Discussions

Hey Ebrandonites  
We are looking to upgrade our truck by this coming fall . We currently have a 2017 Silverado with a 5.3L engine. We also have a 35ft 2017 travel trailer ( hitch ) that we pull with the truck.  
 
We are going to upgrade to a truck with a slightly bigger engine ( up to 6.2 ) .. Gasoline only  
We are looking for honest opinions on what truck to buy. What do you like/dislike about Ford, Chev, Dodge etc. We're looking for REAL experience opinions, not trash talking.  
We specifically want to know what the towing experience has been for any of you with the newer trucks. Each company has * We're #1 in towing* on their websites .. so now we want to know, from YOU the customer what you'd recommend and why.  
 
Thanks for your help/input !

on Dodge or Chevy from personal experiences with the 6L motors....but the fords I have driven are horrible on fuel consumption (lucky to get 350kms on a tank not pulling a trailer), under powered, uncomfortable ride, and takes about 3/4 miles to turn around. Now I must admit, the newest 3/4 - 1t fords I have driven was a 2015, so maybe they've changed a little, but I doubt it. Just pulling a 4500lbs trailer up the north hill is a struggle to get up to speed without being right to the floor. Maybe all the trucks I've driven (and I've driven lots of different fords) were all lemons, but you couldn't give me one for more than a day before I traded it off.  
I've only heard good about the new Chevy's (but most of my friends and myself are chevy fans). I've heard good comments about the new dodge gas trucks too.

Can't vouch for the towing capacity, but I CAN attest that the Hemi isn't the gas guzzler you would expect it to be (and I drove a little 4 cylinder KIA before) As long as you don't get stupid with the go pedal (which IS tempting when there's almost 400 HP at your beckoning :-D ) you can stretch a tank of gas almost a month if you just drive around town. Only issues I've had is with air suspension (anything colder than around -20 and be prepared for lots of grief) Either make sure if you do get a model with air ride that the dealer is prepared to fix the issue at their cost or make them outfit it with coil overs at all 4 corners on their dime.

Hello  
I''ve driven newer models of all three makes (Chev, Ford, Ram)  
 
Personally I like the Ram the best, 5.7L hemi was very powerful and the whole package felt very capable.  
 
My next choice would be a GM, very nice truck. The truck I drove had the 6.0L gas engine. The truck felt very capable but not quite as powerful as the hemi.  
 
Personally I stay away from a Ford. The one I drove was a 5.0L V8. Granted the engine is smaller but it didn''t feel nearly as capable as the other two. Also the Ford didn''t ride as good and the cab felt cheaper and noiser than the Ram and Chev.  
 
Edited by Brian D, 2019-01-06 13:56:29

I have been a GM guy forever and use a 2018 ford f250 for work and am not happy with it at all. Fords engineering of aluminum trucks and the 2018 F250 is now that way and the truck is just too light. I don't pull a very big trailer either and I wish i could use my own truck. Very uncomfortable seats, terrible on fuel, and almost scary to be in if you encounter washboard. I have a relative with the 6.2 GM and he is very happy with it.

Has many comparison tests you can view on the topic. Also try google for comparisons.

I wouldn't drive anything else. 2014 F250 is my tow vehicle-V8 6.2l (I think? I never remember that!) I pulls anything and everything I need it to. Gas mileage is okay-better than the older Ford I drive for a few years, and acceptable to me. I haven't found any other truck that rides or handles as nice as a Ford. I got talked into test driving a similar Chev last summer and I knew before I got it out to the highway that it was not the truck for me. It was a rough ride, noisy in the cab, and just didn't have the zip or smooth handling I am used to in the Ford.

If that's the case getting less than 350km to a tank get that truck to the shop because theres something wrong. I've had a 2015 f250 with the 6.2l gas engine and could do 600km a tank all day.  
 
Also have a 2017 with the same engine and no problem getting similar fuel economy.  
 
To the person who said these new aluminum trucks are too light, I cant speak on the 1/2 tons but with the 2017+super duty models they are actually heavier. Dont believe it, scale them sometime. Many on ford Forums have done so and came in 100+pounds heavier with the newer trucks. Possibly do to the redesigned boxes steel frame.  
 
