Hi everyone. Let this serve as an introduction to me (new here), and an opportunity for me to spew my thoughts and considerations in hopes that some generous souls will give me their pearls of wisdom. In other words, I'm diving into the fabulous world of pickup trucks and I need some people with experience to guide me in the right direction!

I have never owned a pickup, though I have driven them. I have always been more of a luxury, sporty car guy (last 4 cars 2004 Mercedes E 500, 2008 Audi S5, 2012 Audi A7, 2017 Audi S6). Over the past decade, my wife and I have contemplated buying a 5th wheel. Those conversations have recently turned more serious. Because of this, I am planning to buy a HD truck in the next 6 months. Nothing against their trucks, but I am simply not excited by the GM offerings. I like the Ford (all aluminum no rust body, 10 speed transmission, 2020 torque bragging rights) but being so accustomed to the luxury interiors of my past vehicles, the view from the Ford driver's seat overwhelmingly "Plastic". This leads me to RAM, and most specifically, the Limited. It it has a near if not equally pleasing aesthetic when compared to my current car, and since I will be using it as a daily driver as well, that makes me happy. The fact that it can look so good and it can pull a house, well, I just love that. I would spec the vehicle as follows:
- HO Cummins/Aisen
- 8 ft bed
- GVWR 12,300
- Axel ration 3.73, SRW
- Rear air suspension
- Dual alternators 440 amps (gotta keep the food in the fridge cold until we get to our camp).
- 50 gal. gas tank
- Engine block heater (We do get sub zero temps in Pittsburgh, and my job requires me to run out the door in the middle of the night all too frequently so it needs to be ready to go)
- Limited level 1 equipment group
- 5th wheel prep group (I am up in the air about buying the offered hitch or aftermarket)
- Gotta have clearance lamps
- Bed step
- Tri-fold tonneau cover (Is this a hard cover? if not I may skip it and buy aftermarket).

*** I am skipping the sunroof. Every vehicle I have owned since '95 has had one, and each was opened no more than twice just to say I did it. For me, it offers no benefits while stealing a bit of precious payload.

I initially was looking at some heavy 5th wheels (tongue weights near or over 3K lbs.) so was planning a dually, but have come to the conclusion that it would be torture using it as a daily driver. My work necessitates that I find a place to park at least 3 times per day (not including my driveway). I can't count on finding 2 adjacent parking spots just for me, and eventually people are going to get irritated with me taking 2 spots. I have found several 5th wheels since with pin weights 2200 lbs. down to around 1900 that would suit us. Yes, I like the heavier ones better, but the difference is not worth the hassle of driving a dually every day. Having said that, I ask you seasoned truck owners, Is a truck with the above features/options capable (has enough payload capacity) to pull a 5th wheel with a 2200 lb tongue wt., 700 lbs of people (actually less but I don't want to overload), 350 lbs of gas, and some other random items in the truck?

I'd appreciate any and all comments about the above. I want to make this fun and pain free and I am hoping you can help me to make good decisions before buying.

Thank you in advance

 

One more thing to consider. You said a dually is out because of parking issues, and you want an eight foot bed, You didn't mention what cab style you're interested in. In my opinion, an eight foot bed with anything more than a conventional cab (2 doors) starts to present parking challenges because of the length, especially with a crew cab. Unless your have a special need for an eight foot bed, you might want to reconsider bed length.

 

Hello!
Welcome to the world of trucks! You have given this a lot of thought, it sounds like. Heavy-duty truck: good choice if you plan to haul a fifth wheel.

Ford is a great option, too, and many seem to like it. The features you're looking for should definitely do good with towing. Payload should be adequate for a 2,200 lb tongue weight, people, gas, and gear.

Be sure to check the truck's payload rating and towing capacity. It is good to consider how you will use the truck on an everyday basis. Good luck with your search