Half ton truck?

[TAK14Swift]

Hello everyone,

I want to apologize in advance for bringing this topic up yet again, but I would like fresh input. I currently tow my TT with a 2008 Chevy 2500 gas , which is operationally sound. However, DW would like a newer TV, so I’m looking at the feasibility of 3-5 year old 1/2 ton.
Our TT is a 2014 198 RD, with dry weight of 4210 and max GVW of 5900. Using the 15% rule, that would put the tongue weight at 885. ( I have weighed the TV/TT as a unit but never the TT by itself loaded up).
For truck cargo weight it’s just us two (combined 240 lbs) with the heaviest cargo load being our 98 lb. canoe.
It seems that the cargo payload for 1/2 trucks have evolved quite a bit in the last 15 years with some approaching 2,000 pounds.
I initially towed this TT with 2001 Chevy Silverado for four years. It towed decent but I could see configurations where we could have been exceeding the 1,600 lb. payload.
My pros for a 1/2 ton over 3/4 is price, availability, and better fuel economy (non towing).

Any experience, input and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[CAG]

Originally Posted by TAK14Swift

Hello everyone,

I want to apologize in advance for bringing this topic up yet again, but I would like fresh input. I currently tow my TT with a 2008 Chevy 2500 gas , which is operationally sound. However, DW would like a newer TV, so I’m looking at the feasibility of 3-5 year old 1/2 ton.
Our TT is a 2014 198 RD, with dry weight of 4210 and max GVW of 5900. Using the 15% rule, that would put the tongue weight at 885. ( I have weighed the TV/TT as a unit but never the TT by itself loaded up).
For truck cargo weight it’s just us two (combined 240 lbs) with the heaviest cargo load being our 98 lb. canoe.
It seems that the cargo payload for 1/2 trucks have evolved quite a bit in the last 15 years with some approaching 2,000 pounds.
I initially towed this TT with 2001 Chevy Silverado for four years. It towed decent but I could see configurations where we could have been exceeding the 1,600 lb. payload.
My pros for a 1/2 ton over 3/4 is price, availability, and better fuel economy (non towing).

Any experience, input and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Fresh perspective but the numbers won't change.
Use "can I tow this" for a search and them plug the numbers in but the bottom line is a half-ton to tow about anything is on the edge and saving money over the consequences of having an accident because you wanted to "save money" is not reasonable.



Do the math and if it says 3/4 ton spend the money.

[Grumpy]

I had a 2018 Traverse High Country and now have a 2022 HC and they were/are both rated to tow 5,000. I certainly hope a 1/2 pick-up of similar years can handle 5,900.

[craigav]

I would agree that a 1/2 ton should (check the numbers as they are not all the same) tow 5900lbs just fine. One thing that you don't see specs for though is that a heavier truck should be more stable when it comes to sway and crosswinds. Most 1/2 tons are and have been fairly impressive with their tow ratings, but the main reason for that is that they are lighter than they used to be. ~CA

[RRS 274bh]

I've owned a 7k GVWR rated trailer that usually weighed in at ~6200-6500 lbs for 22 years until I just got rid of it and bought a new Jay Flight 274bh that I just picked up a few days ago

Over the years I've had 3 tow vehicles, all 1/2 ton, a 2002 Chevy Express Van, a 2011 Silverado, and currently own a 2019 Ram Bighorn. I have traveled all over the country, and have never had any issues. I personally wouldn't tow anything bigger than the 7k GVWR with a 1/2 ton, but you shouldn't have problems with a GVR of 5900 if you get the right truck with proper payload, gearing and engine. As I progressed over the years with different tow vehicles, the engine power, and gearing got better. I'll admit when I started with the 2002 Chevy Express, I didn't know anything. I actually wanted a 3/4ton, but had to order it, was going to take 3-4 months to get, and cost a lot more. And I believed the RV dealer and the car dealer that told me it was a good match. I'm not going to go into all I had to do to make it work. I actually towed with it for over 10 years, I just didn't want or need a conversion van after the family grew up.

