Would like honest suggestions about tow vehicle issues

[Midniteoyl]

Only need a light blow, say 3-4psi with altitude compensation.. Increased VE (Volumetric Efficiency) is what you're after..

 

[timswi]

I am sure of that, but I am also sure the gas gauge and tach would move at the same time.

Do you really need that much torque?..What are you going to be pulling?...A factory GM 6.2 gasser isn't too far away from that. They have some years on them now and you may be able to find one in your price range. As I stated before, I pulled a 7800# net and probably a 8500# gross TT into the PA mountains and the pull ability was stunning. I almost bought a DMAX dually (the wife really wanted it) but common sense kicked in as far as having to work in the city and trying to park that monstrosity.

I average 15-16 in mixed driving. Can get 19 on the interstate. Not bad for 400+ HP.

 

[handirifle]

Well as I've mentioned before, my current trailer would be an easy pull for a lot of 1/2t trucks, but if we decide to upgrade, I do NOT want the truck to be the limiting factor. That said, everything has a limit, and a 30ft 5th wheel would be ours, but a nicer one with more slide outs. Some friends of our had one that we really liked and his weighs closer to 10K. I do NOT want to be towing a 10K trailer with a tow limit of 10-11K on the truck. Been there done that.

 

[timswi]

Well as I've mentioned before, my current trailer would be an easy pull for a lot of 1/2t trucks, but if we decide to upgrade, I do NOT want the truck to be the limiting factor. That said, everything has a limit, and a 30ft 5th wheel would be ours, but a nicer one with more slide outs. Some friends of our had one that we really liked and his weighs closer to 10K. I do NOT want to be towing a 10K trailer with a tow limit of 10-11K on the truck. Been there done that.

Problem is that if you look for a truck that can pull that with a bazillion miles on it, that would give you the 1,000 mile reliability problem. A larger than 30' 5th wheel would end up costing more than the truck. Reliability and overall utility was my thing. I bought the trailer to match the truck. My trailer is 32', one slide. Neighbor has a 31' with dual slides and his pulls just fine. Both BP, not FW's though. Just something to think about.

If you're planning on a 35-40 ft FW, you're going into 1 ton territory and to get something reliable and comfortable is not going to be cheap...I've tried.

 

[handirifle]

You misunderstand. My 30 is plenty long enough. I already own this trailer, but if/when I upgrade, it will be no longer but most likely quite a bit heavier. I will NOT go back to BP. Been there done that for many years, and the handling difference is remarkable, so BP is not an option I will consider.

Also if we do upgrade the trailer, in the 30ft class, I do NOT want weight to have to be a consideration. Besides if I wanted another gas truck, I would never have started this thread. It was more tongue in cheek, the comments on the stroked 350's. I looked but wasn't serious.

I am seeing the '06 GM's in the 75K range for mileage, so I would expect another 200K before anything serious to come up.

 

[timswi]

You misunderstand. My 30 is plenty long enough. I already own this trailer, but if/when I upgrade, it will be no longer but most likely quite a bit heavier. I will NOT go back to BP. Been there done that for many years, and the handling difference is remarkable, so BP is not an option I will consider.

Also if we do upgrade the trailer, in the 30ft class, I do NOT want weight to have to be a consideration. Besides if I wanted another gas truck, I would never have started this thread. It was more tongue in cheek, the comments on the stroked 350's. I looked but wasn't serious.

I am seeing the '06 GM's in the 75K range for mileage, so I would expect another 200K before anything serious to come up.

I've followed you so I understand. ..Going to 200K without a serious repair on anything might not be realistic though...Many do, I've run 2 of them that far..I pulled the older BP's and I can tell you my new '13 BP has not one handling issue whatsoever, even with tractor trailers blowing past me..That was downright scary before, not anymore....I understand that the FW's handle nice, just trying to help with a common ground....I'll stand down.

 

[handirifle]

I've followed you so I understand. ..Going to 200K without a serious repair on anything might not be realistic though...Many do, I've run 2 of them that far..I pulled the older BP's and I can tell you my new '13 BP has not one handling issue whatsoever, even with tractor trailers blowing past me..That was downright scary before, not anymore....I understand that the FW's handle nice, just trying to help with a common ground....I'll stand down.

Tims
I appreciate your comments, but in my mind, at this point, it will be diesel or nothing at all. I also understand the "newer" gassers are better, but my mind is made up.
Thanks for the input, seriously.

 

[nwltruck]

Owned my diesel for 8 years and won't go back to gas. I have known and talked to people in the camper hauling business. Most used 1T pickups, and everyone I talked to got 300k to 400k out of the trucks before they trade them off. Change the fuel filter at least every other oil change ,have your transmission flushed from time to time, drive it like you should ( not like a hormonal teen ), it will last forever.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I've followed you so I understand. ..Going to 200K without a serious repair on anything might not be realistic though...Many do, I've run 2 of them that far..I pulled the older BP's and I can tell you my new '13 BP has not one handling issue whatsoever, even with tractor trailers blowing past me..That was downright scary before, not anymore....I understand that the FW's handle nice, just trying to help with a common ground....I'll stand down.

Its not just the trailer that is so much better, but the trucks also. 1/2 ton trucks of today are t have 3/4 tons of 10 years ago.

Chris

 

[handirifle]

nwltruck

At 60 years of age, I am well past my hot rodding days, and the only time the pedal hits the floor is to pass when time is short.

I have grown to appreciate the differences in towing BP vs 5thW trailers, and the way the trailers affect the tow vehicle, and have decided I won't pull anything on the BP other than my utility trailers. If I owned gooseneck trailers, even the BP utilities would go bye bye.

The connection is stronger, safer, and puts the load where it should be.

Now to find me an affordable truck!!!! :thumbsup: