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Posted: 8/24/2016 2:41:37 PM EDT
[#1]
most of the new 1/2 tons are rated over 10,000lbs, some close to 12,000lb to tow
if all i was towing was 7000lbs, i'd stay with a 1/2 ton. |
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Posted: 8/24/2016 5:01:06 PM EDT
[#2]
How often are these towing excursions? if regular or semi regular upgrade, it will be more pleasurable to tow. If infrequent might want to stick with a 1/2.ton and add a trans cooler.
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Posted: 8/24/2016 5:28:56 PM EDT
[#3]
1/2 tons will run out of payload before running out of towing capacity.
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Posted: 8/25/2016 10:20:03 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
most of the new 1/2 tons are rated over 10,000lbs, some close to 12,000lb to tow if all i was towing was 7000lbs, i'd stay with a 1/2 ton. Quoted:
How often are these towing excursions? if regular or semi regular upgrade, it will be more pleasurable to tow. If infrequent might want to stick with a 1/2.ton and add a trans cooler. Quoted:
1/2 tons will run out of payload before running out of towing capacity. To answer everybody at once: -The Chevy I have, after you do all of the math, is about maxed out on gross combined weight when you add a family of 5 and all the gear to the trailer and truck bed. -We pull the camper about every other month, so it's not a weekly event but it's often enough that it makes me think about regularly. -In the research I've done thus far, a lot of 1/2 tons say they can tow the weight but when you add payload and take into account vehicle weight and transmission (I have to have a crew cab and 4x4) the reductions seem to bring me back to where I am now. Then you add the upgrades to increase tow capacity (trans cooler, axle ratio, bigger powertrain, etc) and you've priced out to the same point as a 3/4 ton truck. I'm not married to the idea of either a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton, just don't want to buy wrong, especially undersized. If there's a reliable 1/2 ton that would do the job I would prefer that for a better ride (for the family, I don't mind if a truck rides like a truck). |
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Posted: 8/25/2016 11:02:46 AM EDT
[#5]
One difference between 1/2-tons and heavier-duty trucks is often gearing. A 1/2-ton rear has the weight-carrying capacity, but the gearing is often taller than what's available in 3/4-tons. You can probably pick up a 2WD 1/2-ton and have it regeared for less than the cost of a 3/4-ton. You may even be able to do it with a 4x4 for around the same money.
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Posted: 8/25/2016 2:35:08 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: One difference between 1/2-tons and heavier-duty trucks is often gearing. A 1/2-ton rear has the weight-carrying capacity, but the gearing is often taller than what's available in 3/4-tons. You can probably pick up a 2WD 1/2-ton and have it regeared for less than the cost of a 3/4-ton. You may even be able to do it with a 4x4 for around the same money. Never mind the differences in the suspension, the brakes, and the driveline.... OP with the frequency you're talking about I would strongly consider getting a 3/4 ton. Not only is it the better tool for the job but it'll make it safer for you and your family. You can tart up a 1/2 ton to do what you're asking but it's still not going to be on the same level. The only downside I can see is that driving a 3/4 ton truck as a DD is a bit...different. The truck will ride a bit rougher than what you're used to currently. |
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Posted: 8/25/2016 3:35:23 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Never mind the differences in the suspension, the brakes, and the driveline.... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
One difference between 1/2-tons and heavier-duty trucks is often gearing. A 1/2-ton rear has the weight-carrying capacity, but the gearing is often taller than what's available in 3/4-tons. You can probably pick up a 2WD 1/2-ton and have it regeared for less than the cost of a 3/4-ton. You may even be able to do it with a 4x4 for around the same money. Never mind the differences in the suspension, the brakes, and the driveline.... Which are all WAY more than adequate for towing a 7000lb camper & whatever goes in the truck. If he was CARRYING a lot then a 3/4-ton absolutely makes more sense, but it doesn't sound like he is. They're not really 1/2-tons any more in that most of them can carry well over 1500lb and tow 10K-plus. |
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Posted: 8/25/2016 4:05:42 PM EDT
[#8]
towing 7000lbs w/ a half ton sux.
get a 3/4 ton and get a diesel if you can. you'll never look back. |
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Posted: 8/25/2016 4:55:46 PM EDT
[#9]
In reference to K1's and ME's last replies...
