Pick up Truck recommendations

W

waterlife10

Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2014
Messages
11
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Vessel Name
Maggie Mae
Hello,
I am looking at purchasing a 27 in the coming months. Could you please share with me what I'd need to pull it comfortably?
I know they all have something. Dodge, Ford, Chevy, GMC
Would I need diesel?
What size of engine?
I would like to think I will be towing it on flat countryside, through the Rockies mtns and getting in an out of the water.
Thank you.
:?
 
3/4 ton diesel - not dually - brand your choice.
I personally am partial to Duramax - ymmv :mrgreen:
 
Yes, by all means a 4 wheelie.
Should have stated that (forehead smack)
 
How far the gas engines have come you think a diesel engine is necessary?
:?
 
I can not speak to your gas engine statement. I do know that trailering our R27 thru the Rockies three times, to Lake Powell and back and forth to Florida three times that my Duramax GMC tows our boat with seemingly little effort. With a diesel on the GMC/Chevy you have the added benefit on diesel exhaust braking, when activated. The advantage of this is that there is less wear on your brakes and transmission when braking and going down hill. We have 51,000 miles on our GMC and I had the truck serviced this week. When they checked my brakes pads they were still at 92%. For the kind of trailering we do I like having a diesel. On the other hand if we were only going to be trailering short distances and not thru hilly terrain then I would think a gas engine would work just fine. Bottom line is, it depends!

Jim F
 
The diesel has more "grunt." With a 27, you are looking at somewhere around 11,000 pounds for a towing weight. And, a stopping weight. Like Jim, I am a fan of the GMC (Chevy is the same) with the Duramax and Allison transmission - a great combination. When towing our CD-25 (lighter than the R-27), we often would see 12 mpg. We towed from coast to coast, border to border - level terrain, mountains, hot, cold. The truck is a champ. Ours is 4WD, and we have had to use it at slippery ramps.

Yes, you will pay more for a diesel. You will find it worth the extra cost when towing, and at resale time. Modern diesels are quiet, smooth, and powerful. For towing a load as heavy as the R-27, there is no downside with getting a 2500 HD diesel. The cost to go with a 3500 isn't much more; with most brands, the engine and transmission are the same, just an additional leaf spring and/or larger brakes. I find the ride of the 2500 more comfortable. That size in any of the brands is just a sweet spot.

You are making an investment in a great boat with the R-27 - a proper tow vehicle to take that boat anywhere you want will give you years of pleasure.

Good luck with your decisions,
Jim B.
 
Here is some advice from experience, when it comes to towing more power is better. You may pay more for the diesel, but you won't be sorry. Besides the power, it also has a better braking system. You are towing a boat worth $180,000. You want to be able to handle it in every situation. As said in the previous posts, 3/4 ton and 4wd. Brand is a matter of choice.
Now, if you just want to take your boat a few miles from house to ramp some people have used the 150 with the eco-boost engine. Some will try to convince you that you could go further than that, but try to collect on your insurance when something happens.

And welcome to the family!
 
Definitely 4wd; for long hauls a diesel has worked great for us. If we were going to stay for certain in Florida only, then maybe a gasser would suffice. AS James said, the modern diesels are quiet and we've never had an issue starting up in a campground and pulling out early in the am.

Keep in mind that the hitch also should be rated for the conventional towing weight and tongue weight you anticipate.
Our R27/trailer weighed in on a CAT scale at 10,300 lbs. with half tank of fuel, no water, a little bit of gear on board.

We ended up having to get an aftermarket hitch on our truck, as factory hitch was not rated for that weight without weight distribution.

And remember it's not only the pulling power you're looking at, but the STOPPING ability as well. Bigger is better in that regard.

Good Luck!
 
I agree with everything said so far on this subject but would throw in another wrinkle....................I have been a firm believer in Dually's for my last three trucks. Reason is towing anything over 10,000 lbs. always seemed to throw the rear end around somewhat of my previous 3/4 ton trucks, (particularly in strong winds). Tires seem to last longer on the 1 Ton trucks as well as there is less road stress on 4 tires vs.only 2. (More of a safety factor here as the cost of 4 is more than two at replacement time.)
You may sacrifice some ride quality, but you'll know you have a truck that can handle most all conditions!

Cost is not much more than a 3/4 T.

My Thoughts for what its worth.

BT
 
4x4 Diesel 3/4 ton will run up and down the mountains , on cruise , and not vary any speed . A exhaust engine brake is a nice option to saves using the brakes . I would go diesel if you are doing alot of miles . We just did 1700 miles to the keys , and the 2011 GMC Duramax was the best pulling truck i have had .Only problem with the new diesels is the exhaust fluid system ( DEF ) a pain . Replaced the pump in Kentucky on the way down ( out of warranty of course ! )
 
Thanks for everyone's input. I appreciate it.
If there is more or something forgotten, please let me know.
Thank you
 
One more thing!.............When you move up to an R31, you will already have a truck that can do the towing job with a dually diesel!

BT
 
I would also make sure to get electric over hydraulic brakes added to the trailer. Being able to stop is a real plus. 😱
D.D.
 
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