What would you do?

[mblanken881]

Here's my situation....

I currently drive a 2009 F-150 Crew Cab 4x4 pickup and tow the sleds out West (I live in Omaha, NE) on a two place open trailer with sometimes a third in the back of the truck.

I would like to have an enclosed trailer that could fit three sleds with enough room to spare for a heater, tool chest, clothes/boot driers, etc. But with my current truck payment I cannot afford to buy a trailer plus I would like to have a diesel to pull the trailer.

Would you guys keep my current truck and trailer setup or trade down to an older higher mileage diesel to be able to afford the trailer you want? Such as, I found an 06 Dodge 3500 Dually Diesel with 192,xxx miles with the 6 speed transmission for a decent price.

What would you guys do????

Mike

 

[mblanken881]

no advice?

 

[dmkhnr]

I would think an 06 dodge dually with a cummins would be a trade up when compared to an 09 f150.
How much do you owe on the f150?

 

[94fordguy]

192K on a diesel isnt too bad, the only thing I would really be worried about there would be the chassis itself... make sure the tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings, brakes and axle seals are all in good shape. Aside from that, as long as you would be happy with the condition of the truck and the price, it sounds like it would be a better fit for what you want to do with it now.

 

[06 RMK 900]

If you have the 5.4 in your ford, if it was me I would think it would pull a three place enclosed pretty easy. I have pulled a 4 place enclosed with my hemi (1500) and it has no problems. Get a light trailer and I think you will be fine.

 

[chunkysoup]

My 5.4 will pull the 4 place enclosed but u should beef up the rear suspension with airbags or an add-a-leaf. make sure the trailer is aluminum too, the steel trailers r quite a bit heavier.

 

[Trenchmaster]

After towing a trailer with a diesel truck you will never want to go back to gas! A half ton truck might be a little light for towing an enclosed trailer, going up to a 3/4 ton will get you bigger brakes and a heavier rear axle. Your truck might do the job but the Dodge diesel will do it better, as long as it's in decent shape.

 

[mblanken881]

I owe what they want to give me for the truck around 26,000. I'm thinking I might find a trailer first and then see if I need a different truck to pull it. I know the F150 will pull it just fine, its just nice to have the added security of braking in the mountains. I actually pulled a four place open trailer with four sleds and three guys last winter from Granby to Steamboat and the truck had no problems at all. I'm just worried about the extra wind resistance from the enclosure.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[toyzglore]

Boy I have a nice trailer for you! Anyways my 2 cents after owning a 2003-2004 &2006 mega cab would be 100% a diesel forget a stick and a dulley! 192k is alot of miles to me I would think you can get an 06 diesel with 30-60 k on it in the 20_30k range very nicely done up! I traded my 06 in 08 for29k and it was pumped out, 8 inch lift 22x37 tires leather etc etc. Good luck

 

[mblanken881]

Hey Toyz,

Yeah I saw that you have a trailer for sale. And it would be perfect. It's just too far away.

 

[jthussey]

Another thing to keep in mind too, is that when you hit icy roads and its breezy out, that enclosed trailer will be whipping that 5k# truck all over the road. I totally understand what your saying though. If you happen to keep the half ton, it will pull it fine just sometimes when the weather gets bad you might have some sweaty palms.