brand new tow setup suggestions

[tuna]

My wife and I are newlyweds and are looking at getting a new TT and TV. Here is the TTwe're looking into:

2015 Salem 30KQBDSS
Hitch Weight: 899 lbs.
Dry Weight: 6,884 lbs.
Cargo Weight: 2,777 lbs.

I've considered a 3/4 ton but I'm leaning towards a 1/2 ton ram with 3.92 gears. Is it worth spending the cash and going with the 3/4 ton in everyone's past experience? I'm hoping a good WDH and a 1/2 ton properly equipped will get the job done.

I've got little experience with pulling so hoping to gleam a little knowledge off you fellas!

Thanks

[Happy Vibe]

The one thing you need to watch with the ram is payload. It is only around 1400 lbs but if you start putting extras on it you will have much less. My 2013 RAM 1500 quad cab big horn with ram boxes only has 1100 lbs (less than the minivan that I traded in for it).

[Don0426]

Originally Posted by Happy Vibe

The one thing you need to watch with the ram is payload. It is only around 1400 lbs but if you start putting extras on it you will have much less. My 2013 RAM 1500 quad cab big horn with ram boxes only has 1100 lbs (less than the minivan that I traded in for it).

x2. You'll likely max out your truck payload before you even start packing. I would think you'd be close to max tow weight as well. If you plan long-distance trips or venture into the mountains, a 3/4 ton will be needed.

[pwrstroke2012]

Get the 3/4 ton. I thought I could get by with a 1/2 ton and regretted it for 3 yrs. Picked up a one ton and night and day difference. Don't hear many complain they have too much truck.

[tuna]

So 3/4 ton it is! Will having the 3/4 ton take away some of the sway issues or would it still be a good idea to invest in a good hitch? Budget isn't an issue but we're going to have a baby sometime within the next year so safety is priority.

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[aiscpl6]

Hard to say as the towing capacity\payload range can be quite large for a particular truck depending on its configuration, 4X4 vs 4X2, regular cab vs quad cab...etc etc. Some "1\2 tons" come close to "3\4 ton" specs.

Check manufacturers websites to see what each model\configuration is rated for and then compare that to the TT specs keeping in mind that the hitch weight you listed is going to be significantly lower than the actual weight once the trailer is loaded.

And, it's not a bad idea to have more capacity then you need in case you decide to get a bigger trailer in a year or two.

[Cajun Po-Boy]

If you plan on towing frequently and over long distances here and there, you'll appreciate having a 3/4 ton truck.

[epicloopers]

For that much tongue weight you will most likely still need a good WD hitch even with a 3/4 ton. For my 2014 F250 the factory max tongue weight without WD is 850 lbs. You will definitely be happier with the 3/4 ton if you drive in any kind of hilly terrain though.

[DaveSchwartz]

I've always (except for the pull home from the dealer) used a 2005 GMC 2500HD D/A to pull my ~5000lb max TT (never the slowest thing on the road). I've never even had the sway control connected when travelling and never had sway in a multitude of situations. The 3/4 rear is not prone to sway and E-rated LT tires are part of that.

That truck is about to start a new life pulling a 10,000lb 5er and I don't regret those previous years when I was 'over-trucked'.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by tuna

Is it worth spending the cash and going with the 3/4 ton in everyone's past experience?

Yes.

I went with a 1/2 ton truck, and I am nearing my GVWR with a tongue weight that is lighter than the 1 you listed.

[CLT]

Originally Posted by Happy Vibe

The one thing you need to watch with the ram is payload. It is only around 1400 lbs but if you start putting extras on it you will have much less. My 2013 RAM 1500 quad cab big horn with ram boxes only has 1100 lbs (less than the minivan that I traded in for it).

Wow, that's hard to believe.

[tuna]

Wow that is nuts. Why is it that they make trucks that they claim are so great for towing then don't focus on payload? Doesn't seem to make sense to me. Seems like saying you can jump off a cliff.....BUT! you'll die. :what:

[pwrstroke2012]

Originally Posted by tuna

So 3/4 ton it is! Will having the 3/4 ton take away some of the sway issues or would it still be a good idea to invest in a good hitch? Budget isn't an issue but we're going to have a baby sometime within the next year so safety is priority.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Forest River Forums mobile app

Having a 3/4 ton will not help with the sway issue very much. I have a equalizer 4pt hitch on my 1 ton and no issues with sway. I have heard very good things about pro pride and Hensley that eliminate sway but I don't have any experience with them. Research them all so you can make an informed decision.

[MtnGuy]

Accordingly, a 1/2 ton truck should carry 1/2 ton of payload......1000 lbs. along with the driver. Any payload over that is a plus.

My 2006 F150 shows a empty weight of 5236 lbs, and along with a 7200 lb. GVWR, I should be able to carry almost a ton of stuff........not !!

Realistically, with me in the driver's seat, a full tank of gas, some personal items in the cab, a couple of small items in the bed, Trac-Rac rails, and dealer installed running boards, my truck is right at 6000 lbs........only 1200 lbs. of available payload.

Add the missus and the fur baby, a generator and other gear in the bed, 2 bicycles, a canoe, and 700 lbs in tongue weight, and I am within 100 lbs. or so of my 7200 GVWR.