Are you looking for new vehicles or used ? Diesel or gas ?
My advice is do some internet searches and snoop out the forums on trucks and do some reading. That way you will be forewarned on some of the problems that are being encountered and start to be informed about the capabilities of the different models. There are user forums devoted to the different brands of trucks and rv forums like this one and RV.net that are great sources of information.
Like with new trucks, the 2011 GM/Chevy diesels that are being advertised so much on TV has a problem with the DEF fluid (urea injected into the exhaust to control NOX). Up north where it is cold, the DEF is freezing and people can't use their trucks and it is a huge issue. Not a problem in Tx, butit is a problem.
With used trucks, be aware that the 2001 through Feb 2004 (March 2004 brought out a new model) GM/Chevy diesel trucks had injector problems and people are dumping them off. To get a set of injectors installed on these trucks is 4000 to 6000 ata dealership. Model years 04.5 through 05 GM/Chevy diesel trucks overheat. We have an overheater and until last year never went into the mountains. Our lifestyle has now changed and we are now faced with adding an auxilliary radiator to fix the issue as it is cheaper to fix than buy a new truck.
The point I am trying to make is do your homework before you purchase any brand. Trucks nowadays are complicated and expensive due to EPA regulations regardless of diesel or gas, etc. And all have their good points and bad points.
Be honest as to what your intentions are. If you simply want to go camping within a 100 mile radius of home, then you don't need as much truck. But if you are going out on the highway, into mountains etc etc, then your needs will change. With gas -vs- diesel, there are maintence costs associated with a owning a diesel, that you simply don't have with a gas engine, but you don't get the mileage or pulling power either.
Also you didn't say bumper pull -vs- 5th wheel travel trailer.
With a 32 ft bumper pull, the longer the wheel base on the tow vehicle, the easier it will be to pull. Semis passing you will have less of an effect. The pivot point is the hitch on a bumper pull and when a semi, which is pushing a BIG cushion of air, passes you, it tends to push the front of the trailer away. So when the front of the trailer is pushed away, then the front of the truck pulls towards the semi passing you. A longer wheelbase truck helps counter this.
If a 5th wheel, then you have axle ratings and such to take into account.
There is a lot of research to do and there is lots of information on the internet available that a week or so spent with Mr. Google will be well paid back.
The absolutely worst thing that you can possibly do is not buy enough truck. People get killed (or kill someone else) by trying to pull with not enough truck. There was an accident local to us where a family lost their lives due to not enough truck. They were passed by a semi which started the trailer wagging the tow vehicle and they simply couldn't control it once it started swaying and they ended up rolling it.
Just my opinion,
Edited by: drcook
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psssttt drcook = David R, not Dr. but thanks for the compliment. Most folks just call me Dave.
2004.5 Chevy Duramax crew cab 4x4
2010 Crossroads Cruiser 30QBX
1991 K2500 4x4 being restored
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