Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-12-2012, 10:07 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 361
who has switched from a 1/2 ton TV to a 3/4 or larger TT and why?

Just wondering how many has went from a 1/2 ton TV to a 3/4 or 1 ton TV and why and are you still happy with choice. Also include which TT and TV you currently have. Please check your ego's in at the door, I intend this to be informational and friendly not who's TT is bigger! or have it be about 1/2 tons vs. heavy duty.
pwrstroke2012 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 10:20 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
tomjsas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 508
Currently have a Rockwood UltraLite 2501ss and was pulling it was a GMC Yukon Denali XL (which is a 1/2 ton model). Loved the Denali overall and it had plenty of pull for the trailer. However, if it got windy, even with my Equalizer hitch I felt too much motion. Chevy dealer had a screaming deal on a leftover 2011 2500HD with Duramax. So, jumped on it and love how much better it pulls the trailer and the extra heavy suspension tames the wind like nothing else! The other reason for moving to the 2500 was we are looking at moving up to a 5th wheel and it is a bit hard to pull one of those with a Yukon.
__________________
Tom
2004 Fleetwood Providence 38U
currently not towing a toad
tomjsas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 10:29 AM   #3
Site Team
 
KyDan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 10,518
Quote:
Originally Posted by tomjsas View Post
Chevy dealer had a screaming deal on a leftover 2011 2500HD with Duramax.
What did you pay for that new 2500

I'm looking but likely won't make the jump up to 2500 for another year.
We also are looking for one last upgrade to a 25-30' 5th wheel.
I've been chatting here and running the weight numbers and no matter
if the trailer dealers and ads say "pull this with a half ton" I'm not
going to.

I am happy with the way my current rig drives and tows even on the mountains
of Colorado or Eastern US and even with a 500 LB motorcycle in the back
but I'm in 3rd all the time and 2nd on steep hills so I won't consider a trailer
that's gonna up my gross by 1 to 2 tons.

When DW retires in a year we hope to add several weeks a year to
trailer life and we need a bigger bathroom and a slide in the living
area fer sure (oh yeah, and a FULL LENGTH mattress!!!)
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Monarch Pass.jpg
Views:	375
Size:	48.6 KB
ID:	16420  
__________________
Peace!
Dan & Rita D
2017 Nissan Titan 5.6L King cab 4wd
2016 Evergreen Everlite 242RBS
29' empty nest model. Blue Ox WD hitch
(1 queen bed, large main cabin and huge bathroom)
Camping days 2010-53, 2011-47, 2012-41, 2013-41, 2014-31, 2015-40, 2016-44, 2017-63, 2018-75, 2019-32, 2020-41, 2021-49, 2022-43, 2023-66
KyDan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 10:54 AM   #4
IT Guru
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Chesterfield, VA
Posts: 106
Send a message via AIM to jsilvius Send a message via Skype™ to jsilvius
Quote:
Originally Posted by pwrstroke2012 View Post
Just wondering how many has went from a 1/2 ton TV to a 3/4 or 1 ton TV and why and are you still happy with choice. Also include which TT and TV you currently have. Please check your ego's in at the door, I intend this to be informational and friendly not who's TT is bigger! or have it be about 1/2 tons vs. heavy duty.
We bought our 2006 Flagstaff 831FKSS when we owned our 2001 Dodge 1500. I towed it twice and didn't like the sound the Hemi made trying to climb small grades. I was within my limits, but I was only getting between 6-9 mpg towing and it was only an extended cab. Since the family and I planned on doing a lot of camping and doing some longer trips we felt we should upgrade.

We got a 2005 Dodge 2500 6.0l Diesel (based on some recommendations from my machanic and brother). I've loved every minute of it. I almost forget the camper is behind while towing. I'm getting 19-22mpg day to day and 13 - 16 mpg while towing.

I'm very glad I made the switch. The only concern I have is that I want to upgrade to a Toy hauler 5er and I'm worried that I maybe should have gotten the 3500.

James
__________________

2006 Flagstaff 831FKSS
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L Turbo Diesel Quad Cab
1 - DH (me); 1 - DW (Tee); 1 - DS (Jarod, 12)
Nights Camping: 2010 - 15; 2011 - 7; 2012 - 9
jsilvius is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 11:00 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
ironj's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,368
Main reasons for my upgrade

1. Wanted a nice large tt... or maybe a 5th at some point.

2. Towing with a maxed out 1/2 is too stressful both for me AND my old chebby

And the main reason......

