Tow Vehicle

Florida Ranger · 10-05-2019, 08:13 PM

My Jayco trailer weighs 7102 lbs. Presently I use a 2007 GMC 1/2 ton Z71 V-8 2wheel drive automatic to tow it .It does ok but I would feel better if I had a 3/4 ton truck gas burner. What big difference would I notice if I had one to tow trailer with. I know it would use more gas.

Parcany · 10-05-2019, 08:22 PM

Better pulling power, better stopping power. Truck feeling more secure, maybe no more white knuckle feelings. A lot of it depends on how the weight dis hitch is set up also.

Chet & Marie · 10-05-2019, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florida Ranger

My Jayco trailer weighs 7102 lbs. Presently I use a 2007 GMC 1/2 ton Z71 V-8 2wheel drive automatic to tow it .It does ok but I would feel better if I had a 3/4 ton truck gas burner. What big difference would I notice if I had one to tow trailer with. I know it would use more gas.

I was at a Chev dealer today getting an oil change on my 14 2wd Silverado. They have apparantly beefed up the suspension as the towing and load limits have increased as well as HP in the 5.3 engine. Lots more oomph than you now have. MAYBE a new half ton would do the job for you?

Nathan S. · 10-05-2019, 09:36 PM

I know brand loyalty is a big thing. But my F-250 6.2L has no problem pulling our 5er @ 10500 loaded. Took it over the Rockies this summer. But definitely move up to a 3/4 ton, you’ll be more comfortable and happier.

jpgale · 10-06-2019, 06:22 AM

I just got a 2019 1 ton diesel to replace a 2003 3/4 ton diesel (sames leafs as the 1 ton of that year), and I can tell difference. For you it will be worlds apart. The best thing to say is overkill is better than under

GHen · 10-06-2019, 08:39 AM

The fuel consumption between a 1500 and 2500 should be similar, big difference is load capacity and most importantly the size of the brakes. A 1500 or a 2500 with a towing package will over all kinds of benefits, bigger radiator, more powerful alternator etc.

It’s possible someone with technical knowledge of brakes could provide the facts, but I would say you might have twice the brake capacity in a 2500. This would most importantly will help over mountain passes and emergency braking.

I have a 2500 Duramax diesel, the Allison transmission controls my speed using virtually no brakes, it’s incredible.

Florida Ranger · 10-06-2019, 12:53 PM

Thank you very much, looking at F250 6.2 ...

Iraqvet05 · 10-06-2019, 02:04 PM

I had a 2007 Silverado CC 2WD, 5.3 pulling our old 26BH (ca 5500 lbs) the first few years we owned that TT. When I made the switch to a 3/4 ton (2001 2500HD gasser) and the first thing I noticed was the huge improvement in handling. My current 28BH is about 7k loaded and my F-250 tows it well. We went to Colorado last year and I had not issues doing at the speed limit at higher elevations. Love the 6.2 except for the MPG on windy days, love the F-250 except for the unloaded ride.

2nOZ · 10-06-2019, 03:24 PM

We initially pulled our 27DSRL (7500 lbs) with an F150 3.5 eco boost and it did a good job. We then traded it for an F250 6.2l gasser and what a difference. We then upgraded to an HT 5th wheel (10,100 lbs) and love it. It’s a great match. You’ll notice a big difference in stability, power and stopping with the 3/4 ton.

mokurt · 10-11-2019, 02:35 PM

Towing our new 248 with a 2001 Dodge ram 2500 diesel.
I installed a Banks tuner which helped.

Of course newer diesels have a lot more power!

Madwinger · 10-13-2019, 09:58 PM

I was sure my 20 year old Chevy 3/4 ton 350 cid would be enough to pull our Eagle HT. It struggled at even the slightest grade. Gas mileage went from 15 to 8. Never felt comfortable. We just purchased a 2017 F250 Power Stroke. Putting the hitch in now. Can't wait to see the difference.

Archie

RetiredLEO · 10-19-2019, 04:53 PM

The difference between a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton is huge. Dad had a livestock feed dealership and I would travel twice a day 80 miles round trip with 2 ton of feed in the 3/4 ton pick-up. We always considered 1/2 ton trucks to be "city trucks" and 3/4 tons were farm "work trucks"
Now consider that the Ford F-250 is built more like a 1 ton truck. It will ride rougher unloaded but get better with a load on it. Suspension parts should last longer as they're built for heavier use.
I would choose the F-250 gasser in a heartbeat over a F-150. More gas but more carry capacity...........Carry Capacity is the key. A 1/2 ton will pull a lot of heavier trailers today but unless your 4 year old who weighs 30 pounds is alone in the truck driving it passenger and cargo capacity is next to nothing.
Always better to have too much truck than "just enough"

Edd505 · 10-19-2019, 06:31 PM

I pulled a 4800LB 5W with a 1500 GMC 5.3 once and knew it was not enough truck. Like RetiredLEO said, 1/2 tons a city truck grocery getter. Go to any ranch or farm and you won't find a 1/2 ton only 3/4 and 1 tons, they are made for work and pulling a TT or 5W is work. If you do more than weekend towing go diesel, they love work and last longer if you do work them.

videoarizona · 10-19-2019, 08:16 PM

The difference between a 1500 and 2500 is big.
BUT, I made the move to a Sierra Denali 1500 with the 6.2 and 8 speed. Night and day difference between the Yukon XL with the 5.3.

