Tow Rig - Old F350 or Medium Duty Truck

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gravitartx
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10:39a, 5/5/26
AG
Been thinking about getting a bigger spare truck for towing/hauling equipment and supplies for my families properties. We're currently working on getting our largest piece of land switched to wildlife management, and part of that would involve hauling large amounts of protein and corn, hauling a tractor/rented skidsteer, etc. I currently drive a 22 F150 with the 5.0 as a daily and while it tows great, when I put anything on the heavier side behind it it clearly doesn't like it. I think I'd rather have a tow rig for those applications.

Have been thinking about getting an older (Either early model 6.7 or non-IDI 7.3) F250/350 for this application, but had an idea pop into my head last night about getting an old International 4700 w/ DT466 or a Freightliner FL70 and shortening the frame. I used to be a fleet manager for a moving company so I'm familiar with how to properly maintain these and I enjoy driving the medium duty trucks with air brakes a lot. I also like how much more heavy duty those things are built and being pre-emissions is a huge plus.

Has anyone used a medium duty truck as a tow rig before? Is it worth the hassle? I guess I'm trying to decide if my personal "cool factor" is practical especially with DOT, etc.

Type of truck I would be trying to find/build:

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D Nauti
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4:08p, 5/5/26
Where I used to work I had a similar truck and an F350 with the highway gear that was limited to about 24000lbs.

Over the years I needed the bobtail less because we got rid of a lot of the equipment it used to haul. Last year it got replaced with a F350 dually that could weight up to 42000lbs. New truck was a game changer, comfortable enough to daily drive and hauls more weight than I would ever need. I think the most I ever had on it was 35000lbs.

I would guess the F350 gets double the mileage of the bobtail, and about 16mpg unloaded.
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txyaloo
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In reply to gravitartx • 5:56p, 5/5/26
AG
gravitartx said:
Been thinking about getting a bigger spare truck for towing/hauling equipment and supplies for my families properties. We're currently working on getting our largest piece of land switched to wildlife management, and part of that would involve hauling large amounts of protein and corn, hauling a tractor/rented skidsteer, etc. I currently drive a 22 F150 with the 5.0 as a daily and while it tows great, when I put anything on the heavier side behind it it clearly doesn't like it. I think I'd rather have a tow rig for those applications.

Have been thinking about getting an older (Either early model 6.7 or non-IDI 7.3) F250/350 for this application, but had an idea pop into my head last night about getting an old International 4700 w/ DT466 or a Freightliner FL70 and shortening the frame. I used to be a fleet manager for a moving company so I'm familiar with how to properly maintain these and I enjoy driving the medium duty trucks with air brakes a lot. I also like how much more heavy duty those things are built and being pre-emissions is a huge plus.

Has anyone used a medium duty truck as a tow rig before? Is it worth the hassle? I guess I'm trying to decide if my personal "cool factor" is practical especially with DOT, etc.

Type of truck I would be trying to find/build:


Would you have DOT issues? You should be able to register with farm plates even under a wildlife valuation. As long as you aren't going more than 150 miles from the properties, no CDL is required. You might need a non-commercial class A or B license, but that isn't a big deal to get.

I think the M2 sport chassis Freightliners look cool, and I don't think they require a CDL with regular plates.

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BiggiesLX
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7:15p, 5/5/26
How about an old 3/4 ton utility van along with a used trailer?
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bam02
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7:48p, 5/5/26
AG
I think I'd consider selling the F150
And just getting a 3/4 ton or even a 1 ton. Better than maintaining two trucks, IMHO.
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a07nathanb
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8:16p, 5/5/26
AG
Price insurance before you buy the truck. Might not be bad but there are many personal lines carriers that won't touch a medium duty so you could have to go commercial
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coolerguy12
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8:21p, 5/5/26
AG
If you have the means I highly recommend it. If you don't like it just cut bait and get a "normal" truck. You only live once
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Mas89
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In reply to gravitartx • 8:56p, 5/5/26
AG
Depends on how heavy the tractor is you're moving and how far it's being moved. I'm comfortable moving a 10,000 pound tractor with a 3/4 ton F250 or 2500 Chevy with the right trailer and positioned correctly on the trailer. We have a 24' bumper pull flat deck with 7k axles and a 34' gooseneck dove tail with 10k axles. Both will haul a good load with a 3/4 ton pickup and a careful driver. Bigger machines I hire a heavy haul truck with a detach trailer. Paid 400 each way recently on a 50 mile haul to the dealership service dept.
We have a r model Mack and a tandem axle international 4900 in the barn but just don't need them often enough to keep up the maintenance, insurance, and registration for road use on the 45 year old trucks but do use on the ranch rarely when needed, usually after fixing an air leak or hung up brake.
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gravitartx
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9:11p, 5/5/26
AG
Thanks for all the feedback guys, I really appreciate it. I didn't really think about the insurance cost difference and fuel economy as those will definitely be a factor when the time comes to make a decision.

As far as DOT, I'll need to do some research as to what would actually apply to me. The truck I would buy would be a non CDL truck with GVWR of less than 26k so I wouldn't need a CDL. I could also always buy one with a higher GVWR and derate it back down under 26k. The part I'm not sure about is what I'm required to do for compliance since I would be "not for hire." I'm assuming I would still need the truck DOT inspected, have a DOT med card, etc. Would be interesting to find out because I've seen people towing large 5th wheel travel trailers with actual semi tractors.

One of those M2 Sport's would be freaking sick to get though lol
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gravitartx
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In reply to Mas89 • 9:27p, 5/5/26
AG
The equipment we have is relatively light. The tractor we have is an old ford with a brush hog and bucket attachment on the front. No idea how much it weighs but probably no more than 6000 lbs. My truck should be able to pull that no problem but when I've towed a large van with a flatbed before, it was really struggling.

I'd imagine a 25' gooseneck trailer will haul everything I need to so regardless of tow vehicle I'll be buying one of those around that size.
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