The thing that changed when I went to a used 2011 Silverado, it had a little more horsepower, but 6 speed trans (instead of a 4 speed), and better payload made a big difference. It pulled the trailer fine also, but the engine had the well known cylinder cut-out (4 cyl shut off for fuel economy) that plagued many Chevy's needing total rebuilds, many before 50k miles. I only used the Chevy for about 4 years before I got my 2019 Ram. Having almost 400hp, and a very smooth 8spd transmission, and a decent payload, this by far is my favorite tow vehicle.

I only use the trailer say 3-4 weeks out of the year. To me I don't want to drive around in 3/4 ton that cost more, used more fuel, and doesn't ride as well for the 48weeks left out of the year. I would consider a 3/4 ton if I used my trailer a lot more. And just to be clear, I have towed in the Smoky's, the Rocky's and everywhere in-between and my 1/2 ton truck works fine for me. 2 years ago I went to Yellowstone and the Teton's. I think people are afraid when the have to use more rpms, and lower gears to go up mountains. If you have the right setup, it shouldn't be a problem.

[JFlightRisk]

We have the same trailer in the Jay Flight series. 4140 lbs dry, 6200 max. Towed it with three trucks to date, the 2004 Tundra Double Cab 4.6L V8 was a little weak pulling all that air, especially up long hills. That prompted the purchase of the 2010 Tundra 5.7L V8 and it was fine with it, and now towing with an F150 SC 3.5L V6 twin turbo and max-tow package. This one tows the best so far, in my opinion.

[TAK14Swift]

Thank you all for weighing in. Very helpful.

[TAK14Swift]

Originally Posted by spoon059

Having towed with a half ton and a 3/4 ton, if you can afford a 3/4 ton then it is a substantial upgrade over a half ton. Components are bigger and stronger. They are designed to tow all the time. It's better to have a little too much truck, then not quite enough.

A 3/4 ton truck will allow you to buy a bigger trailer, or carry more stuff with you. If you know you won't ever go bigger, you'll never tow with full tanks, you don't carry heavy stuff (grill, bikes, firewood, chairs, etc) in the truck and you only tow occasionally, a half ton will work.

But a 3/4 ton will be remarkably better for a slightly higher cost and slightly lower fuel economy.

Having towed the same TT with first a half ton for four years and then towing with a 3/4 ton since 2018, I have a good comparison between the two. The 3/4 ton obviously has more margin but it being a 2008 with 250k, I’m at a crossroads whether to hang on to it for a while with a possible engine or transmission rebuild in the future, or trade now. Like RRS 274bh stated, we tow only3-4 weeks a year. Until very recently I had planned on replacing my current truck with another 3/4 ton, but I have read many posts on this forum about newer half tons towing larger rigs than ours with no issues and even being recommended. I had no issues towing this TT with my 1/2 ton, but it was a 2001, had a marginal payload and getting a little tired. We have no intention of getting another TT so that’s not an issue. Some of these newer 1/2 tons have a 2000 lb payload which from a hitch load perspective is more than adequate. But I really wanted to hear from those had experience towing with a half ton.

[JFlightRisk]

Some background on our F150, just for clarification. It's a 2WD XLT SuperCrew with a 6.5' box, 36 gal. gas tank. I had the dealer replace the plastic bedliner with Rhino Liner, and it was already full body Ziebart'd. Not sure how much weight that all corresponds to, but maybe a little. I've added a fiberglass Rancho cab-height cap, and the Bed slide that we've had since 2007. I carry a bunch of tools, maybe more that needed, but it makes us more self-sufficient when we're camping. Early on when we bought it, I upgraded to Bilstein 4600 Series shocks, that made a huge difference from stock.

