I am in the market for a toy hauler somewhere between 38-40' in length. Have not yet decided on a certain one but have two in mind. I do not have a truck picked out yet to tow the trailer with. I have been looking at various different years of Ford super duties. I would like to purchase one that I can get for under $20k such as a 99 for 16-18k.OK, for the Raptor--I know this isn't exact numbers--but I added the shipping weight of 12745 with the carrying capacity weight of 3755 and got a total of 16490 lbs. So I started looking up trucks to tow this beast with and basically according to Trailer Life, I have to get between 06-08 Dodge/Ford. I prefer Dodge or Ford or an 05 Dodge or 05 Ford with tow boss. Any older and I need an F450. Now those trucks I mentioned are 1 tons, either SRW or DRW. Both will work for those years. Some of those trucks, the tow limit according to Trailer Life is just under the 16490 that I got. Now I don't know what to do here in some cases. I see some of you just said the hell with these trucks and went with semis or those really big heavy-duty pickups, but part of the reason for us moving into a fifth wheel is to save money and help get out of some of the debt that I have now, so that is why I don't want to jump up and run to get the brand new whatever. Now over here at the local Dodge dealer, I can get a brand new 1 ton for $37k right now, but again, wow! $37k: that is a lot of cash. That is why I was looking at 99-01 F350s hoping I could get something nice around $20k and just do some add ons and upgrades. Now with me towing a trailer of this size, will I ever encounter a place that I have to hit the weight scales and could possibly get a ticket for being over the weight limit of my truck? I am fully prepared to install bags, exhaust brake, etc., whatever I need to properly tow my future new trailer. Oh and the 25 tips for towing loads under the hauling section was some great info. Thanks in advance for your input.  

ok so you wanna buy a bigger camper and a used truck to get out of dept and also add on parts to tow safer all while getting out of debt? well id sell the camper you got now and wait till your out of debt before you starting spending that kinda cash, but thats what i would do  

That isn't the part that I need the advice with I have no camper. I plain on making a 40' fifth wheel my home as apposed to the house that cost me 1,300 a month for rent. My family and I move around a lot do to military obligations hence the reason for purchasing a fifth wheel this way I don't have to stay in rental houses and apartments all the time and have my stuff destroyed everytime I transfer from the movers also cost of living would be cheaper since I can get a 60K fifth wheel for 450 a month and only pay between 250-600 a month for full hook ups depending on where we are staying. Like I said that isn't the deptartment I need advice with. Thanks anyways.  

A 99-01 Ford would do the job just fine. Im Guessing that even though you move around alot you wont be puttin a ton of tow miles on anyway right? You dont need to worry about scales since you arent a commercial carrier.  

i understand what you mean and like sandslinger said those fords will work just fine, and even tho banks cost alot check out their exhaust brake it works alot better then the others my dad has one on his 03 f-350 and it works a hell of alot better then the pacbrake  

ID GO WITH A BD BRAKE, BANKS IS JUST AN OVERPRICED NAME.  

I like a lot of the advice that they gave in the towing section on this sight so if I do go with a older truck which I think I might I will for sure use a lot of those tips. No I won't be putting a tone of miles on it. Hopefully if I do get it I won't be swapping vehicles anytime soon again. I do appreciate ya'lls advice.  

banks may be over priced but they have more features then the others including a 5 year warranty the others dont have that  

I am with sandslinger. With our stock powerstroke F350 (an automatic), we have pulled a 15,000 lbs. John Deere on a 20 foot flat without too many problems. The brakes on the truck will be good (one time the trailer brakes quit when we were towing the tractor, no biggie though) without any modifications. With some modifications it will meet highway speeds easily and will be reliable. Just don't get the ford manual transmissions, and you will be set.  

Just stay away from the Ford 6.0 Power Strokes. Those are trouble.  

Well I was contemplating around a 03-04 also just to get a little newer with the 6.0. However why do you say they are trouble?  

What do you guys thing about this truck as being a cheap hauler?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/540892806.html  

dont get a 6.0 due to problems with the turbos, head gaskets, egr's list goes on and on some people are lucky and nothing happens to them but i wouldnt press your luck the 7.3's seem to be the best motor they have  

Most any of the newer trucks will pull your Raptor fine.  I have a 3814SS Keystone Raptor and pull it all the time with my Megacab.  It pulls and stops awesome.  I do have the exhaust brake and airbags, but it works great.  The weight ratings on trucks should be looked at but if your truck is properly set up, you will be fine.  A Ford F350 99 or newer will do fine.  Plus you will have some money left over for a tuner and other small items that will help alot with your towing.  Scotty