I could finally afford a new 3/4 diesel and it's associated costs without worry...

Dont honestly think I could or would want to tow with anything else after driving this beast!!...haha
__________________
2015 F350 Platinum Fx4 6.7 Diesel Dually. B&W turnover, B&W Companion, air bags and wireless controller.
2015 Heartland Road Warrior 420 Rt
2012 f250 Fx4 6.7 Diesel crew cab tinted n tuned
2012 lacrosse 318bhs touring- sold
ironj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 11:19 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island N.Y.
Posts: 419
Lightbulb

Quote:
Originally Posted by jsilvius View Post
We bought our 2006 Flagstaff 831FKSS when we owned our 2001 Dodge 1500. I towed it twice and didn't like the sound the Hemi made trying to climb small grades. I was within my limits, but I was only getting between 6-9 mpg towing and it was only an extended cab. Since the family and I planned on doing a lot of camping and doing some longer trips we felt we should upgrade.

We got a 2005 Dodge 2500 6.0l Diesel (based on some recommendations from my machanic and brother). I've loved every minute of it. I almost forget the camper is behind while towing. I'm getting 19-22mpg day to day and 13 - 16 mpg while towing.

I'm very glad I made the switch. The only concern I have is that I want to upgrade to a Toy hauler 5er and I'm worried that I maybe should have gotten the 3500.

James
2001 Ram 1500 was not offered with a Hemi it was a 5.9 (360 cubic inch) motor. The Hemi was introduced in 2002 and makes another 100 horsepower. Also the '05 Cummins diesel in the ram is a 5.9 litre straight six (turbo charged). As for you wondering about second guessing a 3500 don't even worry. That 2500 is identical in every way shape and form to a 3500 the only difference is the amount of leaves in the rear spring pack. Put a set of air bags or add helper springs and you have a 3500. I make this statement with absolute certainty. I am currently looking at upgrading my Ram 1/2 ton to a 3/4 ton diesel so I will watch this thread intently.
__________________
2013 Wildcat 323QB
08 Silverado Crew Cab 2500HD Duramax-Allison
Twin Honda 2000 campsite friendly generators
Nights camped in 2014 = 19
(2013 = 36)
(2012 = 42)
JFM-jr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 11:38 AM   #7
ses
Senior Member
 
ses's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Taylorsville NC
Posts: 109
Went from 1500 silverado to f350 single wheel. Living in foothills of nc, the 28bkss 5er was a load on the hills. Now no trouble, when we upgrade camper, I should be ready.
ses is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 12:37 PM   #8
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Elko, NV
Posts: 22
I pulled my 26' Salem with a 97 regular cab chevy half ton only once. Scared the bejesus out of me. Bought a brand new diesel Super Duty in 08 and the difference was day and night. This spring I traded the Salem in for a 35' Surveyor SV 301 and am still impressed with the Ford. The fuel economy when towing went from 10 mpg to about 8, but I was expecting that. Otherwise, it tows like a dream.
__________________
TT: 2012 Surveyor SV-301
TV: F250 6.4L Diesel-CC
frfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 12:55 PM   #9
Member
 
DeeMax's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Mason Dixon Line
Posts: 30
Went from 1/2 to 3/4 diesel a few years ago, and I'm soooo glad! That decision was made with the hopes of someday pulling a camper (now reality), but more at the time for general hauling and DIY projects. Picked up a 4 year-old GMC with fairly low miles for a decent price - love it!
It's great not worrying about loading those extra bags of concrete mix or cinder blocks, or full load of whatever rather than 2 trips. Same with towing - some extra tongue weight or gear in the bed; no worries - heavy water/waste tanks; no worries - big hill, rough road; bring it.
__________________
2005 GMC 2500HD Duramax
2006 Wildwood 27BHSS
DeeMax is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 01:20 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Chatham, IL
Posts: 215
Too much strain on the 1/2 ton and both truck and rv dealer said no probelms-yea right. 3/4 pulls it without any problems
jmswms is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 01:23 PM   #11
Wanna Be Camper
 
SaskCampers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Posts: 2,420
Went from an 04 Ram 1500 Laramie to an 08 Ram 2500 megacab Laramie 4x4 hemi and i really would love to get rid of it and buy a 2012 ECO Boost F150 max payload/maxtow as it is rated to tow more and won't try and knock our teeth out doing it. Our V-Vite weighs in at a max of 8800+ lbs. I would miss the room in the cab but we are going to tough out life with the Dodge as I am tired of getting raped by car manufacturers and I do like the looks of the Dodge. For the 3 weeks out of a year that we would be towing the trailer a diesel is a waste of money and a PIA in the winter with our -30 or so temps.
__________________

John & Deb
2011 F250 Lariat FX4 Crew Cab 6.2
2011 Flagstaff V-Lite 30WRLS
SaskCampers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 02:42 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 206
We had a 27' Flagstaff TT that I towed with an '05 F150. The F150 towed it extremely well and I never had any issues with it.