I tow my 6500lb trailer up and down long 7 mile hills with 6% or 7% grades without an issue. And using the trannie... I can hold the load downhill at any speed I want without touching brakes.
In fact, in tow/haul mode with cruise set... The trannie does all the work for you. Or you can shift manually.

So my 1st thought is a 2500. But if the $$ is a problem, look at a Sierra SLT 1500 or a used Denali with the 6.2. and max trailer package. 2016 or newer. it will ride better and have tons of power and torque to pull your load. 420hp. 460lbs.
And...I get 24 to 28 mpgs unloaded at 75mpg all day long!! The 8 speed trannie allowes a higher rear end for unloaded fuel economy.
I'm happy. Love that 6.2. same engine BTW as the Ford. They were co-developers.

DonaandDon · 10-20-2019, 08:50 AM

Changes.........

2007 to the new(r) 2018-2020 are BIG. Everything from radiator to rear shocks will impress you.

Of course many truck drivers will talk about what they drive and what you will need. Most will say if you like camping and you tow.... Buy a diesel..

CBCOCRBO · 10-21-2019, 03:56 PM

The problem as I see it is that because our governments have legislated that vehicles get a targeted fuel mileage rating the manufacturers are addressing the issue by installing smaller more high compression engines, 6, 8, or even 10 speed transmissions coupled with tall rear end gear ratios like 3:23's or 3:42's and they just don't feel like they can tow. And in reality they can't. Best towing vehicle I ever had was a '79 Ford 3/4 ton with a 400 ci motor and 3:73 gear ratio coupled to a C6 three speed tranny. I'd far rather spend $ on fuel and drive a vehicle with enough power and torque to haul a heavy load than suffer with what the market has today. It's frustrating driving with feeling like you have an elephant on your back. I own a 2015 Silverado LTZ with a 5.3 and 3:42 gears. Beautiful truck but won't haul worth a S--T.

Edd505 · 10-21-2019, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBCOCRBO

The problem as I see it is that because our governments have legislated that vehicles get a targeted fuel mileage rating the manufacturers are addressing the issue by installing smaller more high compression engines, 6, 8, or even 10 speed transmissions coupled with tall rear end gear ratios like 3:23's or 3:42's and they just don't feel like they can tow. And in reality they can't. Best towing vehicle I ever had was a '79 Ford 3/4 ton with a 400 ci motor and 3:73 gear ratio coupled to a C6 three speed tranny. I'd far rather spend $ on fuel and drive a vehicle with enough power and torque to haul a heavy load than suffer with what the market has today. It's frustrating driving with feeling like you have an elephant on your back. I own a 2015 Silverado LTZ with a 5.3 and 3:42 gears. Beautiful truck but won't haul worth a S--T.

Because 1/2 ton's are all city trucks to run to the store. How many farms or ranches you see with 1/2 tons? They will all be 3/4 or 1 ton WORK trucks.

dustyd · 10-22-2019, 05:25 AM

I have a Ford f250 2017 and a jayco 29.5bhds it's about 8800 lbs. It pulls it great. Couldn't imagine doing it with a half ton. A great truck. Gets about 10 mpg. Towing

parallax · 10-22-2019, 07:45 AM

Get a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel—- ford. Fica. Ram. Or. Chev
You will get better mileage ( up to 25 mpg) and never worry about having enough power. When you are towing Price. Ya not cheap.
Buy once—-cry once.

CBCOCRBO · 10-22-2019, 10:51 AM

Hi, Buying a 3/4 ton doesn't mean you'll get a better towing vehicle. The motor, trans and gears are the same in a 1/2 ton unless it is factory ordered with lower gears and bigger (if you can get it) motor. The 3/4 ton will carry a heavier payload in the box but if your towing a TT then you'll probably have an equalizer hitch to level the load on the hitch so a 1/2 ton should do it. I have owned four Ford Broncos all built on the Ford short box 1/2 ton truck frame and towed my trailers all over BC and western Canada with no issues. All four with 5.8 ltr/351 ci engines with 3:73 gears. Power, torque and gears is what does it. Now Ford offers a pressure cooker V6 with turbo's etc. Well I have a friend who is on his second motor re-build on his 2015 F150. Call me a skeptic but me thinks it is not the right motor for towing. Then again maybe my age - old. Cheers

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