Scotty, I have had my eyes set on buying a truck in these crazy times 2022-2023. I was interested in getting a hybrid pickup truck. Now i am not so sure that it is the best way to go. I want to tow a travel trailer and would like to know which are the best truck to purchase -- realizing no one vehicle will satisfy me completely.
Looking to tow a travel trailer appox. 27 feet -- tow behind most likely but a 5th wheel is not completely out of the questions.
I would love to hear back from you and get your advice.
best regards,
Stephen
Any 3/4 ton non-hybrid pickup, without cylinder deactivation.
Regarding the hybrid truck, I would only stick to Toyota. if you can't find one that meets your expectation, you are better off considering non-hybrids.
The Tundra with the iForce Max powertrain probably fits your specs the best, and is likely the most reliable. That's what I'd get. But cross-shop the F-150 hybrid; the on-board generator feature will likely have a lot of usefulness in RV camping. The F-150 does not get a lot of love on this forum these days, but I think it's a reasonable second choice.
I agree with @doc that you want to avoid cylinder deactivation. If for some reason you want a GM, get the 3.0 Duramax (which, by the way, is what I have and I am very happy). AFAIK, GM does not have a hybrid option (apparently they decided making unreliable, low-quality EV trucks is a better business model).
If for some reason you wanted a Ram, I'd get the 5.7 Hemi. They have had a "mild hybrid" system, but I am not sure they still offer it, and if they don't it won't be missed (it added a lot of complexity for not a lot of performance). And I think the Ecodiesel is also going away to free up production capacity for EVs.
I am guessing a 27-foot bumper-pull will probably be somewhere around 7-9000 pounds. So a half-ton pickup should have no problem. But if your total load (tow + haul) is gonna be over 10,000 pounds, I'd start looking at 3/4-tons like @doc says. Even though most half-tons are rated for 10k or more, it's gonna put a lot of strain on the components. A heavy duty truck will cost more but you'll be happier. [If you do decide on a 3/4-ton, then GM, Ford, and Ram are all about equal; go by who has the best local dealership.]
Good luck!
