Half ton pickup tow vehicle

[aufinger]

You asked about newer 1/2-ton trucks with higher torque and hp engines like the 5.3 Ecotec. I pull a 26' 6800 GVWR travel trailer with a 2021 Silverado 4x4 Z71 6.2/10 speed which is rated at 420 HP and 460 lb-ft torque (the 6.2 is basically a bored 5.3 with larger valves). I'd say that my 1/2-ton truck is a great match for my travel trailer. I like it a lot. After towing with this combination for the past 20 months, if I was going to get a larger trailer and keep the truck, I would not go over 7,800 lbs. I'll add that while I get 11 mpg towing, the 6.2 does requires premium gas which adds to the cost of fuel. I do not tow in the mountains.

[itat]

Originally Posted by bikendan

The problem is that 3/4 ton trucks are scarcer and more expensive than a 1/2 ton.

Originally Posted by fipntdot

That was our concern. The diesels were basically unavailable, and the 3/4 were not common and much more expensive. By no means am I saying the 150 is as powerful as the 250/350. I just picked it because it met my needs and was available.

I totally get that 3/4 tons are less available than 1/2 tons. I ended up having to buy a new 3/4 ton because all the used trucks were well used for commercial purposes and only available at dealers I wasn’t willing to trust. Back in 2016 I don’t think there was a 1/2 ton with a payload much over 1600#. Besides that, I knew that we’d eventually move to a fifth wheel so I wanted some future proofing.

As long as you aren’t exceeding the GVWR on your half ton, then you’re fine. A properly equipped 1/2 ton for a larger TT is probably also less available. There’s plenty of grocery getters out there but that’s not what you need to pull a heavy TT that’s putting north of 900# on the tongue. Its all about payload, not tow rating.

[KyDan]

8500 LB trailer is not a light weight in my book!
I have a gas truck- see my signature.
My trailer weighs less than 6000 fully loaded.
My truck tows it readily but gets a dismal 7-8 mpg.
I know diesel fuel is expensive but if I had an 8500 LB trailer I would not consider
a gas truck.
Just my 2¢

[Coast Ranger]

I'm also looking to trade up from a Tundra to something that will pull a 33' TT up the 6% grade at Howard Gap on I-26 in NC. And we have a notion to upgrade to a 5th wheel after I retire. Like OP, I don't want to have to spend more on diesel and def, but want to enjoy better mileage, towing or not.

A friend was looking to do the same thing. Before Covid he jumped into a gas F-150 4x4 with the Max Trailer Tow Package. I think he said it's the 3.5L Ecoboost, but I'm sure he said he gets 24 MPG back and forth to work. Ford's specs indicate it has a max tow weight of 12,400 lbs. (I hope I'm reading that right on the Ford spec sheet.) He loves it. Another friend with a similar build absolutely loves his. I'm not a Ford guy, but I like real world evaluations from people I know wouldn't lie to me. So I went looking a few months ago. The best I could find in a 500 mile radius was a 7 year old truck with 40,000 miles for $90,000. And I couldn't be sure that had the MTTP. That's not going to happen for me. If I'm going to take out a mortgage on my house, I'll get a new truck with a new warranty. The Tundra only has 80,000 miles on it, and is paid for. Maybe I should sell the camper and tell my wife we're going back to tents. I digress.

What are y'all's thoughts on Ford's MTTP on a half ton truck?

[ppine]

It was time to buy a new truck. I started out looking at 1/2 ton vehicles like the Ford with the 3.5 liter turbo. It became quickly apparent that a 1/2 gas truck with some nice features was going to cost around $60k. For a little more, I could buy a 3/4 ton diesel truck that will out pull it, out last it and is much more truck with better resale value. I bought a Ram 2500 with the 6.7 liter diesel and it is like a rocket ship.

Diesel technology is likely to hang around because we can grow diesel and make it from rapeseed, algae and lots of other things.

[Coast Ranger]

Originally Posted by ppine

It was time to buy a new truck. I started out looking at 1/2 ton vehicles like the Ford with the 3.5 liter turbo. It became quickly apparent that a 1/2 gas truck with some nice features was going to cost around $60k. For a little more, I could buy a 3/4 ton diesel truck that will out pull it, out last it and is much more truck with better resale value. I bought a Ram 2500 with the 6.7 liter diesel and it is like a rocket ship.

Diesel technology is likely to hang around because we can grow diesel and make it from rapeseed, algae and lots of other things.

I heard on the radio this week that Rams are being offered with a lifetime drive train warranty. I thought to go look at one, but was afraid I'd come home with one. If they turn out a solar powered diesel, I won't be able to help myself.

