Yet Another Truck Size Question - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Richard_Peggy · RV-Dreams Community Member

Yet Another Truck Size Question

nomorsno · RV-Dreams Family Member

The difference between a 3/4 ton truck and a 1 ton from the drivers seat is minimal so to save an upgrade later I would say a single wheel 1 ton in your favorite brand would do very well. If you think you might want a bigger rig down the road then test drive the dually to see how you feel about the extra width while not towing. I have been in a dually for 2 years now and only notice a size difference occasionally in parking lots and drive thru lines. For now my vote says 1ton single wheel drive will put a smile on your face. Truck preference is a personal choice. Test a couple out. You'll find the right one

CJSX2fromCT · RV-Dreams Family Member

Having had a brake line blow towards the bottom of a hill on my dually (left rear)pulling the 5'er. Had to make a very harsh right turn to avoid a nasty accident,and seeing the pitch of the 5'er in my drivers mirror.... There is do doubt in my mind if I had a single axle, I would have rolled. You can't put a price on safety, BUY THE DUALLY.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

buy the dually ........weight distribution on the wider rear dual tires with be safer and handle better.......not to mention a blow out on a single rear will be a night mare..........driving a dually is no different than driving a single.....it will become the norm fast .......you can save a few bucks buying a single but in short time you'll start spending that money on repairs and such if your fulltiming!......those that use singles mostly dont tow......they go short trips

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Richard, are you looking at a travel trailer or a fifth wheel? A travel trailer puts 10-15% of the weight on the hitch, which is located aft of the bumper (a long way from the rear axle). A fifth wheel puts 20-25% of the weight directly over the rear axle, and there is the added weight of the hitch assembly itself there, too. Use the gross weight of 10,400 pounds to figure the weight on the rear axle.

Richard_Peggy · RV-Dreams Community Member

Lucky Mike: Thank you for your response, it has given me pause.

You state, "you can save a few bucks buying a single but in short time you'll start spending that money on repairs and such if your fulltiming".

Question: Why would it cost more money on repairs and such if we buy the single instead of the dually if we're full timing?

-Richard

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

If you plans are for full-timing, then definitely get the DRW truck if your rig will be a fifth wheel. Not only is the truck (and thus the rig) more stable, but tire footprint will be better. You would be spreading that extra weight across the "road footprint" of four tires instead of only two. The only time that a dually is a disadvantage is if one is trying to start moving on wet grass/ground because of the "flotation" effect. In those rare occasions for us, we carry a chain and the wife can help me get out of a campsite by hooking our Ford Expedition to the front of the F450.

As for trucks, get one that is more capable than you think you need. Should you later upgrade to a heavier RV, you wouldn't have to also upgrade trucks.

Terry

ottergirl · RV-Dreams Community Member

I have been investigating the Automated Safety Hitch system - not paying that much attention to the claim you can have a smaller truck to pull with. but am interested in the added safety of its use. here is their website - automatedsafetyhitch.com. this hitch is also approved by 5th wheel at fifthwheelst.com/automated-safety-hitch-system.html.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

This product has been commented on frequently on this forum in various threads... go to the search tab and type "Automated safety hitch" in the search box. To sum up the general sentiment... not recommended.

-- Edited by BiggarView on Saturday 8th of October 2016 08:00:32 AM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

ottergirl wrote:
I have been investigating the Automated Safety Hitch system - not paying that much attention to the claim you can have a smaller truck to pull with. but am interested in the added safety of its use. here is their website - automatedsafetyhitch.com. this hitch is also approved by 5th wheel at fifthwheelst.com/automated-safety-hitch-system.html.

I would avoid that hitch system. In addition to adding weight that one's truck would have to pull, it also adds length to the rig. The system has been discussed here before, and I'm not convinced that it is a good system, especially for RV'ers.

Terry

Lynn and Ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

Richard_Peggy wrote:
...
Dry axle weight ~ 7350lbs. (Dual Axle)
Dry hitch weight ~ 973 lbs.
Net carry capacity ~ 2077lbs.
Gross dry weight ~ 8323 lbs.
Gross vehicle weight rating ~ 10,400lbs.
Exterior Length ~ 34'4". Exterior Width ~ 8'0". Exterior Height ~ 11'2".
Tire size = ST235 80R16 Load Range E.
...

Richard, I would also highly agree with others, that you want a DRW truck.

Regarding the specs you shared, as an FYI, your net carry capacity looks a bit low for full-timing, particularly if the gross dry weight information was supplied by the manufacture – that number is likely prior to any options (and depending upon the weight of your desired options, they could significantly increase the dry weight). Also if you plan to boondock (or carry any water when you travel), keep in mind water weighs 8 lbs per gallon, that will also reduce the available carrying capacity for food, clothes, etc.

RonC · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry and Jo wrote:
If you plans are for full-timing, then definitely get the DRW truck if your rig will be a fifth wheel. Not only is the truck (and thus the rig) more stable, but tire footprint will be better. You would be spreading that extra weight across the "road footprint" of four tires instead of only two. The only time that a dually is a disadvantage is if one is trying to start moving on wet grass/ground because of the "flotation" effect. In those rare occasions for us, we carry a chain and the wife can help me get out of a campsite by hooking our Ford Expedition to the front of the F450.
As for trucks, get one that is more capable than you think you need. Should you later upgrade to a heavier RV, you wouldn't have to also upgrade trucks.
Terry

The "flotation" effect can be overcome by 4WD. No need for chains and another truck. 4WD comes in very handy in MANY circumstances that have nothing to do with "going off road".

RonC · RV-Dreams Family Member

Disclaimer ... all of this is MY OPINION and not an attempt to talk anyone into anything.

There are three expensive "options" you can get on pickups (1) a Diesel engine (2) 4WD and (3) Dually Wheels. Many eschew one or more of them because they are expensive. However, these particular options increase the value of the truck so much at trade in time, that they actually turn out to be relatively inexpensive options. They are great options for the towing environment and are now ALWAYS on the trucks I buy. I will admit that I have learned a lot on this forum, and that has formed the basis for my current opinion. I think most would agree with me on the Diesel engine, but many don't feel they "need" 4WD or a Dually. Here is some food for thought on that topic. I have owned 4WD trucks since 1997. I have only really NEEDED 4WD maybe 5 or 6 times over all those years, mostly at wet boat ramps and during the occasional snow or ice storms ... I still consider 4WD a necessary option on my trucks even though I never (intentionally) go "off road". I look at it like Insurance, I have it but seldom need it, but when you do, you will be very glad you have it. The dually adds significant capacity to the truck which translates to the safety of the towing environment. There are many who feel differently, but those are my reasons for why I will always buy 4WD Diesel Dually trucks for towing my 5th wheel.

Just an example ... A quick Kelly Blue Book comparison of a 2010 Ford F350 King Ranch with 100,000 miles on it with gas engine, single rear wheel drive was ave retail of $18,245.

The same truck with a diesel engine, dual rear wheels and 4 wheel drive has an average retail value of $25,229. That $7,000 difference is significant and decreases the cost of the up front purchase of these important towing options. During the period of ownership, you will enjoy improved towing capacity, increased safety, greater self reliance from getting stuck in slippery conditions (dirt, mud, snow, ice). It's a value proposition, but for me, the peace of mind is worth the cost.

-- Edited by RonC on Saturday 8th of October 2016 06:37:50 PM

-- Edited by RonC on Sunday 9th of October 2016 08:47:36 AM

-- Edited by RonC on Sunday 9th of October 2016 08:52:52 AM

-- Edited by RonC on Tuesday 11th of October 2016 12:40:36 PM