Trailer Towing Question

[budlite]

Going to be purchasing a truck in the near future, and after that possibly a trailer or two. Is a 1500 grade truck (V-8) adequate to pull a 20 ft camper trailer? How about 8x16 enclosed utility trailer with 2 or 3 motorcycles inside? Or do I have to get a 2500?

Thanks

 

[lostcause]

Going to be purchasing a truck in the near future, and after that possibly a trailer or two. Is a 1500 grade truck (V-8) adequate to pull a 20 ft camper trailer? How about 8x16 enclosed utility trailer with 2 or 3 motorcycles inside? Or do I have to get a 2500?

Thanks

it's probably going to come down to a question of how far, how often, and at what speeds? i've had 1/2 tons and 3/4 tons for towing similar sized needs, and my experience has been that it can be done fine with the 1/2 ton, but it generally feels better behind the 3/4 ton. heavier suspension to handle the added tongue weight and bigger axles with more appropriate gear ratios for heavy loads.

assuming you equip the 1/2 ton correctly: trailer brakes and an appropriate hitch, then it can be done fine. if you plan on a lot of towing, such as seeing the country in your retirement years, or hauling the bikes every weekend, it might not be the best choice. for occasional trips, like hauling the camper to the campground and parking it there for the season, then it's probably fine.

today's 1/2 tons have pretty powerful engine choices, but don't let that fool you into thinking they are as good for towing. once you are up to speed, you don't really notice the trailer much. it's when you have to make a sudden turn, avoid an obstacle, or stop fast that i have seen the difference. the heavier duty truck seems to handle those conditions better.

the tradeoff will come when the trailer isn't there. lower fuel economy all the time and a harsher ride. initial cost shouldn't be much different - assuming you can actually compare apples to apples and find identical trim level 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks, i can't imagine the difference is more than $500-$1000.

 

[devildog1]

lostcause said it right, the only thing I can add is distance you plan on towing?
If just to local campgrounds, no issue. But If your going to Sturgis or across country then I'd look at a 3/4 ton. They tow and handle the load so much better. also if towing in hot weather, gas motors heat up real quick climbing a good grade, where diesels shine.Hope this helps.
DevilDog

 

[Diamondpilot]

The above response is great. He hit the nail on the head. First thing I tell everyone to do is skip the 3/4 ton. They are a joke to me. You can get a 1 ton SRW for about $600 more than a evenly equipped 3/4 ton. Trust me, I made that mistake and bought a 3/4 ton and 1 year later upgraded to a 1 ton SRW. Also make sure you do your homework. Just because it has a V8 or diesel engine that does not mean squat. It all comes down to GVWR, GCWR, and axle ratio.

Many base line 3/4 ton gas trucks can tow less weight legally than the same brands decked out 1/2 ton with the same engine. With a gas engine also look at where it makes its power. Some make it at a low RPM which is great for a truck while others make it at a high RPM, not so great. In the diesel world all 3 manufactures have good engines. Where they really vary is in load capacity, chassis style, and towing capacity. After that it all comes down to what you like.

Do your homework, as questions, and make wise choices to which company you are going to give your business to. All 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are not on a equal playing field. Most 1/2 tons are now day but that was not true even 3 or so years ago. And the companies that make them are very different in business practices. Just look at who is doing well and growing the last few months.

I personally have 3 trucks currently. 04 F-250 4x4 diesel, 06 F-350 SRW 4x4 diesel, and a 08 Nissian Titan 4x4. To be honest they all ride about the same but the diesels get much better millage no matter towing or around town. The Titan is hands down the best in the mud, snow, and muck.

Chris

 

[Jimbrown]

If you are going to buy a new truck the new 1500's can pull a lot of weight if you buy the correct one.

Look here at the new Ford 1500. You can get capacities in the 9000 and 11000 lb catogory with the correct one.

2010 Ford F-150 | View Towing Specifications | FordVehicles.com

 

[wvpolekat]

If you are going to buy a new truck the new 1500's can pull a lot of weight if you buy the correct one.

Look here at the new Ford 1500. You can get capacities in the 9000 and 11000 lb catogory with the correct one.

2010 Ford F-150 | View Towing Specifications | FordVehicles.com

A 5.4 in anything pulling 10,000+ is going to be miserable. I test drove a 1 ton with the 5.4 and it couldn't get out of it's own way when not towing anything.

In my opinion, 1/2 ton trucks are ok for pulling ATVs, small boats and small campers. Beyond that, get a 3/4 or 1 ton, you will be MUCH happier.

 

[Diamondpilot]

A 5.4 in anything pulling 10,000+ is going to be miserable. I test drove a 1 ton with the 5.4 and it couldn't get out of it's own way when not towing anything.

In my opinion, 1/2 ton trucks are ok for pulling ATVs, small boats and small campers. Beyond that, get a 3/4 or 1 ton, you will be MUCH happier.

