Towing upgrade?

I have a 2018 Crewmax 4x4 and pull a 36ft camper. I’m right at max towing capacity. I came across a 2023 and they have a towing capacity of 12,000 lbs. should I trade in the 5.7 2018 for the newer 2023. It would strictly be for the towing capacity upgrade?

 

If you want to really go by the numbers… you’re most likely out of payload before you hit advertised towing numbers. the 3rd gen’s don’t have sufficient payload capacity either.

 

Here is your solution:




Cheaper than trading. More fun, too, if you ask me..

 

Oh yea then I’ll get every bit of 5 mpg because the ol foot would get real heavy lol

 

I bet you could weasel 7 out of it... But you'd also have a perma-smile instead of a new truck payment. Haha.

Seriously, though, I'm told the new tundra tows exceptionally well. I was pretty excited about the 3rd gens, but was pretty lukewarm about them once they were released in to the wild. Just my opinion. I tow regularly with my '13 and have not found it to be wanting. The upgrades to the '22's and up are noticeable, but didn't warrant the price of entry for me. I've only driving a new one around the block, so I can't honestly compare them, but it wasn't enough to get me excited. Adding a Whipple, however, was definitely enough to get me excited about it..

 

If you’re ok with swapping/upgrading trucks, you should be in a ¾ ton truck at a minimum with a camper that size.

Unless you’re only towing it from one end of your driveway to the other, I’d bet you’re at least 2-300lbs over payload.

 

I changed out the gears to 5.29s in my 14. It helped a ton with towing. When I was on 295/70/18s and the 529s, I could run 5th gear on the highway and drop down to 4th to pass or maintain speed for inclines. Payload capacity will be your issue for any 1/2 ton truck for a camper that large.i know I am over payload with my Jayco 264bbh that has no slides and is 31 feet hitch to bumper. It is like 4500lbs dry and about 5800lbs when loaded (no water in tank). The 800lb tongue weight, plus my full size spare, jack, bed cover, rock sliders, 46 gal steel tank, the 20 extra gallons of gas, other gear and stuff, plus me and my family. We are past the 1240lbs of payload my truck has. A 36ft trailer likely is in the 1000-1200 lbs tongue weight range. A 3/4 ton truck would be better suited for the payload. I know I need to move up to a 3/4 ton truck if we decide to get a larger camper one day.

 

I’ve thought about going to a 3/4 ton but I’m just tore about which one. If I do it will be between a ram 2500 or f-250. Just don’t know which one would be more reliable. Any insight into that?

 

I wouldn't ever see myself having any reason to have a diesel. My position/belief is that unless you're towing 50+ miles per trip and more than 3-4x a week hauling/towing 10k or more each time, then the ¾ ton gassers are more than adequate and there isn't a major cost advantage of going with a diesel (likely a loss).
I think people have had good luck with the Ford 7.3L Gas (tremor or whatever it is);

Personally, if I needed a ¾-ton, it would be a GM with the 6.6L gasser and 10-spd.

 

Confirming... cold air intake???

 

2019 or earlier Chevy 3500 6.0 gasser rides better than the ford. We’ve never had an issue with one.

The ford is more “equipment” honestly, not the best for a daily.

 

GM

 

Our 2023 1794 pulls our 27' Airstream Globetrotter like it wasn't there.... almost. We have done 20,000 km with it in 2024 and are very happy with the performance and towing ability. The rear suspension air bags really help with the potential sag and the Henley hitch keep the weight distribution in check. Just get (if you don't already have) a good weight distribution hitch and air bag set up and you should be good.
Our max weight to is 11,300lbs, payload is 1180lbs and when you do the math with all our gear we are below combined weight limits.

The comfort and tech features of the 3rd generation are very impressive. Youtube reviews, then visit the dealer and you'll see for yourself.