I'm looking for a truck to pull a tandem axle 6x10 or 6x12 trailer. Likely 4000-5000lbs but maximum trailer is 7000 (I doubt I will EVER see that weight). This will be multiple days a week, not just a few times a year or anything.
I had decided on a RAM but rented the shortest overall model the other week (quad cab long bed) and have garage issues. And I want a crew cab short bed, which I think is 3-4" longer than the rental I had. 1) I will need power folding side mirrors, which is solvable but 2) I'd have to back into my garage. Lip at front end of the garage and pulling front wheels up to the lip the rear bumper will get hit by the garage door. But I think if I back in, put the longer rear overhang over the lip in the garage, then I can fit. But needless to say its very tight and not easy to maneuver.
So now I'm wondering if I can make a midsize work. Still tow the trailer safely and comfortably but I can easily fit in my garage? I don't have dogs or kids or anything I need to haul so interior room on full size is nice but I don't particularly need it. I do still want a crew cab though for secure storage etc. Ranger, Gladiator Max Tow, or the new GM twins with the 2.7T all seem more than sufficient on towing and payload and could work.
Ignoring interior space, ride quality, all that stuff and only focusing on towing ability, ease of towing, safety etc... When do you NEED a full size vs a midsize?
For example:
Ford Ranger - Towing capacity 7500lbs
Ford F150 - Towing capacity 7700lbs (2.7 Ecoboost, 4x4, crew cab, short bed, 3.55 rear end)
RAM - Towing Capacity 7460lbs (3.6L V6, 4x4 crew cab, short bed, 3.55 rear end)
Lets assume that I am within all payload limits, all the trucks have trailer brake controllers, I am within GCWR on all the trucks.... Their towing capacities are all within spitting distance. why would I choose a F150 or RAM over the Ranger? Again, ignoring the better room in the Ram and F150, the nicer rides, etc. Just what are the towing benefits of fullsize or midsize?
Are there other considerations such as the midsizers will require a weight distribution hitch but fullsize wont?
Really would like to get the fullsize but the garage thing is really a drawback. I'd hate to park an expensive truck outside.... plus its cold as H here in winter and freezing trucks in the AM that you gotta brush snow off of is not something I wish to do if I have a relatively warm garage available. But I just don't know if I get a midsize am I making a serious mistake that will cost me because I will have to switch to a fullsize?
I had decided on a RAM but rented the shortest overall model the other week (quad cab long bed) and have garage issues. And I want a crew cab short bed, which I think is 3-4" longer than the rental I had. 1) I will need power folding side mirrors, which is solvable but 2) I'd have to back into my garage. Lip at front end of the garage and pulling front wheels up to the lip the rear bumper will get hit by the garage door. But I think if I back in, put the longer rear overhang over the lip in the garage, then I can fit. But needless to say its very tight and not easy to maneuver.
So now I'm wondering if I can make a midsize work. Still tow the trailer safely and comfortably but I can easily fit in my garage? I don't have dogs or kids or anything I need to haul so interior room on full size is nice but I don't particularly need it. I do still want a crew cab though for secure storage etc. Ranger, Gladiator Max Tow, or the new GM twins with the 2.7T all seem more than sufficient on towing and payload and could work.
Ignoring interior space, ride quality, all that stuff and only focusing on towing ability, ease of towing, safety etc... When do you NEED a full size vs a midsize?
For example:
Ford Ranger - Towing capacity 7500lbs
Ford F150 - Towing capacity 7700lbs (2.7 Ecoboost, 4x4, crew cab, short bed, 3.55 rear end)
RAM - Towing Capacity 7460lbs (3.6L V6, 4x4 crew cab, short bed, 3.55 rear end)
Lets assume that I am within all payload limits, all the trucks have trailer brake controllers, I am within GCWR on all the trucks.... Their towing capacities are all within spitting distance. why would I choose a F150 or RAM over the Ranger? Again, ignoring the better room in the Ram and F150, the nicer rides, etc. Just what are the towing benefits of fullsize or midsize?
Are there other considerations such as the midsizers will require a weight distribution hitch but fullsize wont?
Really would like to get the fullsize but the garage thing is really a drawback. I'd hate to park an expensive truck outside.... plus its cold as H here in winter and freezing trucks in the AM that you gotta brush snow off of is not something I wish to do if I have a relatively warm garage available. But I just don't know if I get a midsize am I making a serious mistake that will cost me because I will have to switch to a fullsize?
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