Last year we upgraded to a fifth wheel which necessitated buying my F250. The new truck tows the new fiver (about twice the weight) even better than the F150 did the old TT. I'm amazed at how relaxing it is to drive this thing. Part is due to the fiver instead of TT I'm sure, but the power and chassis of the 3/4 ton makes it the tow vehicle of choice for me.
__________________
2012 Flagstaff 8528 BHSS
2008 Ford F250 Crew Cab 4x4 6.4L Power Stroke

fordmantpw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 02:47 PM   #13
IT Guru
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Chesterfield, VA
Posts: 106
Send a message via AIM to jsilvius Send a message via Skype™ to jsilvius
Quote:
Originally Posted by JFM-jr View Post
2001 Ram 1500 was not offered with a Hemi it was a 5.9 (360 cubic inch) motor. The Hemi was introduced in 2002 and makes another 100 horsepower. Also the '05 Cummins diesel in the ram is a 5.9 litre straight six (turbo charged). As for you wondering about second guessing a 3500 don't even worry. That 2500 is identical in every way shape and form to a 3500 the only difference is the amount of leaves in the rear spring pack. Put a set of air bags or add helper springs and you have a 3500. I make this statement with absolute certainty. I am currently looking at upgrading my Ram 1/2 ton to a 3/4 ton diesel so I will watch this thread intently.
You are correct, my mistake, I'm not a car/truck guy, I'm and IT person. I just know it was the big v8. And I'm sorry about the .1 liter round up.

__________________

2006 Flagstaff 831FKSS
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L Turbo Diesel Quad Cab
1 - DH (me); 1 - DW (Tee); 1 - DS (Jarod, 12)
Nights Camping: 2010 - 15; 2011 - 7; 2012 - 9
jsilvius is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 04:56 PM   #14
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Amarillo TX
Posts: 58
I tow an 8000 lb travel trailer with a Toyota Tundra (1/2 ton). The truck has no problem towing and the gross weight is within limits. It is difficult however to not exceed the truck rear axle weight rating. I never hear anyone discuss hitch weight and that is probably the biggest weakness of using a 1/2 ton truck. Though the tt is a light model and touted as 1/2 ton towable, I really need a 3/4. Upgrading springs, etc., per some dealers recommendations doesn't solve problem of overloading the axle components and the rest of the drivetrain.
Rotech is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 06:48 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
HemiCab's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 163
Have a Cherokee 26L empty weighs 6100 lbs, loaded ready to camp it weighs 7200 lbs. Tried towing several times with a 2003 1500 Ram with Hemi and it could pull it on flat roads but struggled with hills and wind. Installed Timbrens and it help some but not enough to get rid of the white knuckles and stop the weary feeling on rough roads. Braking was an adventure so I upgraded to a Maxbrake BC. Finally realized all the upgrades was not going to help my towing experience. Upgraded to a 2008 2500 QC diesel and have not had the weary feeling but still was not comfortable so I went and reweighed everything and found the E2 WDH with 800/8,000 rating was short of handling the 1,060 tongue weight. Upgraded to 4-point equalizer with 1,200/12,000 rating and the trips are now relaxed!

Could the 1500 handled the TT better with the new hitch, maybe, but I was over capacities as I found out.

Bigger truck helped but knowing your actual weights and how to load is the real nugget. Miss the Hemi but the Cummins is a beast!

