Tow Vehicle for Avenue 32RLS

[JAM1263]

Just purchased ‘26 Avenue 32RLS. Camper first, tow vehicle second. Good thing, as we went a little bigger than original thoughts when we started our journey. First time with 5th wheel.

As I look over specs, one concern is pin weight (as it relates to payload). I’ve been led to believe 3/4 ton diesel will meet the need. Then I see owner feedback that the advertised 2000# pin weight is “real world” much higher.

Our plans are to travel. Meaning, not 100 miles up the road to camp. I want to get the tow vehicle decision right for the 32RLS.

What is the experience from other owners? 3/4 ton will do the job, no worries? Better off going 1-ton? Truck will be my daily driver (in retirement), so I’m weighing that out as well. In advance, thanks for your input!

 

[UFF]

Congrats on such a nice unit. Here is a pic of the factory numbers. Do you have a pic of the actual numbers? Then I would suggest go with the max numbers posted on unit and figure a 21 to 22 percent pin weight. Note that changes depending on how much is put in your trailer, where it is put, how much water is in your tanks, and do you have washer/dryer or generator. A lot of variables. Roughly at 14,000 you could be looking at around a 3000# pin weight (my 310rl at 14,100lbs has a pin weight 2,960). In short I believe a 3/4 ton is out from the start. Also what trucks are you looking at, those #’s matter also. Someone on here should have some real world #’s and suggestions. You are in a good spot right now, most buy the truck first then are limited on what camper they buy. Have fun, this is part of the journey.

 

[Lantley]

Without a doubt you need a 1 ton truck

 

[WE3ZS]

The cost of the step up from 3/4 ton to a one ton pickup is minimal, go with the higher rated truck. Also remember that (at least with the Fords that I am familiar with) the long beds get the larger fuel tanks, that’s nice for the longer hauls that you mentioned.

 

[UFF]

The cost of the step up from 3/4 ton to a one ton pickup is minimal, go with the higher rated truck. Also remember that (at least with the Fords that I am familiar with) the long beds get the larger fuel tanks, that’s nice for the longer hauls that you mentioned.

Wow, what a great point that is often overlooked. Size of fuel tank was on my must haves when I got a new truck last year.

 

[2 Allies]

I have learned that you can never have too much truck. We have owned a 3/4 ton SRW, a 1 ton SRW and now a 1 ton DRW (F-450). If you go bigger you can always move up in RV size and not replace your tow vehicle. The cost between them is neglible. initially but expensive to keep moving up. I wish I had listened in the beginning although I was trying to avoid the dually but it makes us feel much more comfortable.

 

[JAM1263]

Payload spec is the key decision point. I am hearing that the stated 32RLS 2000# pin weight is a pipe dream. Real weight is closer to 3K than 2K. That’s where a forum and other experiences can help out. Appreciated. I’ll give others a chance to “weigh in”.

I’ve looked at Ram Cummins 2500 and 3500. Leaning that way - but GMC Chevy Ford not out of the mix. Shopping the right tow package and deal. Also need comfort for long trips. Back issues put solid seating on the top 10 needs list! So a little higher trim is part of the search.

 

[Lantley]

There is comfort that comes from a nice seat. However real comfort is knowing your truck is capable of controlling the trailer in all conditions.
Traveling regularly across the country requires a different mindset than just towing to the beach for vacation
Payload is just one parameter. Be sure to consider all towing parameters. GVW, GCWR, FAWR, RAWR. An exhaust brake is invaluable. disc brakes on the trailer make a huge difference. Adequate stopping power is just as important as adequate pulling power
More margin above the minimum value is always better the just barely meeting the parameter.

 

[7426TRISS]

Go with the Ford F450 or RAM 3500 and a DRW. Two get the upgrade trim, better seats. 50 gallon tank is a must too.

On my 2022 RAM 3500, I made the mistake of not getting the 50 gallon tank. 175 miles and having to stop for fuel.

On the 2026 RAM I got the 50 gallon tank, 7.5 DEF.

Have only towed with the new truck to have wheel bearing and tire replaced.

March we're going to see.

1800 miles to GA, FL, AL

Should see around 350-400 miles before needing fuel.

I always stop for fuel at 1/2 tank

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Back issues put solid seating on the top 10 needs list! So a little higher trim is part of the search.

