KYD Trucks

KYD Trucks

“Starting Small Now is Better than Starting Big Later”. This has been the philosophy of KYD since the beginning. If we waited for the truck and RV we have now, we would not have started at all!

It’s easy to become consumed with the process of finding the perfect RV or truck and wanting everything just right, but it’s as equally easy to start to believe that it’s not worth doing until you have it. No matter where you’re starting, remember that when you look back at your life, you’ll vaguely remember the equipment but cherish the memories you made.

Once you get started and finding the perfect setup isn’t holding you back, upgrading your truck and adding modifications adds convenience and comfort.

We stated with what we had and upgraded from there:

• 2013 F150 Platinum with the Raptor 6.2L gas motor

• 2017 F250 Lariat 6.7L diesel 3.55 gear ratio

• 2019 F450 Lariat 6.7L diesel 4.33 gear ratio

• 2019 F250 Platinum 6.7 diesel 3.55 gear ratio

2019 Ford F250 Super Duty

Truck Specifications: 6.7L diesel 3.55 gear ratio, 4×4, Platinum Trim with 20″ Michelin Tires

Some people were surprised we went back to an F250 considering the “mistake” we made during SN4 thinking that an F250 could pull a Grand Design Momentum 351. Yes, 3/4 ton diesel trucks have reduced payload capacity because the diesel engine is 700 lbs heavier combined with a reduced GVWR of 10,000 lbs. (mostly for market reasons – state regulations for registration and insurance). Yet, the F250 diesel is the ideal truck to tow an Airstream and most other travel trailers.

This season we partnered with Stage 3 Motorsports for these upgrades and they are providing the KYD community a promo-code (KYD) for up to 10% off through the end of May!

Use Promo Code “KYD” at Stage 3 Motorsports to get up to 10% This is not an affiliate link – only savings to you and Stage 3 doesn’t do this often because they already provide the best prices with free shipping.

If you’ve been considering some truck upgrades, take advantage of the savings.

Soon we’ll release the video where we install an S&B 60 gal mid-ship fuel tank, ARB onboard dual air compressor, Airlift airbags, BAKflip MX4 bed cover, BedRug and Bed Slide. Being our 4th tow vehicle and testing various brands and mods, this is our best one yet!

2019 Ford F450 Super Duty

There is no truck sexier than the Ford F450 Super Duty! Yes, “eye of the beholder”… but with its wide track front axle and distinct front wheel with 10 lug nuts, it simply looks mean, while still being elegant. I suppose it’s obvious that I still have a crush.

There were some drawbacks for RV owners that travel. When it comes to tow vehicles, these are the same trucks you’ll be driving into town and parallel parking can be tricky. In fact, parking in general can be difficult. Finding a full-service car wash for dual wheel trucks is nearly impossible unless you’re in a big city. Many RV parks don’t allow you to wash your own equipment.

The F450 also rides rigid unless you have a load. Mostly due to the 19.5” tires that have a stiff sidewall with little to no flex. Once you add a load, the ride improves substantially.

The biggest pro to the F450 is the tight turning. The wide front axle and narrow tires create an unbelievable turning radius and combined with a long bed with 5th wheel, getting into tight RV sites is easier than many shorter bumper pulls.

Click the link to see the upgrades done to our Ford F450 Super Duty.

2017 Ford F250 Super Duty

This was the first diesel truck we purchased and it’s a night and day difference. As a result, I’ll never go back to gas and mostly for the resell value. I traded this truck into the dealer with 50,000 miles for $52,000 *on trade. But the thing I love most about diesel is its ability to climb hills, while towing, in 5th gear at 2,000 RPMs with no strain whatsoever.

Yes, diesel trucks are more expensive, but in our experience, we’ve gotten it all back when it comes time to sell and we get to enjoy the unlimited power along the way.

To see the upgrades done to this truck, click here.

2013 Ford F150 Gas 6.2L

This is where it all started. We bought this truck to pull a 2007 Malibu Wakesetter and it did a tremendous job with the 6.2L Raptor motor that is an option with the platinum trim. I put 100k miles on this truck on only replaced the wipers, battery, oil and fuel pump fuse. This was my third Ford to date and it was the performance of this truck that made a “Ford guy”.

This is the truck we had when learning how to RV. When we started, we didn’t know anything about weight distribution hitches or the possible upgrades to improve the safety and comfort of towing.

Initially, I installed helper springs to keep it level but didn’t like the clicking noises that came from them. Then we upgraded to Firestone Ride-Rite and the shop in Maine installed the brackets upside down and I didn’t discover the problem until visiting Taps Auto in Paso Robles, CA. You can watch that video here.

This was a great truck and we’ll never regret starting with what we had to get going. No matter where you are in your RVing journey, never let the perfect truck of upgrades stop you from getting started!