Buying too much truck?

[EncoreJoe]

Hello all.

I currently have an Imagine 2150RB towed by a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 short bed SRW.

The truck has close to 200,000 miles and I know it will last, but I may sell it while it has value to buy something newer for retirement.

I'll likely keep the next truck for 10 to 15 years.

I know I can tow the current trailer with a correctly equipped 1/2 ton and certainly with most 3/4 ton trucks.

Not knowing what the future will hold I'm considering a 1 ton dually for extra stability, factor of safety and to prevent having to change trucks if our trailer changes to something larger.

Is it even possible to have too much truck?

Has anyone here considered a similar purchase?

Thanks and good day.

Joe

[jim1521]

Well, not a direct correlation but you'll get my point. In all my years of boating, I've never met someone who said that they had "too much horsepower".

Knowing what I know now, if I were to purchase another truck, it would most definitely be a 1-ton DRW. Whether or not I'd ever "need" that much power would be beside the point. There's always going to be that "one time"....

[SouthTX]

Well, not a direct correlation but you'll get my point. In all my years of boating, I've never met someone who said that they had "too much horsepower".

Knowing what I know now, if I were to purchase another truck, it would most definitely be a 1-ton DRW. Whether or not I'd ever "need" that much power would be beside the point. There's always going to be that "one time"....

I tend to agree with most of that, but I think there may be a limit to how much of a good thing one can stand depending on uses besides towing. I love my F350 SRW CCSB and don't find it to be much different overall than a half-ton. For me - and this is just me - a DRW or long bed would cross the line and limit some of my uses. My one ton fits in to parking lots/garages nicely and has the added benefit of insuring that DW can't have a larger fifth wheel.

[howson]

...the added benefit of insuring that DW can't have a larger fifth wheel.

Is it even possible to have too much truck?

SouthTX summed it up well! As long as your CFO knows any future RV upgrade (to a 5vr or something larger) potentially comes with a truck upgrade, too, then buy what works for now.

Having said that, I went with a DRW to ensure I didn't have to upgrade the truck (again). Went there once. It was what I call a "$10K life lesson". Click on my forum name and check out the profile picture to see what I'm referencing. (You'll see I went from a 2017 F-250 Platinum short bed to a 2017 F-350 DRW Platinum long bed.)

[TheLexx]

Even though our trailer is only 12k lbs GVW, I'm really glad to have our 1 ton DRW. Obviously payload is not likely to be an issue. Stability is a big plus. I remember we were driving across Montana and there were constant head and crosswinds. We saw more than a few SRW trucks and especially travel trailers weaving all over the place in those winds. We had no issues fortunately and I was able to maintain a 65-70 pace being rock steady in the lane.

Yes the length and width of the truck can be an issue when trying to park. I will say however, that I managed to spend a month in Vancouver B.C. traffic with minimal issues. I was even able to find parking but it involved pretrip planning. No way could I fit into hotel or underground garages. We mostly parked in outdoor lots.

[Steven@147]

Hello all.

I currently have an Imagine 2150RB towed by a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 short bed SRW.

The truck has close to 200,000 miles and I know it will last, but I may sell it while it has value to buy something newer for retirement.

I'll likely keep the next truck for 10 to 15 years.

I know I can tow the current trailer with a correctly equipped 1/2 ton and certainly with most 3/4 ton trucks.

Not knowing what the future will hold I'm considering a 1 ton dually for extra stability, factor of safety and to prevent having to change trucks if our trailer changes to something larger.

Is it even possible to have too much truck?

Has anyone here considered a similar purchase?

Thanks and good day.

Joe

Short answer = No.
We bought a new 2018 3500 Ram LB DRW because in a couple years we will upgrade to a 5th wheel. Even then the models of 5th wheels we like - we made sure the new trucks towing capabilities is way over any of those 5th wheels.

[backtrack2015]

My one ton fits in to parking lots/garages nicely and has the added benefit of insuring that DW can't have a larger fifth wheel.

Exactly... X2!

[Bamaman]

I had my F250 diesel for many years and didn't need to trade such a great (paid for) truck. I bought my Reflection 323BHS to match the maximum tow capabilities of my truck. At 36 feet and 4 slides, I don't think any larger, heavier fifth wheel will be required--thank goodness.

I just don't cherish driving any vehicle.with dual rear.wheels.in day to day use. And in the meantime, the prices of one ton trucks increased 100% to the level of being unaffordable.

[Agpopp]

Just going through this myself, though my question is diesel or not. I am leaning towards a DRW because I can't find an F350 SRW or any 3500 series that can do 3k pin weight for my 317 and leave enough left over to account for hitch, passengers and general stuff in the cab without being over on at least one of the "legal" weight ratings. I say legal because the components on all of these trucks are up for the challenge, it would just suck to get called out on it for some reason. I just figure if I get a dually, I'm good for whatever tow job comes my way!

For me it's do I get a brand new, never farted in gas dually or a 4 year old diesel. Will I wish my wallet was 9k lighter to go faster up hills?

I saw written here the other day the cheapest thing is to get a prius and stay in hotels.

Good luck with your decision.


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[TheLexx]

Ram 3500 megacab with the short bed is 248" long vs F350/F450 DRW are 266", so the Ram is a bit shorter.

Parking any DRW truck is going to be more difficult than a SRW. I find it's the combination of the long bed with the extra width that makes it tough to park. Then again, a Suburban isn't a piece of cake to park either.