The back gets loaded with a fair size Coleman cooler full of ice and drinks, a Magma grill with 20lb propane, a few gallon jugs of spring water, either a 10x10 or 10x15 Easy up, and other miscellaneous gear, not so much that I can't see over the top of in the rear view mirror.

It pulls and stops well. If the trailer was bigger, it may be a different story, but I'm happy with what we have and how it drives. Your experiences may vary.

[TAK14Swift]

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

Some background on our F150, just for clarification. It's a 2WD XLT SuperCrew with a 6.5' box, 36 gal. gas tank. I had the dealer replace the plastic bedliner with Rhino Liner, and it was already full body Ziebart'd. Not sure how much weight that all corresponds to, but maybe a little. I've added a fiberglass Rancho cab-height cap, and the Bed slide that we've had since 2007. I carry a bunch of tools, maybe more that needed, but it makes us more self-sufficient when we're camping. Early on when we bought it, I upgraded to Bilstein 4600 Series shocks, that made a huge difference from stock.

The back gets loaded with a fair size Coleman cooler full of ice and drinks, a Magma grill with 20lb propane, a few gallon jugs of spring water, either a 10x10 or 10x15 Easy up, and other miscellaneous gear, not so much that I can't see over the top of in the rear view mirror.

It pulls and stops well. If the trailer was bigger, it may be a different story, but I'm happy with what we have and how it drives. Your experiences may vary.

Thank you for that clarification A lot of options and decisions ahead.

[TAK14Swift]

Originally Posted by CAG

Fresh perspective but the numbers won't change.
Use "can I tow this" for a search and them plug the numbers in but the bottom line is a half-ton to tow about anything is on the edge and saving money over the consequences of having an accident because you wanted to "save money" is not reasonable.



Do the math and if it says 3/4 ton spend the money.

Just got around to using this calculator. Good easy quick reference, Thanks

[24travel]

I just got a 2024 Chevy 2500 4wd gasser with 10 speed Allison trans., for what I thought was a decent a price. Paid 55k. It was only the LT model, still has plenty of bell and whistles inside for me.

[TAK14Swift]

Based on my calculations I’ll be looking for a 3/4 ton gas .

[Duke4857]

Our 2014 Ram 1500 outdoorsman with 5.7 is rated to pull 10000. We have no trouble pulling our 2016 Jayco Whitehawk 246rks. The trailer is rated at 6500 lbs. On paper we are getting close to max truck payload, but not over. About 150 to 200 from max. Me, wife, two dogs and stuff in truck.

[JKyle]

Good to hear. about your 1/2 ton experiences. It gives me comfort to read.

I just got done writing a reply to a tow vehicle question. Simply put, a lot depends on what you're doing with it...How are you towing/camping/traveling. Lots of stuff with kids or single/couple with limited amount of stuff?

Last summer I bought the 2023 F 150 XL SuperCrew. Pretty basic except any/all available tow/payload/axle 3.73/GCWR in the 2.7L EcoBoost. It's enough to tow my 6750 lb 22rb on several trips a year, no more than 30 miles from home in 'some' hills, CT. Did I want an F250? You bet! But this truck was everything I needed and nothing I didn't, which made the price super right for me and totally capable of my needs.

Truck specs are in my signature.

[TAK14Swift]

Originally Posted by Duke4857

Our 2014 Ram 1500 outdoorsman with 5.7 is rated to pull 10000. We have no trouble pulling our 2016 Jayco Whitehawk 246rks. The trailer is rated at 6500 lbs. On paper we are getting close to max truck payload, but not over. About 150 to 200 from max. Me, wife, two dogs and stuff in truck.

That’s where I’m at . On paper I am very close to max truck payload but not over. I think my TT falls in a that gray area between half and 3/4 ton truck requirements.

