Check my payload figures please

[ALScott]

Ok, was still wrestling with going to F250 but after writing it down I don't see where I have a choice.
F150 at dealer has payload of 1,400 lbs and I am guessing 2017 F250 will have at least as much as the 2016 I am test driving which is 2,000 lbs. We are looking at 2800BH so I have given it a weight 6,500lbs loaded which is hitch weight of 845.
People, gas, and cargo of 800lbs
+ WDH of 100 = 900lbs
+ hitch weight 845
total of 1,745 lbs.

So on F150 I am 345lbs in the red and F250 225lbs in the black.

Am I looking at this correctly and also correct that F250 is only real option?

[AustexGP]

You can cut cargo down and be right on the weight or a little under. But no matter what you do the front end of the truck will be "lite". It will be like driving the truck with a full load of dirt in the bed. We had a Jayco similar to yours and after the first year we upgraded to a Chevy 2500HD diesel. I don't think that you have much of a choice either. You can drive "white knuckled" every time you take the trailer out or you can enjoy the trip.

[deserthi]

I really don't understand why so many guys try to get so close to "what is the max a truck can tow". I will be pulling a 315RTLS. I would not even consider a F250 for that load. My new Dodge 3500 4X4 diesel is enough truck with suspension, engine and brute strength that I never have to worry going over the Rockies or whatever....just my 2 cents.

[ALScott]

Never asked what is the max the truck can tow. I know that. I was talking about payload. I went with what I feel is worst case weights for me and family. I think the F250 payload is higher than 2K and I will be fine. I also don't think I need a 1 ton, definitely don't want one. I am only willing to go so far to have my daily life controlled by a camper of any kind.

[jeffdawgfan]

You are sort in that "tweener" area for a tow vehicle. I was in similar need. Looked at all the 3/4 tons and then went and drove the new Titan XD with the 5L Cummins Diesel. Never looked back. It is towing my 303RLS like a dream and does not drive like a tank when I am not towing.

[bertschb]

I also don't think I need a 1 ton, definitely don't want one. I am only willing to go so far to have my daily life controlled by a camper of any kind.

I'm not sure about Dodge or Ford but with GM, the only difference between the 3/4 ton and 1 ton is overload springs that increase payload capacity. The two vehicles drive identically unloaded. The overload springs don't kick in until you have a heavy load in the bed (5th wheel attached). So, you get the payload capacity you need for towing heavy loads with the same ride quality as a 3/4 ton when unloaded. Because of that, I'll never buy a 3/4 ton. No point. Again, I'm talking about GM products. Could be a different story with Ford and Dodge (Ram). I'm also talking SRW, not DRW. Definitely a difference between those two for daily driving.

[jeffdawgfan]

Bertschb...

You are correct. When I was looking at the F-250 I was talking to the service manager and he told me the only difference with the F-350 was there was one extra spring bar on the rear stack...that was for single axle of course. But...they want to charge you a lot more money for that extra leaf spring. And it is all a numbers game anyway. The manufacturers rate their vehicles to be competitive. On many of the trucks the parts are even the same part. Example is the Titan XD has the same exact rear end and axle as the Ram 2500. But the ratings are different. Everyone is always trying to one-up the other guy. IF you look at the oil burners that were in trucks ten years ago and compare them to the diesels in todays trucks and then compare ratings you just have to shake your head.

[bertschb]

When I was looking at the F-250 I was talking to the service manager and he told me the only difference with the F-350 was there was one extra spring bar on the rear stack...that was for single axle of course. But...they want to charge you a lot more money for that extra leaf spring.

Again, only speaking for GM trucks here- the price difference between a 2017 2500 and 3500 Denali is $15 and the 2500 is actually more expensive. I think my overloads are 2-3 springs. Don't recall and I'm not at home to check. The diesels in new trucks are WAY more powerful than they were 10-15 years ago but the towing capacities are also WAY higher today. There is much more to towing capability and capacity than the rear end or axle. It's a combination of those things along with the frame, transmission, driveline components, engine, etc.

I can't tell you how many times I've read about folks who bought a 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck when starting out in RV'ing and within a couple years decided to get a larger RV. Now they are stuck with a truck that will be way overloaded and ask what they should do (air bags, better tires, etc). Just buy the 1 ton and move on. Simple :-) In fact, out of all the decisions I had to make when getting into the RV world, the truck was by far the easiest decision.

I'm not trying to start a war here because I know there are a ton of folks who tow with 1/2 ton gas trucks. I also know I see a lot of 3/4 ton trucks on the road towing 5th wheels. I guess I've just read waaaaaaaay too many posts from folks who are trying to get by with the minimum rather than getting the right tool for the job from the start - and thinking ahead to the future.

I've got thick skin so go ahead and flame me guys!

[Jerryr]

Read my posting here:
http://www.mygrandrv.com/for...010#post109010

I had a 2800BH and towed it with a 2016 2WD F-150 that had a payload of 1964lbs. No matter what I did every trip was a white knuckle trip and it scared my wife.

I looked at diesel 250s and they had about the same payload (1974 lbs) as my F-150. A F-350 gave me 1,500 more lbs of payload at 3,500 lbs. To me the 250 and 350 Single Rear Wheel rode exactly the same when not towing.

With a SRW F-350 diesel you will not be concerned about being passed by tractor trailers or being swayed by cross winds when towing a 2800BH.

And if you find later that you want to upgrade to a 14,000 lb 5th wheel you will already have a truck to tow it

[sande005]

Ok, was still wrestling with going to F250 but after writing it down I don't see where I have a choice.
F150 at dealer has payload of 1,400 lbs and I am guessing 2017 F250 will have at least as much as the 2016 I am test driving which is 2,000 lbs. We are looking at 2800BH so I have given it a weight 6,500lbs loaded which is hitch weight of 845.
People, gas, and cargo of 800lbs
+ WDH of 100 = 900lbs
+ hitch weight 845
total of 1,745 lbs.

So on F150 I am 345lbs in the red and F250 225lbs in the black.

Am I looking at this correctly and also correct that F250 is only real option?

Don't forget battery weight, and a fudge factor for some water. You'll probably be near 900-950 tongue when all up.
Or get an F-150 like my 2012, with the Heavy Duty Payload package....my sticker is 2166. And new ones are several 100 higher than that.