[GravelRider]

I have a 2018 Ford F150 2.7L Ecoboost. I pull a 6500 lb trailer (fully loaded, sometimes less than this). Even pulling it up mountains out west, I never felt short on power. Would I like to have had some extra oomph sometimes? Sure. But never really felt underpowered. I average about 9 mph towing and 20 mph without the trailer.

What I always feel short on is suspension. Although I'm well under my max tow capacity, I'm right at the edge of my payload capacity, and I can definitely feel it. We plan to upgrade to a 3/4 or 1 ton in the future. We'd already have one, except that around here the only way to buy a 3/4 or 1 ton truck is sight unseen at or over MSRP, because they're all sold before they make it to the lots. As long as my truck keeps running, I'll stick with it until things get back sane again.

[camper_Lucy]

my 2 cents...

Keep the current Truck it is a known and fits the job.

Go buy a a low cost daily driver to save on fuel if that is your concern, then you have the truck for towing when needed, best of both worlds. and probable more savings then a new truck would have gotten you depending on what you pick for a daily driver.

[zanoffmj]

Look at the Tundra. I have had 2 and they are great. I had the 5.7 Liter. The 2022 model has a V6 with a turbo. Try to find a 2021 model. The 5.7 has a 10,200 towing capacity and the 2022 has a 12000lb towing capacity’s

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by zanoffmj

Look at the Tundra. I have had 2 and they are great. I had the 5.7 Liter. The 2022 model has a V6 with a turbo. Try to find a 2021 model. The 5.7 has a 10,200 towing capacity and the 2022 has a 12000lb towing capacity’s

Unless Toyota has improved payload capacities for their new generation Tundra, they will continue to be in last place. Ram was traditionally bad also, in the 1500 line but they upped the payload capacities a few years ago.
Both Tundras and Titans have the poorest payload capacities in the 1/2 ton market.
All 1/2 trucks will run out of payload capacity WAY before getting close to the max towing capacity. Too many people only focus on tne towing capacity number.

[Traveling Circus]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Unless Toyota has improved payload capacities for their new generation Tundra, they will continue to be in last place. Ram was traditionally bad also, in the 1500 line but they upped the payload capacities a few years ago.
Both Tundras and Titans have the poorest payload capacities in the 1/2 ton market.
All 1/2 trucks will run out of payload capacity WAY before getting close to the max towing capacity. Too many people only focus on tne towing capacity number.

Correct. I have two Tundras, 2008 & 2016. The Tundra will tow a 10,000 trailer, but you'll exceed all the maximums. IMO, stay under 25' and 6,000lb, with any 1500 line
. Not just Tundras.

[Mike134]

Originally Posted by Traveling Circus

Correct. I have two Tundras, 2008 & 2016. The Tundra will tow a 10,000 trailer, but you'll exceed all the maximums. IMO, stay under 25' and 6,000lb, with any 1500 line
. Not just Tundras.

I'm pulling a 7700 GVWR 28' trailer with my F150 14,000 miles so far towing and no issues.

I happen to think towing and working on extension ladders are a lot alike. Some folks would never consider being on an extension ladder, they may very well think the same way about towing with a 1/2 ton.

[Traveling Circus]

Originally Posted by Mike134

I'm pulling a 7700 GVWR 28' trailer with my F150 14,000 miles so far towing and no issues.



I happen to think towing and working on extension ladders are a lot alike. Some folks would never consider being on an extension ladder, they may very well think the same way about towing with a 1/2 ton.

How do your numbers look; front, rear axel's and payload? My only issue with my Tundra is low payload capacity. But, I will sacrifice that for Toyota reliability. My daily driver is an 08 Tundra DC 5.7 2wd. 299,009 miles. We just finished a 700 Mike roundtrip towing our 22'Microlite, trailer , weighed at Catscale at 4,400 #. Still with that, I'm only 200# under payload capacity.

[Traveling Circus]

Originally Posted by Mike134

I'm pulling a 7700 GVWR 28' trailer with my F150 14,000 miles so far towing and no issues.



I happen to think towing and working on extension ladders are a lot alike. Some folks would never consider being on an extension ladder, they may very well think the same way about towing with a 1/2 ton.

Forgot to say, I'll get on an extension ladder, but not comfortable doing that, similar to towing beyond my TV capacity. I could do it, but I'd rather be comfortable than stressed.

[Mike134]

Originally Posted by Traveling Circus

How do your numbers look; front, rear axel's and payload? My only issue with my Tundra is low payload capacity. But, I will sacrifice that for Toyota reliability. My daily driver is an 08 Tundra DC 5.7 2wd. 299,009 miles. We just finished a 700 Mike roundtrip towing our 22'Microlite, trailer , weighed at Catscale at 4,400 #. Still with that, I'm only 200# under payload capacity.

