Considering downgrading to a 1500, wise?

[JSabe07]

Hello all, I need some advice on whether I can get rid of my 250 for a Silverado 1500. My 250/6.2 has a tow cap of 12,500 lbs. My 35 ft Jay Flight 33RLDS has a gvwr of 11,000 lbs. The new Silverado has a capacity of 11,500 with the 5.3, and 12,000 with the 6.2. So properly equipped, the Silverado can pull just about as much as my 250, but without the stiff ride. The 250 doesn't make a very good daily driver. Is this wise? Thanks!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Absolutely NOT! That is way too much trailer for a 1/2 ton. If the ride is bad on the F250, why not look a 2500HD? I hear the GM's ride pretty nice for 3/4 ton trucks. If your trailer is near the 11,000 # mark, then you have no room for the wife/girlfriend, or any supplies in the truck. You WILL be way over the cargo capacity of the 1/2 ton just with tongue weight.

[KYCAMPER]

Big mistake to go to a 1500 with a TT weighing that much. Payload capacity for the 1500 will be a little over 1600lb max. no matter what engine or differential you put in it. Tongue weight of the TT is typically 12 to 15% of TT weight which for an 11000 lb TT would be 1320 to 1650lbs.

[JSabe07]

Well shoot, not the advice I wanted to hear but I needed to hear. I just get confused that if Chevy puts the tow rating at that much (which is only 500 less than my 250), I figured it would be ably equipped to handle it. Is it the weight or length of the 250 that makes the big difference, or just what it's equipped with?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

It's the heavier frame, beefy full floater axles, larger brakes and much heavier duty springs. Totally different classes. Go test drive the other 3/4 ton trucks to see if you like them better. Either that or get a car for a DD.

[Bob Landry]

The truck makers love to talk about towing capacity, but not payload, which is where 1/2 ton trucks fall short.

[JSabe07]

Well thanks guys for helping me avoid a big mistake! I was ready to go see what 1500s were out there. I don't know why they boast 12,000 lbs when pulling something that heavy would bust the payload. Think ill take Lifted's advice and go find a cheap commuter car!

[Crabman]

This thread may be helpful.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/sh...ight=2500+1500

[Heady]

JSabe, the 1/2 ton trucks can pull the weight as the MFG states, however it can't carry the weight. So for instance if you had a hay wagon behind the truck where the wheels on the wagon carry the weight, then the 1/2 ton it could pull it. However when it comes to a TT where the 1/2 ton must support some of the weight (hitch weight), that is where the 1/2 tons come up short.

[Camping Couple]

Originally Posted by LiftedAWDAstro

Absolutely NOT! That is way too much trailer for a 1/2 ton. If the ride is bad on the F250, why not look a 2500HD? I hear the GM's ride pretty nice for 3/4 ton trucks. If your trailer is near the 11,000 # mark, then you have no room for the wife/girlfriend, or any supplies in the truck. You WILL be way over the cargo capacity of the 1/2 ton just with tongue weight.

I bought a 2013 2500 HD last year. The truck has a stiff ride when it's empty but once loaded up is rides really smooth. I agree with the others here. You will be way overloaded in a 1/2ton, not to mention a safety risk to yourself, your passengers and everyone around you on the highway. Do the safe thing.

[gtsum2]

agree with all the above...big trailer for any 1500 series truck

[JSabe07]

That makes much more sense, thank you.

[Bobx2]

Just think of it like the Toyota commercial, where they showed the Tundra pulling the space shuttle. It had zero hitch weight, in fact they had to add weight in the back of the truck, but it could still "pull" it. What they didn't show was that they only pulled it across a bridge, about 300', because of overloading the bridge with the regular towing setup they used for the rest of the trip. But I digress. The others are correct. Stick with a 3/4 ton for towing.

[Seann45]

Also remember that the closer to max towing capacity of your truck the faster it will wear out.. as it will be working at 100% where a larger truck will be working at 75%..

[clutch]

Staying with a 2500 series is a good choice.