Thoughts on a tow vehicle

[GrassLakeRon]

Hi all,

If you had to pull 12,000 lbs, 7000 miles, what would you pull it with? Needs to be a gas engine, no diesel.

Thanks for the thoughts.....

Ron

 

[akhunter3]

Hi all,

If you had to pull 12,000 lbs, 7000 miles, what would you pull it with? Needs to be a gas engine, no diesel.

Thanks for the thoughts.....

Ron

Well...I would get a diesel. Driving the AlCan this summer I was amazed at the number of big trailers/campers being towed by gas engines..then equally amazed at some of the speeds these guys were hitting in the mountains (I shouldn't be able to pass you so easily in my tiny car that is weighed down excessively with everything I own). That being said, I did see quite a few of the EcoBoost F150s, but they were usually towing considerably lighter than you are looking.

Seeing as diesel isn't an option, maybe a 3500 Chevy? Ford would be my personal preference but if you don't want diesel I'm not sure the gas engine on the F350s will pull your weight comfortably.

 

[Music Man]

A truck! :ditto:

 

[Big Bend]

Why no Diesel ?

Hi all,

If you had to pull 12,000 lbs, 7000 miles, what would you pull it with? Needs to be a gas engine, no diesel.

Thanks for the thoughts.....

Ron

 

[GrassLakeRon]

Over the years, one of the hats I wore was that of a mechanic. I can easily work on a gas engine. Parts are cheaper with gas. I figured I needed 300 hp and 450 lb/ft of torque running 4.56 gears.

I ran across an f700 with a 429 ford, Clark 5+2, and a 2 speed rearend.

 

[DRIFTER_016]

That would work.

 

[Paul H]

If you go with a Ram or Chevy diesel you really shouldn't have to work on the engine, Ford diesels are hit or miss. In 150k miles the work on my 5.9 Cummins was changing out the water pump at 50k and changing oil and fuel filters at 15k with Mobil 1 turbo diesel and oil filters at 7.5k. I can't imagine pulling that load through the mountains as well as going down the mountains and using engine breaking to save your breaks without a diesel. Not to mention your mileage will be significantly better with the diesel.

 

[Big Bend]

You want to think about what are you going to use a rig for after you get here. The F700 is not what you will want to jump in and run into town. Tires are more expensive and a lot less of choice in tread design .You will want something for the ice and snow.As paul said that would be my choice you can get them in a 4 door. In the winter a rgular cab you do not have the extra space for the things that you take with you in the winter.

Over the years, one of the hats I wore was that of a mechanic. I can easily work on a gas engine. Parts are cheaper with gas. I figured I needed 300 hp and 450 lb/ft of torque running 4.56 gears.

I ran across an f700 with a 429 ford, Clark 5+2, and a 2 speed rearend.

 

[Old John]

You asked "if I had to do it, what would I use..
Simple. my 07 GMC HD2500 duramax.
this past summer My Son drove it down to WA state and picked up a 24' boat to tow back up the Alcan. When he got home he said no way could his Chevy (gas) V8 Have made it.

I'd look around for a good, used, late model (American made) 1 ton diesel. If I didn't like it by the time I got to AK, I think I could easily sell it and get most of my money back.

my 2c worth

 

[Derby06]

If I didn't like it by the time I got to AK, I think I could easily sell it and get most of my money back.

my 2c worth

That is a very good point that should be considered.

 

[GrassLakeRon]

Thanks for the info. I'm still looking. The f700 is gone.

 

[dandeo2003]

This summer I towed a 32' 5th toy hauler 5th wheel loaded, so full with our stuff we only had room to sleep on the couch, from Anchorage to Auburn Washington using a 2007 Dodge 2500 with the 360 HD. My only complaint was fuel consumption but I didn't let everyone pass me on the mountains either. It has the tow package and I kept it out of overdrive (which has a lot to do with fuel usage), never seemed to lack power at all.

 

[GrassLakeRon]

Thanks for that info

 

[Libertine]

If you keep your tow load under 10,000 pounds, a lot of the newer V8 1/2 ton trucks will fit the bill.

You're looking at 12,000+ pounds though, and a gasser as well, so most definitely a 1 ton HD (RAM, Superduty, Silverado). Your mileage will be terrible with a gas engine.

Towing 12,000 lbs. is best done with a diesel, as others have said.

Good luck on your journey.