We took delivery of our Ford F-350 Super Duty on January 8, 2020, so it’s time for a 6-month evaluation of the truck and provide an update on a few of the accessories we added to make it a Tow Vehicle, or as they say in the RV World – the “TV”.
First and foremost, the research time taken to choose the right TV was well worth it! Overall, the Ford F-350 was the right choice for the giant RV we bought, which became our new home on April 9, 2020.
Telluride Badlands Tow Vehicle Badlands National Park Arches National Park Dually Grand Teton Park
When we received our F-350 in January, our first thought was the truck arrived too soon. But this extra time allowed us ample time to familiarize ourselves with the ins and outs of driving and maneuvering the beast of a truck, which is 22 feet long, 7500 lbs. It also has a large backside thanks to the dual rear wheels. With our lack of experience driving a big vehicle or towing anything, starting RV life with a new truck and trailer on the same day would have been overwhelming!
Tow Vehicle Specs
• 2020 Ford F350 DRW Crew Cab Platinum 176” WB Styleside
• Powertrain: 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Diesel (475 HP)
• Drivetrain: 10 Speed Automatic Transmission / 4X4 / 3.55 Ratio Limited Slip Axle
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 48 gallons
• 5th Wheel Hitch Prep Package
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 13000 lbs.
• Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight – 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Towing: 31300 lbs.
Overall Impression
We could not be happier with the performance and handling of our F-350 as our tow vehicle! The truck, nicknamed Elvis, tows our 16,000-pound, 41-foot 5th wheel Grand Design Solitude 3740 BH, nicknamed Priscilla like she is not even back there. Leave it to an RVer to put a truck to the test! We have been in extreme heats, colds, climbing mountains, and steep grades. We have traveled nearly 5,000 miles already this year in all types of terrain, and the F-350 has not missed a beat.
The Limited trim package provides style and comfort for our family, and the Power Stroke V8 Diesel combined with the 10-speed Select-Shift transmission (new for 2020) delivers the power and performance needed for our lifestyle. The feature we found most beneficial while traveling in the Rocky Mountains was the driver-activated engine-exhaust brake, which provided greater control while going downhill (and saved on Priscilla’s brakes as well). Additionally, the dual-rear-wheel (DRW) configuration, although inconvenient for the Chick-fil-A Drive-Thru, provides the needed safety and stability on the road for the size and weight of our rig.
We are averaging around 10 mpg while towing and 18 mpg without the RV. The price of diesel fuel, although relatively low in today’s environment, has been even more of value by using our fleet card provided by TSD Logistics.
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Elvis and Priscilla get Hitched
The tow vehicle and the RV are brought together by a hitch. We ordered the F-350 with a factory-installed 5th Wheel Hitch Prep Package to simplify the installation process and ensure compliance with the OEM standards. After significant personal research and the technical support of our RV Dealer (Lazydays in Tampa), we chose the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch with a puck mounted attachment for our Ford truck. This 20,000 LB GTW hitch fits perfectly into the four factory-installed pucks in the bed. The hitch does weigh close to 200 pounds but can separate into two sections providing the flexibility to simply remove it if the bed is needed for hauling cargo. The B&W Companion Hitch, with its polyurethane bushings, provides a quiet, rattle-free tow experience. Still, occasionally we could feel a condition called “chucking” (unwanted fore and aft movement of the RV) on bridge approaches and while traveling on concrete roadways with expansion joints.
We consulted with our friends at Lippert and decided to add their Flex Air Pin Box to work with our tow vehicle. Adding the Flex Air turned out to be a DIY project while visiting with Sherryl’s parents in New Mexico. The Flex Air utilizes an airbag and rubberized compound to absorb road shock and vibrations, an integrated oil shock absorber to dampen kickback, and a pivoting head to control chucking. It definitely helped improve our ride quality and enhanced the marriage of Elvis and Priscilla!
Two options depending on tow weight. Flex Air with tripod when we are parked at campground.
Now some could say being a Ford Retiree, my opinion is biased. At Ford, I never worked on a vehicle team and I wasn’t one of those employees that knew all the ins and outs of every vehicle Ford made. I got the Ford F-350 without knowing a ton about the truck. As we shopped RVs, I checked out Dodge and Chevy and have continued to speak with these owners in our travels. If I had to do it all over again, I would pick the Ford F-350 based on my experience as a consumer. The ride, the power, towing capability, and safety will keep our travels full of Bright Dais Ahead!
written by the Captain himself, J.J. Nens
We want to hear from you! Comment below and let us know what tow vehicle you have and why? We look forward to answering your questions or comments!