While I agree with you for the most part the trucks of the last 3 years are day and night better than what we had in the 90's. We had 3 speed trannys, 250 HP and 300 ft lbs trq at best, crappy drum rear brakes, weaker components, Micky Mouse chassis, ect. Today's 1/2 tons are a world of difference with all making 300 Hp or more, good torque, stronger chassis, 5 and 6 speed trannys, large disc brakes all around, ect. They are more capable than the gas 3/4 tons made just 10 years ago.

Any 3/4 ton or large truck with the base gas engine, like the Ford 5.4L, the GM 6.0L, or the Dodge 5.7L is a pig. I had a 2500 Dodge Hemi 5.7L and while it sound impressive it was not up to the task. Never again will I buy a gas HD truck or a 3/4 ton. Its all diesel and all 1 ton SRW for me.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

One other thing. If you are considering a gas truck hurry up and buy a F-350 with the V-10. Its the only gas offering with any balls still out there. Ford is making a big mistake and canceling it after 2010 and opting to take the same route as Dodge and GM and going with smaller displacement higher revving gassers. Great for race cars but not for trucks that need low end grunt like the V-10 makes. Dodge did away with its V-10 gasser a while back when they went Hemi crazy and GM canceled the 8.1L monster 2 years or so ago now forcing you to have a pig or drop another 8 grand or more for a diesel.

Chris

 

[johnk]

One other thing. If you are considering a gas truck hurry up and buy a F-350 with the V-10. Its the only gas offering with any balls still out there. Ford is making a big mistake and canceling it after 2010 and opting to take the same route as Dodge and GM and going with smaller displacement higher revving gassers. Great for race cars but not for trucks that need low end grunt like the V-10 makes. Dodge did away with its V-10 gasser a while back when they went Hemi crazy and GM canceled the 8.1L monster 2 years or so ago now forcing you to have a pig or drop another 8 grand or more for a diesel.

Chris

That's what I'm talking about. I had a 5.4 in a 250 and it was terrible. I have a F350 w/ V-10 and gets better mileage on the highway and tows great..

 

[RadarTech]

Folks,
I don't want to start some big debate... BUT I want to share this....

I recently bought a 2010 Tacoma... it replaced a 1999 durango...
the durango had a 5.2 V-8 and a tow rating of 5000 lbs.

the tacoma has a 4.0 V-6 and a tow rating of 6500 lbs..


the durango struggled with a 3800 lb 23 ft tag along...

the tacoma pulled a 3800 lb miniex PLUS the 20 ft trailer...

If I still had the trailer, I bet the tacoma would pull that thing easily..

I have driven quite a few trucks and SUVs pulling trailers over the years...

and from the 1998 Explorer to the 2010 tacoma with the durango and an F-150 in there... I have to say the newer the better they pull.......


J

 

[Diamondpilot]

Folks,
I don't want to start some big debate... BUT I want to share this....

I recently bought a 2010 Tacoma... it replaced a 1999 durango...
the durango had a 5.2 V-8 and a tow rating of 5000 lbs.

the tacoma has a 4.0 V-6 and a tow rating of 6500 lbs..


the durango struggled with a 3800 lb 23 ft tag along...

the tacoma pulled a 3800 lb miniex PLUS the 20 ft trailer...

If I still had the trailer, I bet the tacoma would pull that thing easily..

I have driven quite a few trucks and SUVs pulling trailers over the years...

and from the 1998 Explorer to the 2010 tacoma with the durango and an F-150 in there... I have to say the newer the better they pull.......


J

That is a lot of what I am saying. I guarantee you if you drove a new Explorer, Durango, and F-150 you would be amazed at the improvements for the ones you had 10 years ago to today's models.

Chris

 

[RadarTech]

That is a lot of what I am saying. I guarantee you if you drove a new Explorer, Durango, and F-150 you would be amazed at the improvements for the ones you had 10 years ago to today's models.

Chris

Exactly..

while I can't compare the same models, the difference is years is what I am going for...


J

 

[Diamondpilot]

Those Toyota's are tough little trucks. I had a R22 4 Cylinder with a 5 speed manual on a 4x4 pickup and that thing would out pull the 4x4 4.3L S-10 Blazer I had before it.

Chris

 

[RadarTech]

Those Toyota's are tough little trucks. I had a R22 4 Cylinder with a 5 speed manual on a 4x4 pickup and that thing would out pull the 4x4 4.3L S-10 Blazer I had before it.

Chris

your telling me....

I pulled this minivan in the snow this past winter...
She was in PARK and it was going up maybe a 3% grade about 300 yards..

