Buying to tow

My thoughts, I buy my trucks to tow what I currently have, and have a margin of at least 25%. My 2013 RAM 2500 (leaf springs) was using 90% to tow my usual load on my 5th wheel toy hauler. My current truck is a 3500, and my 12k trailer (about 2300 pin weight) is at 50% rating. My next camper may weight up to 18k (3700 pin weight), and I am still under 85% rating for the truck. We buy used, and find that most of the current units, that we would consider, being sold are 2k-4k heavier than our current one. I needed a new truck and have possibly bought my last truck. I usually keep my trucks for 20 years.

If buying a new (to you truck), by one that will easily tow your desired camper with room to spare. Too many postson the RV boards are from folks who start small, buy bigger, and go through 2-3 tow vehicles before buying the proper puller.

Jus Cruisin said:

I've towed plenty of stuff over the years, Class A CDL, so I've run around in 80,000 lb. tractor / trailers in the Rockies, flatlands and Appalachians. I've towed enclosed trailers, boats, open car trailers with half, three quarter and one tons.
Would I specifically buy a half ton to drag a travel trailer? Nope, especially up in New England area. It's hilly with narrow roads up there.
A 2500 isn't that much more than a 1500.... I recently acquired a 27 ft boat and it "weighs" 5200 lbs. Yeah, right. I'm thinking I'm closer to 8,000 lbs and it's all my truck will handle. If I was pulling it regularly, I'd be looking for a 2500 for sure. View attachment 217130

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I agree, why work so hard to see if a 1500 with it’s spongy suspension can tow a person’s heavy toys? I am firmly in the camp of having more truck than I need, and I also cannot stand towing with a half ton.