Recomendations for a truck to tow an RV?

2010 FORD F-150

156,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

PCAVINEE

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I value your expertise as mechanics. Due to the quarter panel rust on my F150, I am going to trade it in. I am looking at the RAM 2500 and Ford F250. I just am trying to think through the engine. I will be pulling a 31-foot Forest River RV, and I have looked over the pros and cons of gas vs diesel. I have never owned a diesel truck but my brother-in-law who just upgraded to pull his camper said to get a diesel. I know this may be out of your rules to make suggestions, but as a mechanic, I would like your thoughts. I am in no real hurry to make a purchase and thoroughly want to think this through. I have narrowed down the trucks to either the Ford or Ram. My son has a 2021 Ram Big Horn with a Hemi engine and even though it is the same 1500 series as my Ford, just the appearance looks heavier. Thanks for your thoughts on this.

May 6, 2025 at 6:36 AM

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STEVE W.

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
15,146 POSTS

If you regularly use the truck to tow the RV, then I would opt for the diesel over most of their other engines. Regular in this case means you tow it more than the common 2 times a year most folks do, from home to a campground 100 miles away and back. I mean more like going from Texas to NY and back, or Florida to California, or if you are close to living in the RV on the road. Then the diesel will be the better choice. However, if you are the typical RV owner you might be better off with a gas engine depending on your use of it the rest of the time. I pull a 32' 5th wheel with a GMC 2500HD with the 6.0L gas with no problems but it only goes short hops, like NY to Maine or NY to Virginia.

May 6, 2025 at 8:01 AM