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Noob to Truck, Towing questions
I also posted in the Ford forum, I hope a cross-post is ok since I don't have my heart set on a Ford or GM/Chevy...
We've been using a parent's truck when we tow our 5th wheel, but we're going to be losing access to it so now I'm in the (Utah) market for a Bi-fuel truck... Would you all mind helping me with a few Q&A please?
The 5th wheel is 36' with the following factory specs:
Unloaded Dry Weight: 9216 lbs
Hitch Dry Weight: 2040
GVWR: 12192
Additionally, it can be filled with up to 46 gallons of Fresh Water, so best to plan on that weight and 4 adult passengers in the truck.
My questions if you can help me, please:
1. What models can correctly and safely tow the above? We will also occasionally add a trailer with a couple ATV's behind the 5th wheel, so I really do need some "extra overhead capacity". I am absolutely not looking to burn out a transmission or something by trying to get by with something that "could" get the job done but isn't designed for it.
2. Are there model years to try to prefer and avoid because of known issues? I don't want to throw away money just to get a newer model year, but I'm not afraid to buy a newer model to keep away from problems known to be common in older models.
3. Are there any expensive parts I really ought to have checked out before purchasing a vehicle? In the Ford forum they mention the Compuvalve on F-Series trucks, don't know if there is a Chevy equivalent. Are there any other tips to keep in mind when looking at a vehicle?
4. Does the factory warranty cover everything or are Chevy/GM trucks aftermarket conversions? What model year/mileage would still have a warranty on the Compuvalve or other expensive items?
5. Anything else I'm too noob to think to ask, feel free to comment thanks!
We've been using a parent's truck when we tow our 5th wheel, but we're going to be losing access to it so now I'm in the (Utah) market for a Bi-fuel truck... Would you all mind helping me with a few Q&A please?
The 5th wheel is 36' with the following factory specs:
Unloaded Dry Weight: 9216 lbs
Hitch Dry Weight: 2040
GVWR: 12192
Additionally, it can be filled with up to 46 gallons of Fresh Water, so best to plan on that weight and 4 adult passengers in the truck.
My questions if you can help me, please:
1. What models can correctly and safely tow the above? We will also occasionally add a trailer with a couple ATV's behind the 5th wheel, so I really do need some "extra overhead capacity". I am absolutely not looking to burn out a transmission or something by trying to get by with something that "could" get the job done but isn't designed for it.
2. Are there model years to try to prefer and avoid because of known issues? I don't want to throw away money just to get a newer model year, but I'm not afraid to buy a newer model to keep away from problems known to be common in older models.
3. Are there any expensive parts I really ought to have checked out before purchasing a vehicle? In the Ford forum they mention the Compuvalve on F-Series trucks, don't know if there is a Chevy equivalent. Are there any other tips to keep in mind when looking at a vehicle?
4. Does the factory warranty cover everything or are Chevy/GM trucks aftermarket conversions? What model year/mileage would still have a warranty on the Compuvalve or other expensive items?
5. Anything else I'm too noob to think to ask, feel free to comment thanks!
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