This is an important question to the OP...what is the tongue weight and overall trailer weight when loaded. This should be a starting point where to look for new truck. I can't imagine your 35'travel trailer is going to be under 9k lbs loaded with gear not to mention weight in your truck as well as passengers. 3/4-1ton market may be the better option over 1/2 ton depending on weights.

OP was asking from personal experience, not keyboard knowledge.

I don’t pull as big of a camper as you, so don’t need the bigger engine. But I have had no issues with my F-150’s. I had a 2016 xlt now just upgraded to an 18 sport. Great mileage, even while pulling. I get into my father in laws ram and it feels like I downgraded.

If your worried about fuel mileage and being able to pull your camper then a diesel is the only way to go. I know there will be some naysayers that argue high cost to fix bla bla bla. The money ur going to spend on fuel and driving that horrible ride of a 3/4 or 1 tonne with a light gas motor in it will be terrible. The money you save on fuel driving a diesel will pay for the upgrade to the Diesel engine by the time ur ready for a new truck. If ur sticking to a 1/2 tonne I have heard the 6.2 chev is good. I have a similar camper and drive a new diesel 3/4 tonne ford and couldn't be any happier with how it performs and fuel consumption coming from a newer ram 2500 the ram doesn't even compare to these new fords period. I drive my diesels until 200 000 km putting on 60 000 km per year so I buy a new truck every 3-4 years and never have problems with them in the shop just regular maintenance. People that say buying a diesel is not worth the money or they are always in need of repairs don't know what they are talking about or just know someone that drives their vehicle to the ground. All the trucks are pretty much in the same price range these days and I've drove all of the big 3 (chev,dodge, now a ford) and they have all been great just personal preference when it comes down to it. When it comes to 3/4 tonne diesel nothing can even come close to options and ride quality as these new fords!

I say pick what suits you. Don't go by other opinions. You will find they all vary and people are brand specific anyway. When I bought my F150 in 2010 I took all brands out for test drives and looked at specs. Make a list of features you want, and what you are going to tow with it. We pull our 9,000lbs camper at 120km/hr with no issues. Since pulling is my thing my next vehicle will be a diesel paired with the 10 speed transmission from Ford. I am a bigger guy and Fords fit me perfect yet for some smaller guys they prefer the feeling of Chevy's. Buy what you feel is the most comfortable and fits your wish list the best.

I have a 2011 toyota tundra crewmax with the 5.7 in it and its a tourque monster. Great power, comfortable reliable as all hell. I have 210,000 kms on it and have not done a thing to it other than oil changes and tires. Not even a ball joint or tie road has failed on it yet. The gvw is only 400 kgs less than my uncles dodge 3/4 ton gas. I have a 30 foot bumper hitch camper that it handles no problem safely. I know most people think chev ford and dodge when it comes to trucks but you really shouldnt overlook or rule out a tundra. I am done with domestic vehicles gas wise. I had a newer ford before my tundra and was severly disappointed in how fast it fell apart. Seemed every time I turned around this failed or that failed or was failing. Needless to say i took a chance traded it in and do not regret it.

you say you are pulling a 35 ft trailer.  
I would be looking at the GVWR of your trailer and the GVWR rating of your truck plus knowing its towing capacity. With this information this will determine what size of truck you need to pull your trailer safety  
Then you can determine engine size, gear ratios 1/2,3/4 or 1 ton truck. You have to realize everything you put in your truck takes away from the GVWR. There are trucks out there that are not setup to tow heavy loads and you will run into issues. Make sure your choice of truck is built to tow your trailer.  
As far as brands that a choice. I pull a fifth wheel an use a 3/4 diesel truck

Thanks for the input. We do really love the Silverado we have now .. and it does pull the trailer , but it does labour a bit on steeper grades. The input you’ve provided is what we were looking for. ... but still hasn’t help us decide ! Looking forward to all the test drives in our future.

I’ve no personal experience with diesel ... but I see guys leaving them running all the time. Is that necessary? Are they that hard to start in the winter ?