I've toyed around with the truck builder options for both Ford and Chevy and it seems to me that you can get a 1/2 ton and add all of the necessary options to haul up to 11,500 lbs and carry almost 2,000 lbs. You can also get all of that built into a 3/4 ton for the same money, with the downside that a 3/4 ton will ride like...a 3/4 ton. Edit: To address Twisted's reply...I'm not opposed to a diesel, I've just never had a diesel. |
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Posted: 8/25/2016 10:32:50 PM EDT
[#10]
I would do a 3/4 ton. Even if you had to buy less trim level and maybe a gasser . Not running at gross all the time helps , not to mention the bigger brakes and higher weight rating for everything else
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Posted: 8/26/2016 11:23:36 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would do a 3/4 ton. Even if you had to buy less trim level and maybe a gasser . Not running at gross all the time helps , not to mention the bigger brakes and higher weight rating for everything else Red ties closely with my thinking. I can drag that thing up and down the Gulf Coast without too much heartburn but when a Bay County-ian pulls a camper to Unicoi State Park he needs all the help he can get. |
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Posted: 8/26/2016 6:47:45 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
I've been towing my camper (approx 7000 lbs) with a 2005 Chevy 1500. It doesn't get the greatest performance but I'm usually on flat ground so there haven't been any real issues, but I know I'll be dragging it on a couple of longer (300-400) mi trips in the next year so I've been considering an upgrade to a 3/4 ton truck. Well...I had to take the Chevy in to the shop because it was running a little hot. Got the call late in the day that the cylinder heads are cracked; apparently my 5.3L has the Castech heads that are giving people fits. Thus the question: what 3/4 ton truck do I need to look at to replace this Chevy? Anything from brand new to a few years old (maybe 40k mileage), not base model but not King Ranch/Denali either. Has to seat 5, so Crew Cab equivalents are a requirement. Not opposed to a diesel but I've never owned one so that would be new territory for me. Outside of hauling the camper, this would be my daily vehicle - usually just 30-40 miles a day around town, but I have been known to drive it 6 hours to a job site and back during a work day. 5.0 F150 (2011+) Or 6.2 (gas)/ 6.7 (diesel) F250/350 (2011+) |
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Posted: 8/26/2016 8:22:03 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Red ties closely with my thinking. I can drag that thing up and down the Gulf Coast without too much heartburn but when a Bay County-ian pulls a camper to Unicoi State Park he needs all the help he can get. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I would do a 3/4 ton. Even if you had to buy less trim level and maybe a gasser . Not running at gross all the time helps , not to mention the bigger brakes and higher weight rating for everything else Red ties closely with my thinking. I can drag that thing up and down the Gulf Coast without too much heartburn but when a Bay County-ian pulls a camper to Unicoi State Park he needs all the help he can get. You will be passing by my house wave as you go by 
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Posted: 8/26/2016 9:44:50 PM EDT
[#14]
I have towed with half ton and 3/4 ton pick ups I have towed with gas power and diesel power. By far the best towing vehicle is a 3/4 ton diesel. All road conditions, up hill and down nothing fazes the truck. That being said a lot of people do not need a diesel pickup. With what we have now I don't need a diesel pickup. However the Grand daughter came camping with us for the first time this year.
 The Wife is now talking about a bigger camper. Then I will need a diesel for sure. 3/4 ton makes it easy. Diesel makes it better.
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Posted: 8/27/2016 5:13:45 AM EDT
[#15]
Silverado/Sierra 2500HD (2008+).
If you get the extended or crew cab they're 5 or 6 passenger (you either get a center console or a jump seat in the front depending on trim level). The 2500's give you engine oil cooler, tranny cooler, power steering cooler, bigger brakes (& 4 wheel discs), 6-speed automatic, 3.73 or 4.10 axles, tow package/brake controller, etc. You're going to get shitty gas mileage if that matters to you. |
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Posted: 8/27/2016 8:16:06 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have towed with half ton and 3/4 ton pick ups I have towed with gas power and diesel power. By far the best towing vehicle is a 3/4 ton diesel. All road conditions, up hill and down nothing fazes the truck. That being said a lot of people do not need a diesel pickup. With what we have now I don't need a diesel pickup. However the Grand daughter came camping with us for the first time this year. The Wife is now talking about a bigger camper. Then I will need a diesel for sure. 3/4 ton makes it easy. Diesel makes it better.Yup. I dont need a diesel either but the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages for me. I will never go back to gas. |
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Posted: 8/27/2016 1:27:06 PM EDT
[#17]
3/4 ton without doubt. If you're hauling that much weight (not just the trailer), it's best not to run along at nearly 100% capacity.
When you're talking trailer weight, is that empty or loaded with propane, water, food, gear etc? |
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Posted: 8/27/2016 1:34:06 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: towing 7000lbs w/ a half ton sux. get a 3/4 ton and get a diesel if you can. you'll never look back. This is very true. Those 1/2 ton towing capacities everyone is throwing around are in a perfect world. Also if you are ever planning on going to a bigger camper you will be set if you get a diesel 3/4 ton. |
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Posted: 8/27/2016 1:35:16 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: In reference to K1's and ME's last replies... I've toyed around with the truck builder options for both Ford and Chevy and it seems to me that you can get a 1/2 ton and add all of the necessary options to haul up to 11,500 lbs and carry almost 2,000 lbs. You can also get all of that built into a 3/4 ton for the same money, with the downside that a 3/4 ton will ride like...a 3/4 ton. Edit: To address Twisted's reply...I'm not opposed to a diesel, I've just never had a diesel. My 15 Ram 2500 4x4 is surprisingly comfortable and drives very well. |
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Posted: 8/27/2016 4:42:22 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My 15 Ram 2500 4x4 is surprisingly comfortable and drives very well. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
In reference to K1's and ME's last replies... I've toyed around with the truck builder options for both Ford and Chevy and it seems to me that you can get a 1/2 ton and add all of the necessary options to haul up to 11,500 lbs and carry almost 2,000 lbs. You can also get all of that built into a 3/4 ton for the same money, with the downside that a 3/4 ton will ride like...a 3/4 ton. Edit: To address Twisted's reply...I'm not opposed to a diesel, I've just never had a diesel. My 15 Ram 2500 4x4 is surprisingly comfortable and drives very well. Coil spring rear suspension, correct? Buddy of mine just went from a '99 CTD 2500 4wd to a '16 CTD 2500 4wd w/coil rear suspension and he says it's a night and day difference. |
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Posted: 8/27/2016 4:48:59 PM EDT
[#21]
I've owned/driven a 2nd gen Dodge Cummins 2500 4wd manual trans since '96 and have owned a 36ft 5th wheel toy hauler since '02. I normally daily drive a gas powered SUV or until recently a '97 Civic because DD'ing the CTD is a PITA.
