APT wrote: goducks10, I agree with Socal. While I observe the same tings, 3/4 tons are more common than anything else for 5th wheels. Most buy them because of the "tow rating" vs. engine (they want the diesel). But many RV.net people say spend the $500-700 for a 1-ton SRW, as long as you are spending $40k anyway. Really not much more to get a lot more payload.
One thing that has not been talked about much is the cost of reg on different trucks.
About 3 years ago a friend bought a 450 Ford. His reg in California? Close to $1,500 dollars / year!!!
I think the highest for my 2500 was $650 or so / year when it was brand new.
I know in other states reg is next to nothing so it's no big deal if you choose a 1500, a 2500, or a 3500.
But in Kalifornia it sure the %!&* does. It can make a big difference in cost!!!
Know the rules before you play the game!!
In California, the Weight Fee portion of the registration cost is based on the actual, unloaded scale weight of the truck, for pickups. An F250 and F350 cost the same to register, as far as the Weight Fee is concerned, since the trucks weigh within about 200 lbs of each other, when otherwise equally configured (cab size, bed size, engine, tranny, 2wd/4wd, trim level, options).
The rest of the registration cost is based on the cost/value of the vehicle. F250/350 cost very close to the same, so the overall license/registration cost difference for an F250 versus and F350SRW of same year and configuration is virtually zero.
Where you get into the really high registration cost is when you go to an F450/550 cab/chassis truck, since those trucks fall into the fully commercial registration category, where you must declare a maximum combined weight to register for. The truck also will have commercial insurance, which is more than personal use insurance.
One thing everyone has failed to mention is RAWR (rear axle weight rating) All 3/4 tons and up ride on 8 bolt full floating rear axles rated anywhere from 6000 to 6200 lbs. Most have tons ride on 5 bolt, newer ride on 6 bolt non floating rear ends with a rating of 3800 to 4200 lbs. Now with Fords existing rating on the Max payload F150's, I think the RAWR was around 4500lbs. With the new 2012's coming out with advertised options of 8200lbs GVWR, I wonder what axles's are being installed in these trucks. I bet thery are not 8 bolt full floaters! When towing 5ths's, the rear axle weight can creep up pretty quick when loaded for a big trip. I don't know about you, but I have seen a 1/2 ton axle come out of the carrier because there was too much weight and snapped the locking pin that holds the axle in. Not fun when your going down the highway loaded! I'll stick to my full floating rear axles when the trucks GVW starts to get over 8000lbs
2006 Puma 249 Fifth Wheel
2008 Dodge 1500 HEMI Mega Cab
Reese 16K Signature Series Slider Hitch
So Ford is just bringing back their old F150HD which had a 7700GVW rating and it had the 7 bolt axle. I guess they are just beefing up the old version, which was a popular truck. So now Ford has a heavy
1\2 ton and Dodge is also releasing their heavy 1\2 ton for 2012, although I think that the Dodge is actually using a 3\4 ton chasis, like they did with the 2006-2008 1500 Mega Cabs. Wonder what Chevy is going to do? Talk about the lines getting blurrrrrrry!
Hemi Power wrote: So Ford is just bringing back their old F150HD which had a 7700GVW rating and it had the 7 bolt axle. I guess they are just beefing up the old version, which was a popular truck. So now Ford has a heavy
1\2 ton and Dodge is also releasing their heavy 1\2 ton for 2012, although I think that the Dodge is actually using a 3\4 ton chasis, like they did with the 2006-2008 1500 Mega Cabs. Wonder what Chevy is going to do? Talk about the lines getting blurrrrrrry!
Come on guys.. many of us are towing a fiver with a 1/2 ton. I've been doing it for years. It's all about pin weight. New F150s can handle a wide range of light weight fivers. RV manufacturers are now building models specifically for 1/2 ton trucks even with short beds.
On the F-150 forums, this is common. However, if given the choice, it would be better to go with a F-250 that already comes with a 5W hitch, as well as a plug in the bed for the wiring.
Maybe it comes from working in IT for so long where the difference between "yes, it can work" versus "yes, it will work and was meant to do so from the factory" can mean a very big deal.
Hemi Power wrote: So Ford is just bringing back their old F150HD which had a 7700GVW rating and it had the 7 bolt axle. I guess they are just beefing up the old version, which was a popular truck. So now Ford has a heavy
1\2 ton and Dodge is also releasing their heavy 1\2 ton for 2012, although I think that the Dodge is actually using a 3\4 ton chasis, like they did with the 2006-2008 1500 Mega Cabs. Wonder what Chevy is going to do? Talk about the lines getting blurrrrrrry!
True, but the Ram 1500 Tradesman is only available with a regular cab. Link here.
Prior to 2012, the F150 heavy duty package could only be ordered with reg cab and extended cab 8 foot beds.
For the 2012 model year, it will be available in the Crew Cab, 7 lug wheels, towing package, etc.
I think choice is a good thing. The more choices there are, the more options you have to make an informed decisions. Not everybody needs a 350/3500 series truck.
mlts22 wrote: On the F-150 forums, this is common. However, if given the choice, it would be better to go with a F-250 that already comes with a 5W hitch, as well as a plug in the bed for the wiring.
Maybe it comes from working in IT for so long where the difference between "yes, it can work" versus "yes, it will work and was meant to do so from the factory" can mean a very big deal.
Unless that truck is also your commuter vehicle. I think in many cases the F150 would win out as the best over all choice. Not trying to detract from the more capable trucks at all.
Offline