Just because the truck can pull the camper doesn't mean it is legal to do so. 35ft is a decent size for a 1/2 ton and i only found a couple of trailers that could be pulled by Chevy half ton. (Ultra lites) I know Ford with max tow are closer to 12000 lbs and those trucks are the ones pulling the heavy campers. I know that if you get into an accident your fault or someone else you will have a serious fight with MPIC if your truck isn't heavy enough on paper to pull. Something to look at. (I didn't know wont get you far either) If you don't want a diesel i would be looking at least a 3/4 gas to pull that camper but i don't know the GVWR on your camper. You don't have to leave diesel's running in the winter. My Ford 6.7L will start on the coldest day not plugged in. Will need 10 minutes before it will want you to move it tho. I get great mileage with both half ton and one ton Fords. (Gas/diesel) All new trucks are very similar as long as set up the same. I would go test drive and see what you like. Happy shopping.

Chevy, ford, ram, Toyota Tundra.  
I absolutely hated the Toyota and chevy.  
The Toyota had electrical issues when the weather got under -10 (and I mean we are in MB). When I started researching this it was a very common problem in Toyota’s.  
I hated the Chevy - extremely rough ride and very loud. And it felt like I sat low for driving a truck.  
I loved the Dodge Ram. Had a nice ride and felt like lots of power.  
I was happy with the Ford, probably not as nice as the dodge but overall not as loud as the Chevy and had a nicer ride. Felt like a more basic working truck.  
 
Now I’m a female in the oil patch, I do pull trailers occasionally. We test drove everything when we went to go buy - no bias. We ultimately bought a F150 because of the price difference between that and the dodge. We both felt like they were good trucks, but with employee pricing and almost a $10,000 difference on similar features the ford was the way to go. We’ve been ridiculously happy with the ford now and we would buy another.

Our trailer weight is 6852 lbs.

That's crazy lite for a 35 ft camper.  
My friends 28 ft Sabre is heavier than that.

My 2018 F150 5.0L with 10 speed transmission pulls my 6800lb camper trailer easily.... I have a 3:73 rear end as well.... I’m a Ford guy, but would encourage you to test drive a truck from all the manufacturers.... My advice would be to stay away from first year products (2019 Chev/GMC and Ram).... While they may appear nice, it’s always best to give manufacturers 2-3 years to work out the kinks especially on these completely new trucks.... Unless of course you’re only planning on driving it a couple years while it’s under warranty.... If you like the Fords, the 3.5L ecoboost has plenty of towing power but I prefer the simplicity of a naturally aspirated V8.... Anyway, happy hunting! Looking for new trucks is always fun! Haha

Please don't just go by the weight of the trailer as reported on the sticker. That will be without any gear or other extra weight. If you have water in the holding tank, or waste in the grey or black tanks, that could easily add 500 to 800 pounds. Plus there's all your stuff. It's not unusual for the miscellaneous stuff you have in your camper when you travel to add 1500 pounds or more to your empty trailer weight. I strongly echo the other comments here - just because your 1/2 ton 'can' tow the trailer doesn't mean it should. And if you are anywhere close to exceeding the actual GVWR your truck is rated for, you could be in legal and insurance trouble if anything happens.  
 
I've found 3/4 tons these days actually have decent rides. Not quite as nice as 1/2 tons, but definitely a lot better than 1 tons. I just wouldn't take the chance with a 35' trailer. As for diesel, lots of guys 'leave them running' because that's what they've always done. The new trucks really don't need it anymore. As others have said, they start fine in the cold, and in days like this, you'll want to let them warm up a bit just like any other vehicle. Diesel fuel can gel at cold temperatures, but if you're driving it regularly, you'll have winter diesel in it long before the temps drop too much - the stations switch to a winter formulation so it's not necessary to add anti-gel to your tank, but some people will just to be safe. Not much different than adding gas line antifreeze to a gas vehicle. Pretty much personal preference these days. And if you wait for the deals, your diesel motor upgrade can likely be had 'free' - everyone seems to be offering that some time during the year. Diesel fuel is often more expensive than gas, but your mileage will likely be a better - a lot better when towing a heavy trailer. We were gas truck owners for years and switched to diesel a few years ago. Not planning to go back anytime soon. If we have the truck long enough, we may even look into biodiesel. But that's for another discussion.

You should also consider that a 1/2 ton truck usually won't have as beefy a transmission as a 3/4 or 1 ton. So again, pushing the weight limit of your 1/2 ton could have expensive repercussions even if you are within its rating. The closer you are to maxing out, the better off you would be upgrading and getting the stronger transmission. A common rule of thumb is to consider your trailer weight (empty), add around 1500 pounds, and if that's more than 80% of your vehicle's towing capacity, go up a size.