I've got 1900lbs payload trucks GVWR is 7050. I've been at 7100 with the truck running a 16% tongue weight and to be quite honest LOVE how the truck handles when heavily loaded.
I don't worry about maxing out the GVWR, just like that 300lb rating on the extension ladder, far smarter people than me came up with that number why would I use some lesser number some internet wizard dreams up?

[whj1961]

Originally Posted by Mike134

I've got 1900lbs payload trucks GVWR is 7050. I've been at 7100 with the truck running a 16% tongue weight and to be quite honest LOVE how the truck handles when heavily loaded.
I don't worry about maxing out the GVWR, just like that 300lb rating on the extension ladder, far smarter people than me came up with that number why would I use some lesser number some internet wizard dreams up?

Which engine do you have and what is your truck bed length? Ive been shipping around for trucks myself,. Thanks

[Mike134]

Originally Posted by whj1961

Which engine do you have and what is your truck bed length? Ive been shipping around for trucks myself,. Thanks

I special ordered mine back in '19 It's a supercab, WB of 145" with the 6-6 bed, 3.5L engine. Lariat trim level so I have my bling and payload.

The ecoboost never runs out of power I've caught myself towing the trailer doing 75 while passing. Truck and trailer behave very well at 64 MPH even with 30 mph crosswinds, but I do run with a heavy tongue weight 15-16% of the trailer weight.

Since I haven't tried bigger than 28' 7700 GVWR trailer with it, it would be just 6 beer bar talk to say what the upper limit would be since I have no experience bigger.

[whj1961]

Originally Posted by Mike134

I special ordered mine back in '19 It's a supercab, WB of 145" with the 6-6 bed, 3.5L engine. Lariat trim level so I have my bling and payload.

The ecoboost never runs out of power I've caught myself towing the trailer doing 75 while passing. Truck and trailer behave very well at 64 MPH even with 30 mph crosswinds, but I do run with a heavy tongue weight 15-16% of the trailer weight.

Since I haven't tried bigger than 28' 7700 GVWR trailer with it, it would be just 6 beer bar talk to say what the upper limit would be since I have no experience bigger.

ahh, Thanks for update. i currently have 2011 1500 Silverado Extended cab, 147 WB. with 342 axle. Payload cap is only 1560 i re adjusted my WD but i still get a little push pull when an 18 wheeler passes. that is my only concern. Truck pulls fine here thru the hills in New England to MAine. been looking at newer 1/2 ton crew cabs with the longer wheel base like around 158? approx. my towing a 2019 2509S minimal weight in bed of truck and only two passengers. my friends we camp with says to get 3/4 ton. im going crazy reading and proably over thinking. I know if i go with 1/2 ton i want the max tow package for sure.

[itat]

I may be out of date but a 1/2 ton with a 1900# payload is rare. (That’s 3/4 ton diesel payload territory.) The norm is probably around 1600# or less. Most folks are looking for a crew cab with some bling.

Regardless, for the OP’s TT, a 3/4 ton is going to be a much better (safer) choice. Diesel or gas is a matter of preference for any TT.

[moose074]

My 2018 Ram 1500 has a payload of just over 1900 pounds it’s a tradesmen with the V6, my moms 2013 Dodge Dart has a payload of almost 1050, wife’s old 2020 Dodge Journey had 1100 her 2018 Forerunner 1200, my old Tundra 1380 my old 2014 150 1295 . So what point I’m I making a thinker stronger frame on a Tundra is only 180 more than a heavy forerunner on a Tacoma frame don’t make sense. The unibody Journey and Darts in the same ballpark as a F 150 ( Platinum) and Tundra again doesn’t make sense especially since most unibodies don’t allow use of WD hitch because worries of damage to unibody. For towing numbers manufacturers use the same standard for payload there is no industry standard.
Many that use lack of payload as an excuse not to own a 1/2 or 3/4 are often the first to ignore the same number when someone is within the payload number often claiming that the heavier trailer is going to push the lighter truck around, but again most trls outweigh the truck pulling them.

Then we here about it’s illegal but the only article I have ever seen when asked for proof is a driver of a boat who was hired ( now he falls into DOT territory requiring cdl) When asked how “ hotshot “ drivers don’t have to abide by the sticker on the door. We are told it’s because they registered the truck at a higher weight rating, but how does that make the truck any more legal or safe.

It’s funny that payload is the most often mentioned limiting capacity but the one that doesn’t have a set standard or true understanding.