HELP Bought an RV - now I need a truck!

**WhyNot** · 09-15-2019, 11:59 AM

We did this thing bass ackwards and put a deposit down on a 2016 GD Solitude 379FL but don't own a tow vehicle. I am looking at used F350's (6.7 litre diesel) but am not brand loyal and just want to best tool for the job. I would love to go to the F450 but the price point is out of reach.

Any recommendations?

What are some things to look out for when buying used for towing a beast like the Solitude?

Thanks,
Greg

**Fl2GaScotts** · 09-15-2019, 12:56 PM

Actually you did it the right way. If you're not brand loyal figure out the features you want and get to searching. I like cars.com and CarGurus.com.

**Jerryr** · 09-15-2019, 01:18 PM

Don’t make a mistake and buy a SRW. You need a dually for that beast.

**Second Chance** · 09-15-2019, 04:20 PM

Use the search function in the Tow Vehicle sub-forum... at least several weeks of reading there. Most of your questions will have been asked and answered.

Rob

**WhyNot** · 09-15-2019, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by Fl2GaScotts

Actually you did it the right way. If you're not brand loyal figure out the features you want and get to searching. I like cars.com and CarGurus.com.

That's good to hear!

Originally Posted by Jerryr

Don’t make a mistake and buy a SRW. You need a dually for that beast.

Definitely dually and definitely diesel. Just need to figure it out. I am okay with higher mileage diesels and would be okay with a used that has 80k - 100k already on it. Just figuring out the history is the challenge there. I would venture to guess there are a few flood and hurricane trucks out there on the market now.

Originally Posted by Second Chance

Use the search function in the Tow Vehicle sub-forum... at least several weeks of reading there. Most of your questions will have been asked and answered.

Rob

Yes, but I am new and enjoy engaging in conversation. I can find what I am looking for on Google but prefer a forum with helpful and engaged members.

**powerscol** · 09-17-2019, 12:01 PM

With a 2990 pin weight and 16800 GVW you will be hard pressed to find an F350 dully or equal that can handle it and stay withing towing limits. No matter what brand you will need max payload and lower gearing 4:10 or better. Be looking at the door stickers to check the trucks rating. If I was doing this I would want an F450 or equivalent. You might want to check Trailer Life listings for one of those dedicated semi tractor tow vehicles.

Now - don't want to be a bummer here, but check your states licensing. If the Combined GCVWR for both units is above 26,000 lbs you may need a special license or even a CDL. your trailer is about 16800 GVW so it will be easy to go above the 26000 with an F350 or equal truck.

What did you dealer tell you to get?

**xrated** · 09-17-2019, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by powerscol

With a 2990 pin weight and 16800 GVW you will be hard pressed to find an F350 dully or equal that can handle it and stay withing towing limits. No matter what brand you will need max payload and lower gearing 4:10 or better. Be looking at the door stickers to check the trucks rating. If I was doing this I would want an F450 or equivalent. You might want to check Trailer Life listings for one of those dedicated semi tractor tow vehicles.

Now - don't want to be a bummer here, but check your states licensing. If the Combined GCVWR for both units is above 26,000 lbs you may need a special license or even a CDL. your trailer is about 16800 GVW so it will be easy to go above the 26000 with an F350 or equal truck.

What did you dealer tell you to get?

I'm not sure how you got the idea that a F350 Dually wouldn't handle that trailer, but you are way off base with it. I have a 2016 F350 Diesel Dually with a payload of 5270 lbs, and it's a loaded up truck (King Ranch), which means there are others out there that have less equipment...so even higher payload capacities. A trailer with a GVWR of 16,800 lbs is going to put a pin weight of approx 3360 (20% of the trailer weight if fully loaded to GVWR). That leaves a little over 1900 lbs for the rest of your stuff.....passengers, 5ver hitch, toolbox/tools, etc, etc. So payload numbers are good, GVWR on the truck is good, GCVWR is good, RAWR and FAWR...Good, tire load capacity is good if the truck is within the GVWR....that's it....all good to go.

And BTW, I tow a Momentum 394 with a GVWR of 20K lbs and it is within ask of those weight ratings...and it has a 3:73 rear end and does just fine

**minnow101** · 09-17-2019, 12:30 PM

I have a 2016 SRW Ram 3500 that has a 4100lb payload. No need for an F450 or equivalent. A one ton can handle that RV.

**Txfivver** · 09-17-2019, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by minnow101

I have a 2016 SRW Ram 3500 that has a 4100lb payload. No need for an F450 or equivalent. A one ton can handle that RV.

Yes a one ton can handle that trailer but not a SRW. My Solitude has the 16800 GVWR and my pin weight is scaled verified at 3860 pounds, that's 23% which is more realistic than 20%. 4100 payload minus 3800 pin weight doesn't leave much room for anything else in the truck. My trailer scales at 16500 pounds and with 5260 payload I'm easily within all its limits. OP I see no need for an F450 unless you want the tighter turning radius but a F350 dually will easily handle that trailer. Powerscol is correct in that some states may want a non commercial license if over 26K pounds, Texas does. Since I'm at 25600 combined I'm looking into getting one to be safe.