I may be replacing my V8 truck with something newer and more power. What do you have

[onewhippedpuppy]

Braking is a very good point, I installed an electronic over hydraulic brake controller onto my boat trailer and it made a big difference. No more boat dragging the truck down the boat ramp! Driving with the trailer felt normal.

[flipper35]

We have a 2008 F150 with the 5.4l Triton V8 and 8000# towing capacity and we have a WDH. The 34' Avion is 6700# and is a triple axle with electric brakes at each wheel. With just my wife and me the truck does fine on something like HWY 20 even when it is windy, but get in any hills and it immediately drops to second gear. Fine, but not a lot of reserve power left.

If it wasn't my wife's brother's truck, I would trade it on a Power Wagon with the 6.4l gas engine based on friends with that motor and what they use them for on the farm. But it is something that belonged to her brother (as was the Frenchie) when he passed so it is a bit dentimental to her. It is rust free and has 68k miles and many coil packs. Eats them like candy!

[vash]

I missed out on this truck. A contractor was faster and got the jump. He didn’t have a wife to discuss it with.

It was the cleanest 2001 Dodge 2500 diesel. It had a shell over the bed, and a manual transmission. And the dashboard had been refurbished. I had to watch him drive it around for a year we worked together. Bone stock. A unicorn.

I’d restart a nationwide search if I was shopping.

[Seahawk]

I tow fairly frequently, now mostly local runs so I can manage the load weight in the dump trailer or the flat bed.

It is easy to be smart when you're sourcing local material or moving equipment no more than 15 miles.

We used to tow at distances with horses, first with a 2004 F-1590 then the 2015 Tundra. Both were good.

Host vehicle tow ratings are what they are, but there are a few things you can do to even out the entire parade at distances:

- As mentioned, electric trailer brakes. Key. I set mine very low so I can use the hand lever if needed.
- Tow hitch and ball. It is frankly embarrassing how much I paid for the tow hitch and ball combo I have. Completely adjustable so depending on the load distribution, I can tow level. I should have ungraded sooner.
- Trailer tires. A lot of trailer tires are sub par. The local tire guy I have gone to for 30 years recommends, depending on usage, upgraded tires. I have and it helps.

That's it!

[jhynesrockmtn]

Originally Posted by Rtrorkt

will tow an airstream with no issues

Which Airstream models? You do realize they sell ones from the small Basecamp up to a 33 foot, 10k GVWR bumper pull. Generalized statements like this make zero sense when discussing tow capabilities. I would never tow a larger double axle travel trailer with a shorter wheelbase SUV.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Trailer tires are a really good point by Seahawk that are often ignored. Not just good tread and no dry rot, but trailer tires that are rated for the weight and speed you intend to tow. When I towed my boat, almost all of the trailer tires in the appropriate size were rated to a maximum of 55 MPH. The most expensive option, I seem to recall a Goodyear, had an appropriate load rating and were rated for I think 85 MPH. I never had a single issue with those tires. Also worth noting I always had my double axle trailers aligned which helped them pull true and resist sway.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Trailer tires are a really good point by Seahawk that are often ignored. Not just good tread and no dry rot, but trailer tires that are rated for the weight and speed you intend to tow. When I towed my boat, almost all of the trailer tires in the appropriate size were rated to a maximum of 55 MPH. The most expensive option, I seem to recall a Goodyear, had an appropriate load rating and were rated for I think 85 MPH. I never had a single issue with those tires. Also worth noting I always had my double axle trailers aligned which helped them pull true and resist sway.

I have the Goodyears on my Lance TT. They have been great.

[berettafan]

Trailer tires indeed a HUGE deal! I also just ask my trusted local tire shop to put on whatever I'm least likely to be reading on the side of the road some day. Price be damned!