that most municipality's wont allow you to use in town. As far as I know there are none available for any of the big threes pickups.
Originally Posted By: Chevys_n_Hawgs
Well, my son just bought a 5th wheel camper. A 33 footer with 3 slide-outs. Now he's on the hunt for something to pull it. Here is some of the criteria for what he's looking for. 3/4 ton, diesel, preferable pre-smog engine configurations. I've always been partial to Chevys. But I'm not so sure the Duramax is the best for his situation. He's leaning towards a pre-2007 Dodge with the Cummins 5.9. The Ford Powersmoke I have unfavorable things about. I just want you guys opinions and comments. Thanks gents.
We also tow a 33 foot 5th wheel trailer with our truck.
Go to RV parks and web sites for feedback. I did and the overwhelming choice was Dmax. Bought my 09 with 6k miles on it and could not be happier.
Gets great mileage and tows the RV effortlessly.
Well, my son just bought a 5th wheel camper. A 33 footer with 3 slide-outs. Now he's on the hunt for something to pull it. Here is some of the criteria for what he's looking for. 3/4 ton, diesel, preferable pre-smog engine configurations. I've always been partial to Chevys. But I'm not so sure the Duramax is the best for his situation. He's leaning towards a pre-2007 Dodge with the Cummins 5.9. The Ford Powersmoke I have unfavorable things about. I just want you guys opinions and comments. Thanks gents.
We also tow a 33 foot 5th wheel trailer with our truck.
Go to RV parks and web sites for feedback. I did and the overwhelming choice was Dmax. Bought my 09 with 6k miles on it and could not be happier.
Gets great mileage and tows the RV effortlessly.
I have been in the seat of a 6.0 Powerstroke since Jan of '04, and driven in excess of 300,000 mi., quite honestly the best trucks I have ever owned.
Prior to my first 6.0 purchase it was a 5.9 (98), it was not even comparable to the Ford in driving or mechanical issues. The whole 6.0 is junk debate has been overblown to the point it is ludicrous.
I have a friend with a '06 Duramax with countless mechanical and electrical issues. Currently it has spent half of its life at the local Chevy dealer.
They all have issues, just pick a rig that you will feel most comfortable in, with a local supportive dealer in case of any issues down the road.
I also suggest a dually for towing that size of 5th wheel.
Prior to my first 6.0 purchase it was a 5.9 (98), it was not even comparable to the Ford in driving or mechanical issues. The whole 6.0 is junk debate has been overblown to the point it is ludicrous.
I have a friend with a '06 Duramax with countless mechanical and electrical issues. Currently it has spent half of its life at the local Chevy dealer.
They all have issues, just pick a rig that you will feel most comfortable in, with a local supportive dealer in case of any issues down the road.
I also suggest a dually for towing that size of 5th wheel.
Originally Posted By: dave1251
All diesels from the domestic three have their quirks along with pros and cons.
How often is your son going to be towing the 5th wheel?
How much does everything weigh that will be towed and hauled by your son. Do not have to be accurate just a rough ball park will be fine, I prefer if you overstate.
Well, here is his situation. He is a lineman with a contractor. He is current in west Texas building power lines for all them wind farms. 21 years old, working 6 12's, and has the world by the balls. Anyways, he just bought a 33' 5th wheel camper, and it is up here where I live. Typically, these jobs run 6 - 12 months, depending on the work. He will basically be living in it full time, and packing it up and moving every so often. Not daily, or weekly, but I'd say at the minimum, every 2 months. And he might be in Amarillo one month, and then in Deleware the next. Just depends where the work is at, and if he's chasing any storms or not.
Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
I do not have a recommendation, but I do wonder if there are any engine brake systems that the OP should be looking for, or does the trailer have a brake system that works in combination with the truck, and if so would special attention to some kind of engine brake system still be a good idea?
PS I heard that some areas have restrictions regarding a certain kind of engine brake because it makes too much noise.
ALSO: There is a specific company (I can't remember the name) that specializes in upgrade packages for diesel engines, and what upgrades would be a good idea if any?
Yes Jim, thanks for the comment. There are two axles on the 5th wheel, and they both have electric brakes.
As far as the upgrade packages, I've heard of some folks doing a "delete kit", on the newer diesels. I'm not sure what it all consists of, but I guess it makes a [censored] of a difference all the way around. I think they run about $1200 bucks, but sounds like they might be worth it, if you do a lot of towing.
