Tow vehicle help

**TonyandDarlene917** · 12-01-2020, 08:15 PM

Hi all, we are purchasing a grand design 397th and need help choosing a tow vehicle. We are new to rving. The two vehicles I'm looking at are the ram 3500 dually 4x4 limited and the ford f450 limited dually . Any and all information is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tony and Darlene.

**Crazybanshee** · 12-01-2020, 08:19 PM

The F-450 would be my first choice

**MoonShadow_1911** · 12-01-2020, 08:30 PM

Either way you go, pay close attention to the GCWR of the tow vehicle. I found that a fully optioned truck has less of a capacity than a middle it low option truck.

I have a SRW, 2019 F350, 4x4, Lariat, and the truck is rated for only 3273 lbs. of payload capacity. With the hitch weight and the weight of the hitch itself, I'm right there (adding people, dogs and tools).

It was a steal though, so I'm not going to complain to much...

Me, I'm partial to the 450...

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

**TonyandDarlene917** · 12-01-2020, 08:36 PM

Thanks ,we are leaning towards the 450 it is a nice one.

**Txfivver** · 12-02-2020, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by TonyandDarlene917

Thanks ,we are leaning towards the 450 it is a nice one.

You won't be disappointed with the 450 I guarantee it. The Limited is awesome, I went with the lowly Platinum lol. That huge toy hauler will look great behind it!

**powerscol** · 12-02-2020, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by TonyandDarlene917

Hi all, we are purchasing a grand design 397th and need help choosing a tow vehicle. We are new to rving. The two vehicles I'm looking at are the ram 3500 dually 4x4 limited and the ford f450 limited dually . Any and all information is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tony and Darlene.

I also say F450, but you will need the max payload option. The other question, depending what state your from you may need a CDL license as combined weight will exceed 26K GCVWR

Happy travels

**TonyandDarlene917** · 12-02-2020, 03:35 PM

Thanks Jeff , can you tell me if the back seats fold down? I read on fords website that they fold up or down. We have 2 great danes and 2 basset hounds and want to make the back seat as comfortable as possible for them .

**geotex1** · 12-02-2020, 03:43 PM

Don't just blindly jump in on the 450 until you understand the total cost of ownership in your State of registration. In some States, jumping from a 350/3500 to a 450/4500 will cost you a significant sum of money, many force you to register combination, and so-on. Be sure to do your homework on that end of things while you're considering.

**TonyandDarlene917** · 12-02-2020, 03:47 PM

I'm from Louisiana where they take an arm and a leg if we dont have the money to pay taxes . Lol . I'll be sure to check that information for sure though. Thanks

**SC_Scott** · 12-02-2020, 04:33 PM

I’ve got the Ram 3500 Limited DRW HO long bed fully optioned minus the sunroof and mine has a payload of 5,069lbs so you should have no worries there. The interior is far superior to the Ford and with the Cummins you should have no worries. Also should be cheaper than the Ford if that matters. Go drive them both and see what you like better. You’re probably looking at 3-4 months for a order on a 2021 unless you can find a 2020 somewhere but they’re in high demand. Good luck and post what you end up going with.