My family and I have really started to search in earnest for the right vehicle to pull our future 5th wheel RV. When we started to look, I didn’t think that it would be much of an issue to find a vehicle. I’ve owned several cars and vans in the past, so how can this be difficult.

To my astonishment, this is the furtherest from the truth! There are many things to look out for when finding the right vehicle to pull your RV. And the truck manufacturers don’t want to make it seasy for you. For this comparison, I’m looking at trucks manufactured by Dodge and Ford.

Both the Dodge and Ford sites use a lot of flash to make their sites ‘glossy’. I didn’t say usable did I. I said glossy! Very pretty sites and gives you a feeling of being impressed, but try to dig out the facts for either vehicles! Good luck my friend. I don’t want to have to take a tutorial on their website to be able to use it. Ok, enough about my rant.

In comparing these two manufacturers, I heard a lot of ‘things’ from various people that I talked too. It all came down to talking to owners of these two vehicles to get the best story. One thing is for sure, both of my friends, who own a dodge and a Ford both said, that I need to consider a diesel engine.

I’ve owned a Diesel Jetta in the past and I can easily agree with that. But one thing that I did find out was that both these major truck manufacturers put a lot more into the design of the truck when it has a diesel engine in it. From drivetrain to suspension, the diesels seem to be much better made.

From here, it gets just a bit cloudy. Both my friends believe that their trucks, (Dodge 3500 and Ford 350) can pull a large 5th wheel trailer like the Glendale that I’ve been looking at. But can it really? I’ve also been fortunate enough to have my friends to either let me drive or drive with them in their trucks. Fundamentally, I can’t feel a difference. Both feel very robust.

The Ford model may be just a bit beefer though. I’ve not been a Ford fan in the past, but from other owners of Ford trucks, they are almost religious about their ownership of these trucks. So, that does say something. As I mentioned, I did have the opportunity to give the Ford a run with my friend’s truck. It’s exactly what I think I’d be looking for.

What I liked about the Ford was:

  • Lot’s of leg room in the front and back seats. My son is trying to challenge 6ft, his shoe size is 13 and he’s only 15, so I need to be prepared. A grumpy teenager can ruin your trip very quickly.
  • It feels like a truck. No doubt about it being a truck. It feels like a truck but I does steer very smoothly.
  • Lot’s of get up and go. When pulling a 5th wheel, it hardly hesitates on hills.
  • The diesels can go and go and go. Both my friends tell me that I should see 500,000 kms at least.

What I didn’t like about the Ford was:

  • Much wider than I’m used too.
  • I didn’t care to much for the side mirrors. Seems to be more looks then functionality.
  • The price of a new one. Ouch!

So, I’d love to hear your comments in regards to finding the right truck for pulling an RV!