Tow vehicle for 303 rls

[Barbara & Dave]

I would wonder if any 1/2-ton pickup has the payload to haul a loaded-for-camping 303. GM doesn't even rate the 1500 for fifth-wheel towing. A quick look (quick, I admit) at the various spec pages show payloads that range from 1700 to 2000lbs. And the higher numbers are for very specific models, such as regular cab, long bed, 2WD. GD says the dry pin weight for the 303 is 1,660 lbs. Add a hitch and a passenger, and you're probably at 2000lbs or more.

The 3/4 ton models (250/2500) OTOH have payloads of 3000lbs or more, which seems much more comfortable to me.

Dave

[Cate&Rob]

It is difficult to generalize about payload of any specific truck based on the logo on the side of the truck . . . but I would echo Dave's concern about a GM 1500.
My 2014 F150 (max towing and max payload) has a payload capacity of 2300 lbs and a max trailer capacity of 11,000 lbs. So, we keep the 303 as lightly loaded as possible and are probably pushing the payload, but are significantly less than rear axle capacity. The truck sits level with a fully loaded 5th and even I have trouble towing the 303 level with 6" overhang to box clearance.

I have personally looked at a fully equipped F250 4x4 diesel that had a door pillar label listing payload at just under 2000 lbs.

There is a lot more F150 discussion on another thread in this section.
http://www.mygrandrv.com/for...F-150-EcoBoost
I fully understand that towing with a "small" truck is not for everyone, but the benefits for the majority of the time when not towing are important too.
The new 2015 F150 with a 750 lb lighter aluminum body is looking like an awesome tow vehicle for smaller 5th wheels.
Max payload will go up to nearly 3000 lbs and you really have to drive or tow with the EcoBoost engine to understand how good it is.

Rob

[pauliwalnutz]

2015 F150 crew cab 4x4 with 3.5 eco-boost and max payload is rated for 2650lbs and just over 11k tow. Well within range of a 303. GM or Dodge does not have a 1500 with near those payload numbers.

[Paul & Deb]

2015 F150 crew cab 4x4 with 3.5 eco-boost and max payload is rated for 2650lbs and just over 11k tow. Well within range of a 303. GM or Dodge does not have a 1500 with near those payload numbers.

But at the end of the day you still have to drive a ford Just kidding of course.

[Cate&Rob]

Hey Poppy,

I COMPLETELY understand what you say !
I have not owned anything but GM products for nearly 40 years.
But . . . when I went looking for a half ton that could handle the 303, I discovered just what Paul describes.
Nobody is playing in the same game as the F150 Ecoboost Max Payload.

Rob

[pauliwalnutz]

Thanks Poppy. I'm a big Dodge fan so it is hard for me to consider the Ford. The design outside and inside are not my taste but the numbers are what really matters. The new Nissan XD available some time this year with the v8 Cummins and Aisin Transmission is supposed to be over 2,000lb payload and 12k towing. They will be giving Ford some competition also.

[cgoodnight]

Maybe I should trade in my F250 diesel for a F150 Eco-boost. My F250 has a load capacity of 2193 with occupants and cargo.

Oh wait, I had a F150 with Eco-boost pulling a light 31 foot fifth wheel. Going over Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado without the trailer (taking it very easy) the brakes started to fade on the pickup. Came home, sold the trailer, traded the F150 for a F250 and planned to get a 303. But, my wife liked the 337 so that is what we bought. I can go 2 days without refueling (with aux. tank and driving a reasonable distance.) With a modest headwind once I had to refuel the F150 3 times to go 400 miles.

Would never pull another trailer of a 303 or 337 size without a diesel. Saving for a F350 now.

Robert

[Bamaman]

I have a F250 crewcab 2wd diesel, and wouldn't take anything for it. I bought it new in 2003, and the engine just got broken in at 120K miles. The value in the diesels (other than the towability) comes in the second 10 years' ownership--and even longer.

So many owners buy the F150's with the 3.5 Ecoboost with 4x4 and Lariat Supercrew body. If you can limit yourself to a F250 XLT with the $800 option package (rather than a Lariat), you can afford the diesel engine for the same money. For $1K more, you can go a dual wheel rear F350 that'll handle just about any fifth wheel trailer.

I hate to say it, but the fuel mileage just pulling a light bassboat with an EcoBoost is dismal. I'd hate to see what fuel mileage is with 12K behind you.

But if you just tow a short distance to the campground and if your terrain is not demanding, I understanding going gas. In that situation, I'd still be going the F250--but with the 6.2 liter engine.

[Cate&Rob]

Towed our 303 from Canada to Florida with my F150 Ecoboost and averaged 11.3 mpg. Usually travelling between 55 and 60. You diesel guys can probably do better than this . . . but, I am paying nearly a dollar less per gallon for the fuel.

I'm not sure how to explain how comfortable this little engine is, cruising along at 2000 RPM in 5th gear, with the 303 in tow. I regularly use cruise control to keep to the trailer tire speed restrictions.

Rob

[apulido]

I have a calculator that you can use. You can simply plug the information in from an RV and the ruck and see if they are a good match in picking out a tow vehicle. send me an email to [email protected] and I will send it right back at you with the attachment.