What vehicle is good for towing my travel trailer? (pickup, diesel, trucks)
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I have a 2011 Gulfstream travel trailer that weights 7000 pounds with cargo. My trailer which is a 24 RBL and weight lable says GVWR 7410, UVW 4225, NCC 3185. What vehicle is good for towing my travel trailer?
My choice would be a 3/4 or 1 ton pick up, gas or better yet, diesel, single rear wheel with the weight you have outlined. Ditto the hitch. Personally I am not a fan of DRW, they will get you stuck on wet grass, and I see no need for dual rear wheels with the weight of your rig.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Your toter varies on terrain / routes, distance to be traveled, # of passengers, frequency of trips, Destinations (where you need to PLACE the 2011+Gulfstream+24+RBL+travel+trailer) https://www.google.com/search?q=2011...w=1088&bih=507
A 7,000# + 3/4T or 1T pickup or full sized SUV will do. I prefer diesel (cummins), I prefer dually (increased stability, better tracking).
So for me (if I had big bucks ~ $40k) would be a Dodge Ram 4x4 crew cab dually w/ cummins and 6 spd. I have many friends that are equally passionate about their Powerstrokes and Duramax's. I have taken trips in all, and they all have good points and are capable.
Since I DON"T have big bucks....($10k) I would find a 1997 or 1998 Cummins 12v Club Cab dually 4x4 with a manual tranny (I do mountians and need exhaust brake). Auto will work, and there are some great rebuilders in Canada to make you a STOUT trannie. Economy is excellent (22 empty, 12 towing) AND you can burn FREE cooking oil ! And the Cummins will go a million miles. (the Dodge... might need some help to get to a million miles...).
I have had several friends make toters by transplanting a Cummins into a Suburban or earlier Ford Crew Cab. ~ $6000 + Donor vehicle.
My favorite toter is a (used) Volvo Semi tractor with Condo Sleeper. Bit overkill for most folks, but less expensive than a new pickup.
For now I use a 1993 cummins 12v (160 hp) 4x4 dually ($5k) and cross the scales at 28,800#. GCVW (with my 3 axle equipment trailer and dozer, or excavator). Not too fast in the Mtns...
I'm not a fan of 1/2-ton pickups for doing any hauling, but at 7K you're not asking for much. A 1/2-ton with a good V-8 should handle it. That said, many new-to-rving folks decide they want a bigger TT or 5er after short while, so I'd also suggest a 3/4-ton or equivalent suv (Suburban 2500, etc.).
Sure, you can use a 1/2 pickup to pull. However, it won't do it well. A 3/4 ton or 1 ton offers heavier suspension and brakes that makes pulling easier and safer. If you do get a larger camper you won't need to update tow vehicles.
Yes, diesels are ideal, however that is not a requirement. I am talking suspension, drive train and brakes. Again, extra capacity in case you upgrade campers.
The new Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 is absolutely awesome for travel trailers up to about 5,000 lbs. Drives like a dream. With all the bells and whistles, an Outdoorsman can be gotten for about $37K.
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might need some help to get to a million miles...).