Given the description of your typical usage I would not buy a diesel - I just don't see a diesel being a cost effective choice for you. Certainly the diesel will handle the towing better but that is such a low percentage of your time/miles it's not really worth considering IMO. |
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Posted: 8/27/2016 9:59:35 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Coil spring rear suspension, correct? Buddy of mine just went from a '99 CTD 2500 4wd to a '16 CTD 2500 4wd w/coil rear suspension and he says it's a night and day difference. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: In reference to K1's and ME's last replies... I've toyed around with the truck builder options for both Ford and Chevy and it seems to me that you can get a 1/2 ton and add all of the necessary options to haul up to 11,500 lbs and carry almost 2,000 lbs. You can also get all of that built into a 3/4 ton for the same money, with the downside that a 3/4 ton will ride like...a 3/4 ton. Edit: To address Twisted's reply...I'm not opposed to a diesel, I've just never had a diesel. My 15 Ram 2500 4x4 is surprisingly comfortable and drives very well. Coil spring rear suspension, correct? Buddy of mine just went from a '99 CTD 2500 4wd to a '16 CTD 2500 4wd w/coil rear suspension and he says it's a night and day difference. Did Dodge switch to coil spring rears on the 2500 trucks? If so that's awesome! I much prefer the ride quality of a coil sprung rear vs a leaf sprung rear. |
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Posted: 8/27/2016 10:02:22 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Did Dodge switch to coil spring rears on the 2500 trucks? If so that's awesome! I much prefer the ride quality of a coil sprung rear vs a leaf sprung rear. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: In reference to K1's and ME's last replies... I've toyed around with the truck builder options for both Ford and Chevy and it seems to me that you can get a 1/2 ton and add all of the necessary options to haul up to 11,500 lbs and carry almost 2,000 lbs. You can also get all of that built into a 3/4 ton for the same money, with the downside that a 3/4 ton will ride like...a 3/4 ton. Edit: To address Twisted's reply...I'm not opposed to a diesel, I've just never had a diesel. My 15 Ram 2500 4x4 is surprisingly comfortable and drives very well. Coil spring rear suspension, correct? Buddy of mine just went from a '99 CTD 2500 4wd to a '16 CTD 2500 4wd w/coil rear suspension and he says it's a night and day difference. Did Dodge switch to coil spring rears on the 2500 trucks? If so that's awesome! I much prefer the ride quality of a coil sprung rear vs a leaf sprung rear. Yes they did and I would not mind driving mine daily one bit, the only drawback is parking it as it is long. Set up for a 5th wheel.  Rear  Front  |
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Posted: 8/27/2016 10:47:26 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yes they did and I would not mind driving mine daily one bit, the only drawback is parking it as it is long. Set up for a 5th wheel. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2015/DSCN1779_zpsugqpxxay.jpg Rear http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2015/DSCN1549_zpsejrbzeog.jpg Front http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2015/DSCN1553_zpsio5q9a29.jpg That's awesome! I'll have to put the 2500 series back on my radar as a potential replacement to my car when the time comes....certainly would beat driving a minivan  |
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Posted: 8/28/2016 4:12:21 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's awesome! I'll have to put the 2500 series back on my radar as a potential replacement to my car when the time comes....certainly would beat driving a minivan
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Yes they did and I would not mind driving mine daily one bit, the only drawback is parking it as it is long. Set up for a 5th wheel. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2015/DSCN1779_zpsugqpxxay.jpg Rear http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2015/DSCN1549_zpsejrbzeog.jpg Front http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/banditman1/2015/DSCN1553_zpsio5q9a29.jpg That's awesome! I'll have to put the 2500 series back on my radar as a potential replacement to my car when the time comes....certainly would beat driving a minivan
Mini-vans have their place - I think they make great hwy road trip vehicles. |
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Posted: 8/28/2016 8:30:05 PM EDT
[#26]
I daily drive my 14 cummins crew
37's, lift, gears, delete etc Best truck ive ever owned. |
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Posted: 8/29/2016 12:14:20 AM EDT
[#27]
No need for a diesel.
Any modern 3/4 ton with a gas engine will be fine. I am partial to GMs but the Super Duty with 6.2 is also a great truck. |
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