Would like honest suggestions about tow vehicle issues

[The Bog Man]

I have an 08 2500HD Duramax with 150,000 miles no problems at all with it. I have a 5th wheel camper and gooseneck/5th wheel 24' flat bed trailer. I will never go back to a gas truck, a 1/2 ton truck OR a BP camper.

 

[nwltruck]

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 by by.

100%..... my father and I have agreed that the goose neck is the way to go. They pull much better and they don't get borrowed out as much.


"You have a enclosed trailer?.....can I borrow it... oh its a goose neck... I don't have a ball in my truck." We have heard this many times.

 

[Beltman60]

nice observation nwltruck
loaning a trailer or truck is an easy way to destroy a friendship
ask me how I know??? :banghead:

 

[handirifle]

I forgot to add, about the driving habits, that when I have to pay over $1100 for 4 tires, like I just did, there will be NO burnouts or tire squealing takeoffs.

 

[timswi]

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

Certainly true..Stabilitrac and the integrated controller do many of the anti-sway stuff I used to have to do myself. A BP almost feels like a FW with all of the computer fire-power...You're right, my 1/2 ton feels as good or better than the 3/4 ton trucks of not long ago. I'd pull my '13 BP with my '13 GMC 1/2 ton anywhere and I wouldn't give it a second thought.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Certainly true..Stabilitrac and the integrated controller do many of the anti-sway stuff I used to have to do myself. A BP almost feels like a FW with all of the computer fire-power...You're right, my 1/2 ton feels as good or better than the 3/4 ton trucks of not long ago. I'd pull my '13 BP with my '13 GMC 1/2 ton anywhere and I wouldn't give it a second thought.

Im like you. I had a 2003 Dodge Hemi 3/4 ton 4x4. My 2008 a Nissan Titan is about the same truck and my father's 2011 Eco Boost is more truck than it vever was.

I do not hesitate to pull my 9,700# boat with that Titan more than 5000 miles a year. I have a 06 Diesel F350 but it does not leave my place until the load is heavier than 10,000#. Just no need with these new gsssers.

Chris

 

[sd455dan]

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:

Just yesterday we took a highway trip and had to pass a couple newer full size trucks pulling what looked to be about 30 foot trailers- one a bumper pull and one 5th wheel the pumper pull had an equalizing hitch, and right as we go by this thing starts wagging the tail I see the brake lights and went by him.
The 5th wheel unit just kept cruising no side to side at all. Plates on both rigs looked to be from BC Canada , traveling together?? There was a little wind- 10 mph gusts. and the road did have a rolling up and down height to the pavement. It brought back memories of bumper pulling a car hauler with no equalizer hitch...


When those two travelers get to their stopping point for the day, I think I can guess which ones blood pressure is going to be lower...

 

[crashz]

My point of my last post was pretty unclear, so I apologize.

However, in my opinion, buying a late model diesel truck for a reasonable price puts you in a truck with 100k miles and a few quirks. And while you won't be chipping it and putting monster stack on it to blend with the cool kids, you will be faced with repairs and common reliability upgrades. Rebuilding a 6.0 is an unreasonable extreme, but keep in mind that all of the diesels have flaws. So when you pick your truck, jump on the forums for that brand and see what people are doing to keep their trucks running reliably.

 

[handirifle]

Crashz
I appreciated your comments, completely. Thats why I asked for honest opinions, and thats what I got. It all comes down to compromises, and I fully understand. There is no guarantee on any truck. I would have to buy used regardless, so its a crapp shoot, and I might as well go for the gold ring.

What I havent mentioned here is that before I bought the Toyota, what I really wanted was an 04-05 Duramax, but as it turns out it was better that I didnt get one. I am hopeful I will find an 06 with under 100k miles and under $30k price, preferably under 25, hey, I can dream right?

I have seen some good trucks that meet all my criteria except they are 2wd. If I get one I know I will end up regretting it, so I have to hold out for a 4wd. I usebmine quite a bit, and it would be nice to haul that trailer to the mountains of CO for an elk hunt someday.

 

[RobertN]

It has been my observation, that generally I see 5th wheels out on the road that are balanced better(or at least look like it).

I see BP all the time that are low to very low on the front, a lot of which appears to be incorrect hitch height, although I'm guessing some are imbalanced weight too. And, mixed use of WD hitches.

We're close to the main highway going to Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountains; Friday afternoons and Sundays there are lots of these on the road. And, we have a KOA just a couple miles away.

I have different receiver hitches for both my utility and flatbed trailer, so each sits level when loaded...

Just yesterday we took a highway trip and had to pass a couple newer full size trucks pulling what looked to be about 30 foot trailers- one a bumper pull and one 5th wheel the pumper pull had an equalizing hitch, and right as we go by this thing starts wagging the tail I see the brake lights and went by him.
The 5th wheel unit just kept cruising no side to side at all. Plates on both rigs looked to be from BC Canada , traveling together?? There was a little wind- 10 mph gusts. and the road did have a rolling up and down height to the pavement. It brought back memories of bumper pulling a car hauler with no equalizer hitch...


When those two travelers get to their stopping point for the day, I think I can guess which ones blood pressure is going to be lower...