The massage seats in our F-450 are amazing. I turn them on almost every drive day. Also, do some searching on YouTube for the turning radius of the F-450...you will be shocked at it's abilities.

 

[JAM1263]

Help/guidance appreciated. I ran the numbers and agreed 1-ton better option. I deposited on a Ram 3500 Cummins HO diesel. Payload far surpasses need. Looking forward to fun and safe journeys.

 

[UFF]

Congrats and enjoy!

 

[Lantley]

I have learned that you can never have too much truck. We have owned a 3/4 ton SRW, a 1 ton SRW and now a 1 ton DRW (F-450). If you go bigger you can always move up in RV size and not replace your tow vehicle. The cost between them is negligible. initially but expensive to keep moving up. I wish I had listened in the beginning although I was trying to avoid the dually but it makes us feel much more comfortable.

Unfortunately I have come to learn it's hard to convince people especially new RV'ers to get a dually from the start.
Most have to learn through experience. Trying to convey your experience to them is impossible, they just don't or refuse to get it.
Eventually 1 or 2 trucks later they get it.
The towing parameters often point to a dually right away. However many ignore the numbers and base their truck buying decision on factors other than the parameters. Aesthetics,size of garage, going thru the drive thru, parking in a lot are all non towing factors that impact and hinder the decision to go dually.
In the end too many base the tow truck buying decision on non towing factors and end up with the wrong truck.
Once one finally gravitates to a dually there is the slap on the head moment when one realizes they should have went dually from the start long ago.. I imagine just due to human nature, going dually is something that you have to grow into as you learn and expand your RV knowledge along the way.

 

[Fishfnatic]

When we went full time in 2023 started out with 3/4 ton ford with 7.3 gas towing 33’ 10000 lb bumper pull around country. Decided on dually when doing research for towing 310rl went with diesel dually because of safety factor considering it is pulling our home around. When towed bumper pull with dually to pick up 310 I was like whoa night and day towing experience. Only draw back is parking in the towns we visit.

 

[7426TRISS]

You will know the unit is behind you, but all the power, makes up for thst

 

[Lantley]

When we went full time in 2023 started out with 3/4 ton ford with 7.3 gas towing 33’ 10000 lb bumper pull around country. Decided on dually when doing research for towing 310rl went with diesel dually because of safety factor considering it is pulling our home around. When towed bumper pull with dually to pick up 310 I was like whoa night and day towing experience. Only draw back is parking in the towns we visit.

I originally started out with a 36' trailer and a V10 Ford Excursion. One day I just happened to tow the TT with my 7.3 diesel pick up truck.
That was my first A-Ha moment realizing that the diesel was far superior to a gas engine when it comes to towing.
It wasn't long after that I traded my V10 Excursion for a 7.3 diesel Excursion. Those were the good old days when 3/4 ton SUV were readily available.
They stop making 3/4 ton SUV's for the general public quite a few years back.
The current selection is all 1/2 ton and not rated to tow large (10K GVW) bumper pull trailers

 

[Flyer32RLS]

Go with the Ford F450 or RAM 3500 and a DRW. Two get the upgrade trim, better seats. 50 gallon tank is a must too.

On my 2022 RAM 3500, I made the mistake of not getting the 50 gallon tank. 175 miles and having to stop for fuel.

On the 2026 RAM I got the 50 gallon tank, 7.5 DEF.

Have only towed with the new truck to have wheel bearing and tire replaced.

March we're going to see.

1800 miles to GA, FL, AL

Should see around 350-400 miles before needing fuel.

I always stop for fuel at 1/2 tank

Not sure what you get for gas mileage but only 175 mile on a tank is .....awful!!!
I've heard that the Rams suck at MPG!
I get 11 MPG with my F250 SD Diesel when pulling. That gives me 330 on a 35gal tank. I always try to stop and refill between 1/2 and 1/4 tank.
The funny thing is, F250,350,450, they all have the 6.7L diesel engine. It is a work horse at 1075 lbs or torque and 475 horsepower.
I agree with the above statements. If you can go bigger. A 350 or 450 would be ideal. I will however disagree with the DRW. I have not had any stabilization problems with SRW on my F250. Not real sure what the sale price difference of the larger truck is however.
The problem is, you have a 5th wheel so that you can disconnect and go see the sights. You will be able to park in a normal parking spot with a SRW truck but a DRW? Not so much. Just going thru a drive thru I have to watch close, but doable, with a SRW, DRW, don't think it would be possible. If you like disconnecting and going into town or doing trips, it is something to think about. Not convinced a DRW is a requirement. I;m sure it might be a better ride but the inconvenience of the DRW would not be for me!

