Hi my name is Doug and I live in FL - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Dog-Father · RV-Dreams Community Member

Hi my name is Doug and I live in FL

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Doug,

Welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You will find this to be a good source for information about both RV's and the RV lifestyle. As you peruse the forums, you will see a lot of answers with questions that others have asked. The "Search" function in the blue bar at the top of the forum pages works well for finding information, although some may be outdated. At any rate, feel free to ask any questions that come to mind because the only "dumb" questions are those not asked, thus making one make costly mistakes.

Most of the time, we recommend that one first choose an RV that one likes. Then, find the Gross Vehicular Weight Rating (GVWR) of that trailer and then choose a pickup that is capable of towing that kind of weight. Be very careful with a manufacturer's "towing weight." One wants to pay attention to Gross Combined Vehicular Weight (GCVW), which is the GVWR weights of both the truck and trailer added together and make sure one doesn't exceed the GCVW. A number of us here would prefer to have too much truck for the trailer than have too much trailer for the truck. It IS a major safety issue.

Just to be honest with you, I'm just a wee bit leery of the V-6's as to whether they have quite enough power. Be very careful with what salesmen (either RV or truck) tell you with respect as to whether a truck is big enough for a given trailer. Most of us have little faith in most of the salesmen.

Good luck with the research and planning.

Terry

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Doug:

Be real careful about getting sucked into the V-6 gets better mileage thing unless you’re thinking about something like an Airstream Bambi.

It requires “X” amount of horse power to pull a trailer against the wind. (There is a formula by the way.) Also small engines come with extremely light duty transmissions. Also you need to consider controlling / braking the trailer. Small trucks don’t do this as well as you know.

As Terry stated in another way, the ratings of the truck are there for a reason. Many are “optimistic” as there are currently few real standards especially when dealing with light gas engines.

Now, if you’re just RVing around Florida you have a whole different power criteria than if you are going to the mountains. Even the east coast mountains can be too much for a small engine.

No one here is trying to spoil your dream. But the MPG thing, small trucks and towing just don’t go together. You just have to consider that reality if you’re going to tow and all we’re doing is speaking reality so you won’t be disappointed.