[homer1959]

F150 2014 XLT , 3.5, 4X4, 3.73 diff. MAX TOW PACKAGE.1998 LBS PAYLOAD 11300 towing capacity , ON LT TIRES.
Equalizer 4

Trailer
2019 Jayflight 29rks weight close to 7750
Tongue weight 1000 + - 100 lbs

I've pulled this trailer back and forth from Montreal to Mcallen texas twice, also twice to orlando florida , travelling through the hilly Penn, Virginia etc etc. This little horse is doing a pretty good job and all is kept within the limit set by ford , jayco and equalizer. I go no faster than 65 mph usually 55/60 Would i like a 250 , you bet, do i want to fork 70k Cdn plus my truck for one.... nah ... beware of the fear police there is always one not far ... :-)

[Murff]

Well, to also weigh in on the side of a half-ton:

2017 F150 XLT with the itty-bitty 2.7 S-crew 4x4 Eco-boost loaded to pull a trailer as it even has the unicorn factory tow mirrors and 3:73 gears. Trade off on the 2017 over a newer is mine has the 6-speed tans instead of the newer 10-speed. WDH is the Andersen.

My TT is a 2015 White Hawk MRB with a 5900 GVW similar to the OP's rig. This truck tows the trailer pretty effortlessly. The 3.5 EcoBeast would have been a better choice but the truck had only 8600 miles on it when I bought it in 2021 at a price that was very good.

Murff

[JKyle]

Originally Posted by Murff

Well, to also weigh in on the side of a half-ton:

2017 F150 XLT with the itty-bitty 2.7 S-crew 4x4 Eco-boost loaded to pull a trailer as it even has the unicorn factory tow mirrors and 3:73 gears. Trade off on the 2017 over a newer is mine has the 6-speed tans instead of the newer 10-speed. WDH is the Andersen.

My TT is a 2015 White Hawk MRB with a 5900 GVW similar to the OP's rig. This truck tows the trailer pretty effortlessly. The 3.5 EcoBeast would have been a better choice but the truck had only 8600 miles on it when I bought it in 2021 at a price that was very good.

Murff

YES! A unicorn! When I found my truck in its configuration at an XL level, I didn't think much of it. I just thought, 'Hey, here's a rig; no fluff to send the price skyrocketing, but everything I have in mind to haul/tow the camper and it has the 'pretty package' that makes it appear 'less stripped out.'

What I didn't realize was how rare it was. I looked and looked before settling on it, just to be sure it was what I wanted. Sure enough, there wasn't anything statewide as close to it for ability and price point. The only thing I don't have are the factory tow mirrors (which I would have loved,) but aftermarket would cost something like $900. I bought a set of those tow mirrors specific to my F150, that snap on and they look pretty good and serve me well.

[Dave A]

Originally Posted by TAK14Swift

Hello everyone,

I want to apologize in advance for bringing this topic up yet again, but I would like fresh input. I currently tow my TT with a 2008 Chevy 2500 gas , which is operationally sound. However, DW would like a newer TV, so I’m looking at the feasibility of 3-5 year old 1/2 ton.
Our TT is a 2014 198 RD, with dry weight of 4210 and max GVW of 5900. Using the 15% rule, that would put the tongue weight at 885. ( I have weighed the TV/TT as a unit but never the TT by itself loaded up).
For truck cargo weight it’s just us two (combined 240 lbs) with the heaviest cargo load being our 98 lb. canoe.
It seems that the cargo payload for 1/2 trucks have evolved quite a bit in the last 15 years with some approaching 2,000 pounds.
I initially towed this TT with 2001 Chevy Silverado for four years. It towed decent but I could see configurations where we could have been exceeding the 1,600 lb. payload.
My pros for a 1/2 ton over 3/4 is price, availability, and better fuel economy (non towing).

Any experience, input and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I would still go with a 3/4 ton. Suspension is better, brakes are heavier and the drive train can handle more stress with less repairs. I used to tow a 7500lbs trailer for work, used a 1/2 ton for a while and replaced brakes and a pinion gear in the rear end. Went to a 3/4 ton and no problems. I did put about 50,000 miles a year on them, pretty sure that was a factor.