Originally Posted By: Russ300H
Early Duramax had numerous problems as do all 6.0 Fords. If he's looking at something 5~6 years old, The Cummins is really the best choice. They are the most economical and trouble free. I agree that the dually is the best choice. There are a lot of added expenses in some states and on toll highways where they are (unfairly IMHO) treated as commercial vehicles.
I think the Cummins is the best choice, too. Like I said, he's 21, so a 5-6 yo vehicle makes more sense. Thanks for the info.
All diesels from the domestic three have their quirks along with pros and cons.
How often is your son going to be towing the 5th wheel?
How much does everything weigh that will be towed and hauled by your son. Do not have to be accurate just a rough ball park will be fine, I prefer if you overstate.
Well, here is his situation. He is a lineman with a contractor. He is current in west Texas building power lines for all them wind farms. 21 years old, working 6 12's, and has the world by the balls. Anyways, he just bought a 33' 5th wheel camper, and it is up here where I live. Typically, these jobs run 6 - 12 months, depending on the work. He will basically be living in it full time, and packing it up and moving every so often. Not daily, or weekly, but I'd say at the minimum, every 2 months. And he might be in Amarillo one month, and then in Deleware the next. Just depends where the work is at, and if he's chasing any storms or not.
Originally Posted By: JimPghPA
I do not have a recommendation, but I do wonder if there are any engine brake systems that the OP should be looking for, or does the trailer have a brake system that works in combination with the truck, and if so would special attention to some kind of engine brake system still be a good idea?
PS I heard that some areas have restrictions regarding a certain kind of engine brake because it makes too much noise.
ALSO: There is a specific company (I can't remember the name) that specializes in upgrade packages for diesel engines, and what upgrades would be a good idea if any?
Yes Jim, thanks for the comment. There are two axles on the 5th wheel, and they both have electric brakes.
As far as the upgrade packages, I've heard of some folks doing a "delete kit", on the newer diesels. I'm not sure what it all consists of, but I guess it makes a [censored] of a difference all the way around. I think they run about $1200 bucks, but sounds like they might be worth it, if you do a lot of towing.
Originally Posted By: Russ300H
Early Duramax had numerous problems as do all 6.0 Fords. If he's looking at something 5~6 years old, The Cummins is really the best choice. They are the most economical and trouble free. I agree that the dually is the best choice. There are a lot of added expenses in some states and on toll highways where they are (unfairly IMHO) treated as commercial vehicles.
I think the Cummins is the best choice, too. Like I said, he's 21, so a 5-6 yo vehicle makes more sense. Thanks for the info.
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: Chevys_n_Hawgs
Well, my son just bought a 5th wheel camper. A 33 footer with 3 slide-outs. Now he's on the hunt for something to pull it. Here is some of the criteria for what he's looking for. 3/4 ton, diesel, preferable pre-smog engine configurations. I've always been partial to Chevys. But I'm not so sure the Duramax is the best for his situation. He's leaning towards a pre-2007 Dodge with the Cummins 5.9. The Ford Powersmoke I have unfavorable things about. I just want you guys opinions and comments. Thanks gents.
We also tow a 33 foot 5th wheel trailer with our truck.
Go to RV parks and web sites for feedback. I did and the overwhelming choice was Dmax. Bought my 09 with 6k miles on it and could not be happier.
Gets great mileage and tows the RV effortlessly.
Is it a dually? 4wd? And what is you fuel mileage?
Originally Posted By: Chevys_n_Hawgs
Well, my son just bought a 5th wheel camper. A 33 footer with 3 slide-outs. Now he's on the hunt for something to pull it. Here is some of the criteria for what he's looking for. 3/4 ton, diesel, preferable pre-smog engine configurations. I've always been partial to Chevys. But I'm not so sure the Duramax is the best for his situation. He's leaning towards a pre-2007 Dodge with the Cummins 5.9. The Ford Powersmoke I have unfavorable things about. I just want you guys opinions and comments. Thanks gents.
We also tow a 33 foot 5th wheel trailer with our truck.
Go to RV parks and web sites for feedback. I did and the overwhelming choice was Dmax. Bought my 09 with 6k miles on it and could not be happier.
Gets great mileage and tows the RV effortlessly.
Is it a dually? 4wd? And what is you fuel mileage?
- Status