Kennedycamper
Algoa, Texas
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Joined: 05/24/2006
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First off a 37ft fifth wheel doesn't weigh 1656 LBS. The best advice I've seen so far is to buy the economy car, and hire out the occasional trailer moves; however, if your buying a truck make it a 1 ton dually. You will need it for pin weight.
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red_neck_camper
Stafford, VA., USA
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Joined: 12/21/2003
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Boy, what a wide range of advice!
If you absolutely must have a truck to pull the trailer, you can go with a 1-ton, SRW. If you go Ford, a 2005-2007 F-350 SRW will easily handle the estimated 2800 pound pin weight of that fully-loaded trailer. And, yes, you can get that in a crew cab short bed. I would go with a diesel for better mileage if your commute is at highway speeds.
Of course, as others have said, a better option is to get a small car for commuting and hire someone to move the trailer.
Ken
2007 FORD F-350 4WD SC Longbed, 6.0L Powerstroke, Reese Signature Series 18K hitch.
2007 Keystone Montana Mountaineer 342PHT
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Cecil Turtle
Wharton, TX
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Joined: 02/29/2008
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AUWing said it best as far as my needs/wants go. On my current truck the gas mileage is not good at all. If I purchase a small vehicle for routine driving I'd have to trade in my truck to afford it and I like a truck. I put the pencil to it and a diesel truck will be cheaper for me to operate than my current truck even with the higher prices of diesel. I also forgot to mention that my job will reimburse me for mileage more than enough to cover expenses. I want a truck so I can move my 5'er if/when I want to but something not too bad on fuel economy. IF I can get a decent price on my trade-in AND a good price on a diesel, I should actually be able to operate the diesel cheaper than my current truck aside from being reimbursed for mileage.
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ol Bombero-JC
USA
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Joined: 06/24/2004
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Agree with most of what AUWing said but . . .
Easy to spot a Chevy guy when he said "I believe all 350/3500's came with
a long box". That only applies to GMC & Chevy Trucks!
With all the deals on trucks now, and no need for you to travel - I would look for a "previously owned" long or short bed one ton (single or dually, gas or diesel) at a bargain price!
Find a well cared for truck in your price range -
only necessary criteria for your situation = one ton.
Figure to park it except for towing or hauling a load of gravel, or?
Get something economical (new or used) to commute with.
JC
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dvdriz
Palmetto GA
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Joined: 05/15/2008
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You can get some really great deals on used trucks right now. I have a 40' fiver with a dry weight of 14,400. I tow it with a F350 dually with a 7.3L diesel. I can not imagine using a gas truck to tow it based on my experience and the difference between DRW and SRW is increased stability with the DRW. If you only tow now and then SRW would probably be fine. I have also used a towing company before to move my fiver and the rates are quite reasonable.
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AUWing
Slinger, WI
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Joined: 04/10/2006
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ol Bombero-JC wrote:Agree with most of what AUWing said but . . .
Easy to spot a Chevy guy when he said
Hey I resemble that remark 
From someplace in SE Wisconsin
2006 Silverado 2500 Ext-cab / reg box / D/A
2006 Jayco Eagle 325BHS
2001 Goldwing, Cyclemate trailer and a tent (to remind me why we have the Jayco)
1999 BMW 1200C (007 bike) too cool to part with
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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Joined: 10/17/2007
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Since the OP will get re-imbursed for milage, may we assume his daily driving would be quite a few miles. So based on that new information, I will change my recommendation. Go with the diesel, one ton. Just be aware that since this is a workhorse truck, it will ride rougher than a 250/2500. So outfit it well for comfort. Highest trim level and Crew cab with bucket seats all around. A long box crew cab is one loooong truck. But the advantage of the long wheelbase is more comfortable ride. And in most trucks a larger fuel tank for longer range between fill ups.
You don't need a dually for your towing needs. And the extra width, is less convenient. And rotating, replacing tires is more expensive too. If it were me in your circumstance, I probably would stay with SRW. And would go for a 2wd. But I hear 2WD one tons are against the law in Texas. So may be difficult to find. But the good news is 2wd one ton in Texas are not as high on the most stolen truck list.
2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
Keystone Sprinter 33'9" 12,500 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide
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countryrose
Redding, Ca
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Joined: 11/14/2005
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Maybe I didn't understand the question. I got the impression that the trailer was going to stay in one place and would only be moved in the event a hurricane was coming. If that is the case the chance of finding someone to move your trailer are slim and if and when you find that person be prepared to be robbed, considering the storm at your back door and how he will have you over a barrel. As for the high cost of diesel, do the math. Example Gas @ $4.60 a gallon and 16 MPG = $.2875 per mile, Diesel @ $5.00 Per gal and 20 PMG = $.25 per mile. Check fuel prices locally and you will see the old argument that diesel cost more just doesn't hold water and usually come from gas owners that wished they had bought a diesel unit. I have a 2005 duramax and get well over 20 MPG when not towing..
GOOD LUCK
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Glen41
North Texas
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Joined: 01/25/2008
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"In some areas - Like around here, trucks can't be given away so there are deals on new and experienced vehicles. That may not be the case in Texas where ranching and oil patch increases the demand. "
You got that correct. Finding a used diesel around here is hard. It took me 3 years to find the right deal and I had people looking elsewhere. With the fuel prices, that might not be the case much longer. But most here can't get the work done with a Honda/toy/etc. Even the immigrant lawn-mowing dudes drive duallys and 2500's.
BTW I have a toy daily driver and my dually gets the same mpg.
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