I dropped it in 4x4 low and L and just drug her up...


when I got to the top And unhooked her, I asked if she had her parking brake on or something as I saw her rear end sliding to the left as I pulled her... She said "why would I need a parking brake when I was in Park"


and yes I said rear end...

no comments please... :laughing:

J

 

[LBrown59]

Going to be purchasing a truck in the near future, and after that possibly a trailer or two. Is a 1500 grade truck (V-8) adequate to pull a 20 ft camper trailer? How about 8x16 enclosed utility trailer with 2 or 3 motorcycles inside? Or do I have to get a 2500?

Thanks

One Ton S R W.

 

[timswi]

My next truck will probably be a one ton. Having said that, my 04 GMC 5.3 with 3:73's tows very well, especially in the tow/haul mode. A serious improvement over my 91 and 97 Chevy 5.7's with the same gears. They do get better every year.

My next one will be a DMAX....At least That's the goal.

 

[Soundguy]

That's what DP is saying.. older trucks in certain categories are much less equipped than newer trucks in the same weight range.

I pulled since 98 with a 98 4x4 dodge 1500 w/ 5.9l gasser. was perfect on a 16' tandem trailer up to about 5000#.. hit 6000# and it was adequate on short trips.. and miserable on longer trips.

I have an 04 f250 4x4 with 6.0 psd.. much more truck than the dodge by a mile.. both in low end torque and road stability. still on long hard pulls, road conditions and poor load placement on a trailer and you could feel it.

I finally looke daround and with lots of input from people here, especially DP, I found a nice 1ton and gooseneck. can't believe I ever pulled with anything else...

good luck

soundguy

Folks,
I don't want to start some big debate... BUT I want to share this....

I recently bought a 2010 Tacoma... it replaced a 1999 durango...
the durango had a 5.2 V-8 and a tow rating of 5000 lbs.

the tacoma has a 4.0 V-6 and a tow rating of 6500 lbs..


the durango struggled with a 3800 lb 23 ft tag along...

the tacoma pulled a 3800 lb miniex PLUS the 20 ft trailer...

If I still had the trailer, I bet the tacoma would pull that thing easily..

I have driven quite a few trucks and SUVs pulling trailers over the years...

and from the 1998 Explorer to the 2010 tacoma with the durango and an F-150 in there... I have to say the newer the better they pull.......


J

 

[Dmace]

Going to be purchasing a truck in the near future, and after that possibly a trailer or two. Is a 1500 grade truck (V-8) adequate to pull a 20 ft camper trailer? How about 8x16 enclosed utility trailer with 2 or 3 motorcycles inside? Or do I have to get a 2500?

I am not going to bother reading all the post because I am sure the majority of them are saying that you need a 3/4 ton diesel to tow that 5,000lb camper and that you should just get a 1-ton because it's only a little more and while your at it you might as well get a diesel. I swear it's an automatic response whenever these guys see the word TOW they think you need a 1-ton diesel, they are obviously driving the wrong trucks...
Click any thumbnails below for larger images.
You want to tow a 20 ft camper? NO PROBLEM with a good V8 1/2-ton truck.
Here's a 27ft 7,700lb travel trailer I pull all over every other weekend with mine.

You want to tow an enclosed trailer? NO PROBLEM!
Here's my truck with the 8x16 v-nose snowmobile trailer that I use to haul our 3 Harley's to Daytona, Sturgis, Virginia, etc... I also put 3 snowmobiles in it and haul them to northern NH all winter long.

You want to tow a tractor or mini-excavator? NO PROBLEM!
One last picture, I haul my tractor to different sites all over for side jobs (3-5 times a month) and rent a mini-excavator when I need more digging power.

BTW, when I say a "good 1/2-ton truck" I mean any well equipped truck with the available towing package and largest V8 engine available. Watch the GVWR/GCWR, axle ratio and rated tow capacity of any truck you get.

 

[roamerr]

20 ft camper or 8 x 16 enclosed should be fine. My Dodge Ram 1500 with Hemi pulls my 8500lb toyhauler with no issue other than 140 mile gas station stops.

The issue I have with 1/2 tons is the rear axle is the lighter duty semi-floating axle and the tire ratings are pretty low from the factory. Rear Airbags can take care of the weaker springs and the frame is far stonger than they were years ago.

Basically watch rear weight and use a weight dist hitch if necessary. The 1/2 tons ride better and are better daily drivers. I drive my truck 20,000 miles a year and only tow 3,000 miles a year. For me a 1/2 ton was the way to go...

As for the Hemi being a pig. I agree if a pig is strong and eats alot. My Hemi pulls 10,000 lbs up Fancy Gap in Va at 70mph with no issue. Doing that it drinks fuel like crazy -- 6 to 7 mpg... When towing my Toyhauler I definitely would prefer the diesel mpg.

 

[budlite]

Thanks everyone for all the replies. I think dmace and roamerr nailed it for my particular situation. Not planning to tow more than a small-medium travel trailer or utility trailer, and only occassionally. I was hoping to find a low mileage used truck 2008 or newer rather than purchasing new.