New to forum and new Crossroads owner

[mooreres]

We have just purchased a used 2007 Crossroads Cruiser 30 SK. (FW)

I am now going to purchase a truck to pull it.

Ford, Chev, Dodge or??? I don't care.



I have talked to dealers in my area and they really don't give me

confidence that they know ANYTHING about what size truck I

actually need to pull a loaded 30 foot 5th wheel.



I'm guessing a pin weight of 1700 is minimum??

I really don't know, I am guessing.



Can you please discuss what I need to know in order

to purchase a new or used truck??



Thank you very much

Mike Moore

[Lloyd]

First off welcome aboard!!
I'm sure there will be others who will chime in that have or have owned that particular mod. and be of more help to you.
I did find out that your rig weighs 7990#. Now, I would bet that is probably dry/empty weight without any options.
If you look in the cupboards, there is normally a sheet of paper glued on the inside of one of the doors that should give you the dry weight and what you can add for personal items and water, LP ans such. After you know all that you should be able to come up with a pin weight. Then, you can figure out what you need for a truck. My guess would be a 3/4 ton with a decent size engine.

[mooreres]

Thank you for your info.

I will start gathering info. on my rig first

Thanks again

Mike Moore

[Stan]

Mike...Welcome to the forum. I am just North of you on Whidbey Island and have the same FW. I first towed with a 2500HD Ext cab short bed with the 6.0L gas and 4.10 rear end. It towed great till you got to the hills and then it slowed considerably. On the flats I was in overdrive and I hardly knew it was there. I had the opportunity to upgrade the truck and bought a Duramax/Allison Ext cab short bed. The diesel really makes a difference in towing. Not only in the hills but just passing and generally getting up to speed. If you can go with a bigger engine than the 6.0L then do it. The truck is basically stock (as was the 2001) except I installed a larger gas tank on both trucks. 26 gals just wasn't enough to travel all day and it always seemed to be empty in the mountains when gas is more expensive. I got about 10-11 MPG with the 6.0L and now with the D/A I get 13MPG regularly.

My pin weight is about 1750 and I figure I am just about max on weight limits when loaded. Do Not let anyone sell you a 1/2 ton. It won't work in the long run.

I have a slider hitch since I have the short bed. I would recommend one. I don't use it much but I like the fact I have options if needed.

Congrats on the rig. The 2007 30SK is a great unit and has been very reliable for me. Feel free to jump in with more questions.

[anaro]

You need to find out the pin weight of that fiver. Then you need to look at the rawr of the trucks you are looking at. You also need to look at payload. check the sticker inside the drivers side door where it will say cargo and occupants should not exceed x lbs, your pin weight and passengers, gear and even pets will have to come off that number. At minimum I would get an HD 3/4 ton but a 1 ton would allow you a heavier 5er in your future. A diesel will net you better fuel mileage, better engine braking and more horse power to get up a hill but for that trailer you could get away with a gasser.

[cruzr4-2]

Welcome aboard, nice to see another from Washington
We have a 05 F250 Powerstroke and I'll stay out of the tow vehicle discussion. The truck has been great when it's not having a problem.
Dennis

[jmsrbrt]

I pull my 2005 Cruiser 5th wheel with a Ford F250, 6.0L engine, and the only "problem" I've had is with the mileage. Without trailer, 15-16 mpg. With trailer 9-10 mpg. But I figured as much.

[concreteman]

Mike, My feeling is you can never have to much truck. That said, I have owned both gas and diesel. I have found unless you are going to be pulling long distance that the initial cost of the diesel engine, higher maintenance cost, higher repair cost, higher cost of fuel. Will not pay over the life of the truck. But in the end it is personal preference. I personaly prefer a 1 ton single rear tire truck myself. I also prefer fords , but would stay away from 2003 to 2006 ford diesel trucks.

[socoguy]

Hi good luck on the new unit. All of the advise has been good and informative. If you plan on keeping this unit a good long time or possibly updating in the future I would choose the diesel. It will be worth the extra cost in the long run. You could surely tow that unit with a gasser. Any one of the big 3 will do the job diesel or gas its up to personal preference now,Best of luck and Happy Trails, Go Well

[dalemac377]

Welcome to the forum. The 30sk is a great floor plan. The pin weight won't be a problem for any 3/4 ton truck. If you are going to tow a lot of miles every year and in the mountains then think about a diesel, otherwise a gas truck will do just fine for a lot less money up front and less maintenance cost. JMHO.

[Ruck]

Ditto, Ditto, and Ditto! Congrats and happy camping!!

[longhauler]

Welcome to the forum, I use a 2003 Dodge Ram diesel 2500 to pull our 11 to 12,000 pound 5ver and have never had a problem. If it works in your budget I would go with a diesel. For me my towing mileage went from 4 to 6 mpg with a hemi to 12 to 13 mpg with my diesel. More money up front, but if you plan on keeping it a long time a diesel is worth it.

Good luck on your decision and safe travels,

Chris

[menetue]

I´ve been searching the same thing .The 30sk is my choice of floorplan .Haven´t even seen one as we live in Chile .Trying to sell the farm and start RVing in your summer (our winter) Most posters here and on other forums use a 2500 HD truck (3/4 ton)
To add flavour to your truck decision --- web search .....2011 Heavy Duty Hurt Locker ... for an independent ? truck test blog</span>
good luck
Chris

[LeBo]

Had 3/4 Chevy with 6.0 Gas but when to a 2008 Ford 3/4 CC with V10. works good but hard to find.

Lebo

[sleepyT]

Mike -- I just traded my 2007SK this past September, for a 2013 ,305SK. Great floorplan. As said earlier 3/4 ton is plenty of truck. If you go with gas you should buy something in the range of 6 liter. Something else to consider is the hitch. With a short bed truck you will need a slider. I have the pull-rite. I like it because I don't have to get out of the truck and pull a lever when I make a sharp turn. Well good luck with your SK, I hope you have as much fun with it as I had with mine.