Upgrades to Half Ton

[OntarioFireFighter]

I'm still fairly new here; but these threads come along on a pretty regular basis.

OP - better tires (LT rated vs. the P's that are likely there now) inflated properly, and tranny cooling will help. PROPERLY installed and setup WDH with sway control is a must - and just because the dealer installed it, doesn't mean it's properly set up.

But nothing (air bags, extra springs, a tuner chip, magic seat covers, or anything else) will increase the legal weight ratings and capacities of your truck. The sticker on the door jam is what it is. Period.

Many people run overweight or overloaded in one or more of their rig's ratings - some by choice, many by ignorance (not in a negative way; ignorance as in unaware)... And most do so without ever having an issue.

You should be aware of the weights, ratings, and where your setup falls - if you're mildly over some of your ratings, and you're OK with that; that's on you - at least you're aware, and making an informed choice.

If you're wildly over (and some here, who tow substantial 5vers or TT's with 1/2t or even 3/4t are, in my opinion) - well then you're being reckless; but that's also your choice to make - and accept the potential consequences it brings.

There is an emerging trend in personal injury/auto accident lawsuits, to dive deeper into the vehicles then before; even if some here don't believe it. A quick bit of Google can show you lawyers advertising for "hurt by an RV?" business - and specifically mentioning things like overweight setups.

I towed with a 1/2t - and it did the job - but even with LT tires, a properly setup hitch, etc; it never felt the way I wanted it to under my ass. Relatively long trailer, light truck, short wheelbase - it just wasn't enjoyable to drive for any length of time.

My solution was more truck. I went with a substantial upgrade to be ready (and legal) for the planned 5ver that's in my future - but that's me.

If you can try a few simple things (tire pressures, type of tires, WDH setup) - you may be happier with the ride. Or you may find it's still not the experience you want it to be; and end up truck shopping...

Only you know what's right for you. We can offer suggestions and guidance - but not one of us knows the right answer, despite what some may say.

[captainperry]

You can try and justify it any way you want to. All this tells me is there's a lot of people driving around over there GCVWR. This vehicle with this trailer and all the things that come with it would be also.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

captainperry, will you be riding in it?

I would not be either but if an accident a good lawyer will put you in the poor house, rightly so if you hurt anyone but yourself.

[OldCoot]

Sorry, deleted my post.

[Seachaser186]

Originally Posted by Seachaser186

When someone starts one of these threads they should state the obvious. "We all know or should know that a 3/4 or 1 ton truck is a more capable towing vehicle than a 1/2 ton; however I am more interested in what improvements I can make to my stock 1/2 ton truck for a better towing experience."

Post this again

[uhduh camping]

Op I tried timbrens. It a cheap upgrade but does not really help, airbags would do better for you.

[rockfordroo]

I re-read the OP's original post. I think he knows he needs a bigger truck, but is hoping someone will give him a magic bullet. I don't think any of the suggestions given are really magic bullets.

Just my 2 cents.

[B and B]

I would agree. Towing 900 lbs over on my half ton I upgraded as the rear diff was smelling quite a bit after long interstate tow home.

[NMWildcat]

I towed smaller 5vers for years with a half ton. Sure, you can add overloads, shocks, and all manner of coolers, but the bottom line is that even when within weight specs, that half ton is working hard and will never be as stable or as strong pulling as a larger truck. In a strong head wind, you might as well pull over and take a nap (especially with that gas motor. A strong cross wind and your knuckles go white. So whenever you can afford it, trade it in for a 3/4 or 1 ton. And after you do, you will kick yourself for waiting so long to make the change😁

[davel1971]

trying to make your truck bigger than it really is would be the equivalent of falling for all the "enlargement pill" ads you see

[B and B]

OP

Are you still here.

If you are towing local and not over your weight do the minimum to get camping with your half ton.

When finances allow upgrade. Been there done that myself

[KingFisher]

Originally Posted by B and B

OP

Are you still here.

If you are towing local and not over your weight do the minimum to get camping with your half ton.

When finances allow upgrade. Been there done that myself

Good advice. I searched and searched for upgrades for my 2015 Silverado 1500, it already had tranny cooler.
Didn't find anything that suited me.

I could have pulled the windjammer to Florida but was worried, so I traded for a 2500hd.

I pulled the WJ 130 miles with the 1500 with no issues.

Monteagle Mountain doesn't need to be challenged by me and the windjammer with a 1500 though.

[OldCoot]

Sure is easy to spend someone else's money.

Some of us just make do with what we have and don't want a bigger truck when the one we have does the job.

[325BH]

One issue with exceeding weights on a 1/2 ton are the axles. On a 1/2 ton, the axles carry the weight... in addition to providing the force to turn the wheels.

On a 3/4-ton and up, the axles are "free floating", where the weight is on the spindle (the rear end itself) and not the axle. This matters a lot.

There really is a big jump going from 1/2 to 3/4.

The rear axle and bearing on a 1/2-ton is really being worked hard. Overloading them can cause all sorts of issues.

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Sure is easy to spend someone else's money.

Some of us just make do with what we have and don't want a bigger truck when the one we have does the job.

well, he did say he has considered a bigger truck, and any input would be appreciated, so any comments would be appropriate.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Sure is easy to spend someone else's money.

Some of us just make do with what we have and don't want a bigger truck when the one we have does the job.

Hey, our advice is FREE - and usually worth the price!

[B and B]

I have just mad a bowl of popcorn. This beats anything on the TV right now...lol

[f5moab]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

I'll get the popcorn machine fired up. Someone else can have the drink machine.
CatRN can clean up the BS.

I would volunteer for the BS cleanup, but who will pay for the rental of this....

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by f5moab

I would volunteer for the BS cleanup, but who will pay for the rental of this....

OldCoot says nobody needs one that big. He can do the same job with this one

[tbln930]

My brother-in-law's overload f250 still broke a spring overloaded even with him putting something to lessen the bottoming impact. I guess you can move the weakest link to something else that breaks first.?