Best truck for my 2002 Grandby?

[DanT]

Brakes and 1/2 tons: I looked through my magazine road test reports:

1. Current 1/2 ton trucks stop in 125-134 feet from 60 mph empty.
2. Current 3/4 - 1 ton trucks stop in 135-150+ feet from 60 mph empty.
3. 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks weigh more so larger brakes are a wash or worse than current 1/2 tons.
4. Worse brakes: 1 ton diesel 4x4 crew cab DRW because of the weight, over 8,000 pounds empty.
5. Buy a HD truck for great springs and bearings and frame. The 1 ton diesel 4x4 DRW can have up to 3 separate spring packs. The secondary pack is larger than my 8,200 GVWR primary spring pack.

I'd love to see the same tests with an 1800 lb. load in the back of each truck. The no payload braking stats are relatively insignificant.
I'm pretty sure if you did the test with 90 % of recommended payload in the back of each truck the stats you note would be relevant but if your talking an equal load in each group of trucks the higher rated trucks would most likely perform better. Just my gut feeling from pushing payload ratings to often. The scariest part of being overloaded is stopping.
Don't get me wrong I'm not saying you have the wrong truck, there are a lot of benefits to the half tons, milage and ride are much better. That F-150 with the payload package is a great choice if going half ton.
I think if you are serious about safety you know after driving your rig around for a trip or two (sway, braking, etc.) whether your in control or your payload is in control.

 

[Happyjax]

I am looking at the Ford F150 with the FX package and Max towing package. That will give me transmission cooler, oil cooler, skid plates, heavy duty shocks and 18" E rated tires. Payload should be around 2500 lbs. Haven't decided between V6 turbo or V8. V6 is better gas mileage unloaded and the V8 I have been told is the way to go if the camper stays on the truck a lot. Still deciding 6 1/2 or 8 ft bed. Need to see the Hawk and Granby again to get a feel for which one I want Keep posting mods everyone I am soaking them all up

 

[DanT]

Happyjax if the camper stays on a lot its the same as if you have an 8 foot bed, something to think about. The bigger question might be what kind of cab are you going to me happy with. I'm not sure if ford still makes the extended cab, but that with an 8 foot bed is a nice set up, its still pushing 20' though. My last few trucks had extended cabs and it's nice to have the extra space and the four doors are getting more popular everyday. For me I wanted a Grandby and I wanted my rig to fit in a shipping container. My reg cab chevy with long box and aluminess front bumper is about 19"2" I think I make by 2".

 

[Happyjax]

Dan,
Ford has a crew cab and a crew max. I don't think there is an "extended" cab anymore. I was looking at a crew max which is a huge amount of room and a 6 1/2 ft bed. I can only get a crew cab with a 8" bed and that's a long truck. I am hoping to see how the Granby and Hawk load on a truck and sit in them again to see if I really need the extra 18 inches in the camper. The crew max gives me a lot of room but it is truck room. Have to figure out how I need to manage my cargo. I have a lot of photography gear (the reason for this venture) and it should be stored at the temp I am shooting at. Winter would possibly pose an issue with heaters so may build a secure box in the crew max area. So much to figure out as I have only traveled in my convertible Solara for the last 9 years....lol

 

[bajabill]

Thank you for all the information being shared. I need to make the right choice for a newer truck for my Grandby. My wife and I want to get on the road again

 

[boojum]

My experience. Have had my Grandby on 2 different trucks.

Initially had it on a 1/2 ton with 8 ft bed. Had extra rear leaf springs put on rear to help with load, and even though it handled the weight, I always felt like the braking ability was weak.

After 10 years, when looking for a new truck ended up going with 3/4 ton, there was definitely an upgrade with load carrying and no concerns with braking power. After 5 years I did have my rear springs re-arced and an extra leaf added

Definitely recommend 3/4 ton at a minimum, 1 ton if you are going to have bigger cargo load/towing anything

 

[wuck]

If I was over GVW, it could result in some serious liability if something happened.

Yep, here in Sonoma County a guy was towing a 4000 lb pizza oven that separated from the vehicle resulting in a fatality. The CHP placed the blame squarely on him, as the trailer had no brakes, an undersized hitch, and no safety chains. It isn't mentioned in the story, but I would bet they checked the CGVW also. Nobody looks at this stuff until bad things happen!

Story Here

--
Pat

 

[wuck]

Apples & Oranges

Sent from my SM-G900P using Wander The West mobile app

Yeah, I realize that, but my point is if something bad happens, everything gets looked at.