Rambling Yorkie
Texas
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Hi there,
I currently have a 2007 Passport Ultralite 29BHS that I have been towing with a 2008 Dodge Durango 5.7l Hemi with factory tow package and Equalizer 4 way sway control/leveller hitch. Loaded trailer weight is a smidgen over 6200lbs. Tongue weight 750 and its me and the kids (400lbs) in the vehicle.
Its been OK on the shorter trips, but struggled a bit last year in the rolling hills of Arkansas. This year or next I want to head up to Rushmore and back through Yellowstone/Yosemite etc, so I'm looking to upgrade the tow vehicle.
I'm thinking along the F150/Ram 1500 sort of lines, but wondered if anyone had any suggestions?
Thanks
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danager
Edmonton Alberta
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Joined: 09/11/2010
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I am towing a 28' 7k# TT with a 2010 F150 SCrew 5.4L. It tows well, put on several thousand miles last summer. I am really liking the F150 with Ecoboost. I have come to terms with poor milage when towing, wish it could be better when used as a daily driver. The Ecoboost offers better daily MPG than my big thirsty V8.
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Rambling Yorkie
Texas
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The Ecoboost was the one I was eyeing. Any idea on likely towing mileage on that one? Realize thats a bit of a "piece of string" question, but maybe there's someone out there can help. With the Durango I'm only getting 10-12 mpg when towing.
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Wills250psd
walnutcove NC
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If you want gas I would look at the new 150 with ecoboost, if diesel any of the big three will be more than enough.JMO
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Personally I would sacrifice a bit of ride for a better tow vehicle. Think a 3/4 ton truck. A 3/4 ton will give you LT tires instead of P metrics. It will give you stronger frame, bigger/better brakes, stronger wheels, better springs to handle loads, more load carrying capacity for future upgrades if you decide. The trade off is a bit of ride comfort. Not to mention better resale value down the road.
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
Resident Know It All 
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jerem0621
Sequatchie, TN
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Joined: 05/17/2009
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Why go from a small half ton to a slightly larger half ton? The money is about the same, I suggest that you consider upgrading to a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.
You've got a lot of trailer and a heavier duty truck would take a lot of your concerns while towing away.
Thanks!
TT: 1995 Layton 2910
Tow Vehicle: 1999 F-350, v10, 2wd, Crew Cab, Dually
Hitch: Draw-Tite Trunnion WD Hitch
Sway Control: Valley dual friction sway control
Brake Control: Tekonsha Voyager
"It's Kind of Fun To Do The Impossible"
~Walt Disney~
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romore
Canada
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You will not find anything better than the hemi in the F-150/1500 class for power. Seriously consider moving up to the F-250/2500 preferably with a diesel. You will be a much happier camper especially in the western mountains.
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Rambling Yorkie
Texas
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Thanks for the replies.
The problems we had last year were less with the engine power, more with the transmission.
I'd thought (briefly) about the F250/Ram2500 but given our "normal" annual mileage is likely to be around 3-5,000 towing, and 25-30,000 non-towing, I was trying to stay a bit smaller.
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eric james
Sioux Falls, SD
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Pick up or SUV??
I'd switch to a Expedition EL if I had the funds. 6 speed tranny is excellent i hear.
2009 Keystone Passport UL 290BH
2003 Ford Expedition EB 5.4L/3.73
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goducks10
Keizer OR
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Joined: 02/22/2010
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F150 3.5 Ecoboost, with the Heavy Duty package that gives you an 8200lb GVWR. You will get better mpg than the hemi for daily driving and have plenty of power for towing.
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