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Bigger
tow vehicles with larger engines certainly have appeal.
But what are the trade-offs in ride comfort and fuel
economy?
 A
few years ago one of our customers wanted a 31-foot
Nu Wa fifth wheel, but he had a problem finding a
suitable tow vehicle. The only truck that would fit
in his garage was a short-box extended cab. At the
time, there were no light-duty 3/4 ton trucks sold
with short boxes. After conducting some basic research,
he bought a heavy-duty half ton, with a Vortec 350
engine, 4.10:1 axle, 225/75R x 16 LT tires and Monroe
gas shocks. Since the fifth wheel he bought did not
have a bedroom slide, the 1,400 pound pin weight was
light enough for his truckÕs 4,300-pound rear axle
to carry. Performance proved acceptable and the vehicle
delivered quite good fuel economy. Over the last seven
years, this combination has crossed the continent
on more than one occasion. Since the truck is used
mainly for towing, it has only 110,000 kilometres
on the odometer. I have always been pleased with how
nice a combination this turned out to be. It is about
the nicest riding, and one of the best handling, pickup-fifth
wheel combinations we have done.
 The
combination of slightly softer springs with firm shocks
and the optimal tire-size gave this truck excellent
control without being harsh. It soaks up dips nicely
and always feels very composed with the fifth wheel
attached. As an added bonus, it offers a very car-like
ride when driven solo. At this moment none of the
major truck manufacturers offer a light duty 3/4 ton
model, though Ford is rumoured to be bringing out
a heavy-duty half ton again, which is effectively
the same thing.
...
(Read Andy's full article in the magazine.)
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