Road Phantom
pa
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Joined: 10/25/2005
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I've had quite a few 5th wheel trailers over the years and they were fine for their designed use, which at one time for me was for full time living. Since then my need is only for fun trips and weekends.
One of the benefits of my little 22 footer is that I don't have to have a heavy duty truck. I've had duallies and 3/4 tons. The duallies, as an only drive, were way too cumbersome around town and the ride a bit hard for me.
I longed for a shorter truck. With the funlight TT I was able to downsize to a 1/2 ton Ram. What a pleasure. (I still have to update the prophile).
If ever I decide to go full time again, I'm getting the largest TT
I can pull with a 1/2 ton.
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Hgarnerno1
Tyler, Texas USA
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Joined: 12/04/2002
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I totally agree with you about the harsh rides on the big trucks. If you need more towing power than the 1/2 ton truck can give you, look for a good Excursion with either a diesel or the V10. Much more comfortable than a truck and more civilized also. Good Luck..
Howard, USN Ret
2000 Ford Excursion,V10, Limited
2003 Terry 27H. Super Slide
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chevor
US/Canada
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Joined: 08/15/2011
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Alot of the harsh ride comes from the the stock shocks. I have replaced mine and the ride is so much better
2010 Gmc 2500 Duramax,1 ton rear springs, 90 gallon fuel tank, 0ver 373,000 Odometer miles about 50% under tow. 20k Curt fifth wheel, 18k Curt rear mount hitch. Cobra CB/Weather Radio, Bridgestone Duravis R500 HDs Rancho 9000 Shocks, Firestone Airbags
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rexlion
Broken Arrow OK
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Joined: 04/01/2005
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That's why I tow with my Highlander. Rides like a car, works like a truck! My DW was going thru medical problems (diverticulitis) at the time I was shopping for a TV, and she said "anything but a truck." Well, I tow a 6x12 cargo trailer for my work so I had to have something capable. The Highlander has a 5000 lb tow rating and it handles my 3000-3500 lb. trailers just fine. I have 106,000 on the ODO now and about 85% of those are towing miles.
Mike & Sherry
2000 Mercury Mountaineer
2008 Toyota Highlander
2011 KZ Spree Escape E14RB
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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There are air bag conersion kits available for the heavy duty trucks, they cut the spring pack in 1/2, and use the front half for stability, the rear section is used to support a air bag that softens the ride considerably.
There is also a air ride hitch, and air ride pin box, both soften the ride too.
And the new F-150 with Ecoboost engines are rated to tow a lot of weight, not what the dually will, but still in the 10,000 - 11,000 pound range when properly equipped.
Fred.
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bobbyg123
Duvall, WA
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Joined: 10/03/2007
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There are a lot of us in the same boat as you. For us, we're going to always need to use our tow vehicle as a daily driver. A big truck doesn't bother me, but my wife certainly doesn't like the thought of driving a 1-ton diesel around town. Ford is finally offering a heavy duty configuration in their 2012 supercrew. Like another poster mentioned, that bumps the payload rating over 2200lbs and (depending on the configuration), a tow rating of over 11K. That doesn't make it a true superduty 3/4 ton rig, but it sure helps those of us who want a comfortable daily driver, gas engine, that gets reasonable gas mileage.
I think it's a sign of things to come from all manufacturers, and it would help out the travel trailer builders quite a bit. If you can safely tow a 9000lb travel trailer with an HD equipped 1/2 ton, you have a lot of camper options available to you.
2008 Jayfeather 29A
2007 Ford F-150 5.4L V8
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Robby9
Oklahoma City
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Joined: 12/09/2010
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I know what you mean. I love my new 2500HD, but she rides rough. Last week I went to the store and bought two gallons of milk, by the time I got home I had 15 pounds of butter.
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Dksd392
Florida
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Joined: 12/08/2011
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I love my 07 Tundra...just hit 100k miles. I had an F350 SRW and do not miss it. I have no problem towing my Outback that weighs in at 8k.
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Artemus Gordon
Redding California
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Joined: 03/04/2011
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I don't understand the rough ride issue. My Ford F450 has an excellent ride. I have serious back issues and don't find the ride a bit harsh. It's not a floating fleetwood caddy of old but I have no problems. I updated shocks and have off road tires, ride is very comfortable.
2012 Montana 3750 Hickory Edition, 2003 Ford F450, 4x4 off Road, 7.3 liter, Air bags, Longbed Dually. Curt Q24 hitch, Moride pin box, P3 Brake Controller
2012 3750 Montana
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RCMAN46
NorthWest
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Joined: 02/24/2008
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My 2500 HD 05 Chevy has an excellent ride both empty and towing. Huge difference from my buddies 06 2500 HD Dodge.
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