 

[Lantley]

Not sure what you get for gas mileage but only 175 mile on a tank is .....awful!!!
I've heard that the Rams suck at MPG!
I get 11 MPG with my F250 SD Diesel when pulling. That gives me 330 on a 35gal tank. I always try to stop and refill between 1/2 and 1/4 tank.
The funny thing is, F250,350,450, they all have the 6.7L diesel engine. It is a work horse at 1075 lbs or torque and 475 horsepower.
I agree with the above statements. If you can go bigger. A 350 or 450 would be ideal. I will however disagree with the DRW. I have not had any stabilization problems with SRW on my F250. Not real sure what the sale price difference of the larger truck is however.
The problem is, you have a 5th wheel so that you can disconnect and go see the sights. You will be able to park in a normal parking spot with a SRW truck but a DRW? Not so much. Just going thru a drive thru I have to watch close, but doable, with a SRW, DRW, don't think it would be possible. If you like disconnecting and going into town or doing trips, it is something to think about. Not convinced a DRW is a requirement. I;m sure it might be a better ride but the inconvenience of the DRW would not be for me!

I'm not trying to talk you into a dually. But just know I drive my dually all day everyday. It is not just my tow vehicle.
I drive thru 2 different bank drive thrus regularly. Some drive thrus are too tight but most I can get in
I go to big box stores all over town and have no issues parking. The parking issues occur with multi level parking lots.
Small towns and urban areas can be tough parks but that is more due to length than width. My dually is no wider than your SRW mirrors.
I challenge you to find a spot where your SRW will fit and my dually won't. It's length that's the issue not the hips!
Lastly and this is the "A Ha" moment that you can only experience first hand.
You are totally comfortable with your SRW, however you cannot fathom the dually towing improvement until you tow with the dually.
The handling and braking improvement will change your perspective on the SRW truck.
The bigger the trailer the bigger the more noticable the improvement. Again I'm not suggesting you need a Dually I have no idea of your towing parameters.
But I am confident if you were to tow your current rig with a dually you would notice an improvement.
If you never drank milk it would be hard compare it to water without trying it.
Many draw conclusions about duallies that are not based on first hand experience.
Much like driving a diesel vs. a gas engine its that in person first hand experience that is revealing and game changing.
My comments are not really to change anyone's mind.
But I do want to state that the towing improvement of a dually is real and not imagined.
If you are content with a SRW that's totally fine. If you are looking for improvement a dually will provide it.

 

[7426TRISS]

You don't buy a truck to tow an RV and care about the mpg, it those the job. DONE

 

[Fishfnatic]

Not sure what you get for gas mileage but only 175 mile on a tank is .....awful!!!
I've heard that the Rams suck at MPG!
I get 11 MPG with my F250 SD Diesel when pulling. That gives me 330 on a 35gal tank. I always try to stop and refill between 1/2 and 1/4 tank.
The funny thing is, F250,350,450, they all have the 6.7L diesel engine. It is a work horse at 1075 lbs or torque and 475 horsepower.
I agree with the above statements. If you can go bigger. A 350 or 450 would be ideal. I will however disagree with the DRW. I have not had any stabilization problems with SRW on my F250. Not real sure what the sale price difference of the larger truck is however.
The problem is, you have a 5th wheel so that you can disconnect and go see the sights. You will be able to park in a normal parking spot with a SRW truck but a DRW? Not so much. Just going thru a drive thru I have to watch close, but doable, with a SRW, DRW, don't think it would be possible. If you like disconnecting and going into town or doing trips, it is something to think about. Not convinced a DRW is a requirement. I;m sure it might be a better ride but the inconvenience of the DRW would not be for me!

I get 9.5 to 11.5 towing my 310. With a 48 gallon tank it can go quite a ways even though we usually drive 250 miles a day so usually around a 1/2 tank. Got the 48 gallon tank for range if I go further.