HC
__________________
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 QC CTD 4x4
2014 Cherokee 284BH
Equalizer 1,200/12,000 WDH
TST 507RV TPMS
MaxBrake BC
HemiCab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 07:09 PM   #16
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 5
Went from pulling our 2012 Rockwood Signature 8281ss with a 2008 Nissan Titan with Big Tow package and a gooseneck hitch to recently purchasing a 2011 Ram 3500 Cummins HO diesel. With upcoming trips to the Smokies and beyond, I feel a lot safer towing by being under max towing capacities. And as a bonus, the ride is MUCH better!
__________________
2012 Rockwood Signature Ultralite 8281SS FW
2009 Nissan Titan LE (SWB 4x4)
kgmat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 08:48 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island N.Y.
Posts: 419
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSasks View Post
Went from an 04 Ram 1500 Laramie to an 08 Ram 2500 megacab Laramie 4x4 hemi and i really would love to get rid of it and buy a 2012 ECO Boost F150 max payload/maxtow as it is rated to tow more and won't try and knock our teeth out doing it. Our V-Vite weighs in at a max of 8800+ lbs. I would miss the room in the cab but we are going to tough out life with the Dodge as I am tired of getting raped by car manufacturers and I do like the looks of the Dodge. For the 3 weeks out of a year that we would be towing the trailer a diesel is a waste of money and a PIA in the winter with our -30 or so temps.
Most say the Hemi is way underpowered in a Megacab (just shy of 6,600 lbs) as it weighs in about 500 lbs more than a quadcab 2500. It is an awesome truck tons of room out back but The Cummins make for a much better fit in that chassis.
__________________
2013 Wildcat 323QB
08 Silverado Crew Cab 2500HD Duramax-Allison
Twin Honda 2000 campsite friendly generators
Nights camped in 2014 = 19
(2013 = 36)
(2012 = 42)
JFM-jr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 09:23 PM   #18
Brigitte
 
boubou's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Kingston
Posts: 725
towing 5th wheel with 1/2 ton but plan on upgrading in a couple (or more) years to 3/4 ton. Have to make due for now.
__________________
2013 Jayco Eagle HT 23.5
2010 Ram 1500 HEMI with integrated brake controller, tow mirrors and Michelins LTX/AT2 275/65R20 max load: 3750 lbs. @ 80 psi but we keep them 50-55 psi
Superglide 2700
Timbrens
boubou is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2012, 09:49 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
troyt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: West Central, MO
Posts: 260
Quote:
Originally Posted by jsilvius View Post
We bought our 2006 Flagstaff 831FKSS when we owned our 2001 Dodge 1500. I towed it twice and didn't like the sound the Hemi made trying to climb small grades. I was within my limits, but I was only getting between 6-9 mpg towing and it was only an extended cab. Since the family and I planned on doing a lot of camping and doing some longer trips we felt we should upgrade.

We got a 2005 Dodge 2500 6.0l Diesel (based on some recommendations from my machanic and brother). I've loved every minute of it. I almost forget the camper is behind while towing. I'm getting 19-22mpg day to day and 13 - 16 mpg while towing.

I'm very glad I made the switch. The only concern I have is that I want to upgrade to a Toy hauler 5er and I'm worried that I maybe should have gotten the 3500.

James
Almost the same exact story here. Loved my 2007 Dodge 1500 4X4 Crew. Just had no more head room for weight and gutless on hills. Now have a 2006 Dodge 2500 4X4 Crew with a 5.9 Cummins. Used as a daily driver and get better fuel mileage then Hemi. I wanted the same truck as the 1/2 ton just in a 3/4.
__________________

2017 Dodge 2500 Crew Cab 6.7L Cummins 4X4 38k mls
2010 Forest River Flagstaff 831QBSS - Equal-i-zer Hitch
2011 HD FatboyLo & 2000 Honda Shadow 1100
Nights Camped 2010 (7), 2011 (15), 2012 (35) 2013 (40) 2014 (22) 2015 (12) 2016 (10) 2017 (10) 2018 (10)
troyt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-13-2012, 07:27 AM   #20
Wanna Be Camper
 
SaskCampers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Posts: 2,420
Quote:
Originally Posted by JFM-jr View Post
Most say the Hemi is way underpowered in a Megacab (just shy of 6,600 lbs) as it weighs in about 500 lbs more than a quadcab 2500. It is an awesome truck tons of room out back but The Cummins make for a much better fit in that chassis.

I have no complaints about the power (we only have 3.73's as well)and well you can use the back seat as a camper of it's own. We just really hate the ride (A Carli Pro 2.0 suspension would fix that for 3K). We have had 3000lb of water in the box when I used to have a turtle tank and it just barely sags the rear suspension.
__________________

John & Deb
2011 F250 Lariat FX4 Crew Cab 6.2
2011 Flagstaff V-Lite 30WRLS
SaskCampers is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:06 AM.