Which truck would you get?

[fordmantpw]

Good luck working on the CFO...that's the toughest job of all!

Best of luck on whatever you decide. Take it easy and stay safe out there!

 

[94BULLITT]

Well been chattin the CFO and she's givving me the evil eye about another truck, for now :laughing:, will have to see. I also contacted the guy on Tundra Solutions about the header upgrade. I really hate the idea of trying to sell my truck then being without, then looking for another, so I guess I will stay with this one for now.

I do appreciate all the honest opinions given here. That was what I needed to hear.

As for the brakes, there is sooooo little aftermarket support for this truck it's not funny. That's why I did the Dodge flip up tow mirrors on mine. The ones offered to fit over Tundra mirrors are an absolute joke. I love mine now. Full power in both positions and heated as well. The fold flat against the door just like factory ones, and as I found out the other day, they fold forward some without damage, thankfully.

What kind of headers are you talking about, shorties, or longtubes? If they are shorties keep your money. I would get a tow tune for the truck.

 

[TSO]

What kind of headers are you talking about, shorties, or longtubes? If they are shorties keep your money. I would get a tow tune for the truck.

Tuners don't really work well on newer Toyota vehicles... And you are right about the shorties, only the long tubes make a difference. I think his only two options are Pacesetters and JBA.

 

[handirifle]

Tuners don't really work well on newer Toyota vehicles... And you are right about the shorties, only the long tubes make a difference. I think his only two options are Pacesetters and JBA.

The headers I am looking into are long tube versions. Those and swapping belt drive fan to elec, and dual exhaust, one one tester showed a real 34 hp and 34ft lb torque increase at the rear wheels. He had before and after dyno sheet to prove it. Also got a 3-4 mpg increase. Pretty sweet deal.

 

[94BULLITT]

I doubt there will be any noticeable MPG increase.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I went from 4.6 Ford with hd springs to a Dodge with 5.7 and standard suspension. They are both 1/2 ton trucks. I pull a 6000lb trailer. The new setup is night and day better. I think the right 1/2 ton gasser will work fine for you, but It needs plenty of motor and brakes as well as the right rear end.

 

[fordmantpw]

Don't forget, upgrading the power will do nothing for the brakes, which was another concern of yours (and would be mine as well). I may have missed it, but what type of brake controller do you have? If you don't have a Tekonsha Prodigy, get one! I had one in my prior two trucks (before I got one with the integrated brake controller) and it is awesome! It also has a boost feature which forces the trailer brakes to come on before it senses an inertia change. I love it except for city driving, which I rarely did. When towing, the correct (and properly adjusted) brake controller will make all the difference in the world.

 

[RobertN]

One thought I would add to this. I have had to panic/evasive stop with my old tractor on a trailer behind my 3/4 ton. Little Civic cut me off bad on the highway. I was only pulling about 5500lbs that day. It was a hand full even with the light load and the 3/4 ton diesel.

My 5th wheel is a little shorter, but a couple thousand pounds heavier than the OP's. I would not want to try a panic/evasive stop with 1/2 ton irregardless of the new ones having bigger brakes etc. Nor would I want to get in to high cross winds.

 

[handirifle]

Yea if I so end up swapping trucks, it will be a 3/4T no matter what engine. I seriously considered a new 3/4 ton when I was looking for my replacement '06, but I wanted a particular engine (6.0L with the auto shut down of 4 cyl on hwy) but it wasn't offered. And if I remember correctly, the trannies were less sofisticated a well.

I guess the factories have wisened up a little over the years.

As for panic stopping with my rig, it's more like stopping faster. I really have to stand on the brakes in a situation like that.

 

[RobertN]

I was on H-50 in Sacramento when that Civic cut me off. Glad I was on a straightaway and not curves. Antilocks on the truck were anti-locking. That is about the only time I was glad to be going the Calif 55mph towing limit to begin with...

Been cut off a couple times on H-101 up near Petaluma on the way to Bodega Bay with the 5th wheel, but nothing like the incident on H-50.

As for panic stopping with my rig, it's more like stopping faster. I really have to stand on the brakes in a situation like that.

 

[handirifle]

Would be interesting to see a side by side comparison of braking with loaded/unloaded 1/2 ton gasser vs 3/4 ton diesel. See if truck weight had much affect

 

[LaMoon78]

Would be interesting to see a side by side comparison of braking with loaded/unloaded 1/2 ton gasser vs 3/4 ton diesel. See if truck weight had much affect

Wouldn't be much of a comparison if you know anything about towing 3/4 ton hands down all day.

 

[fordmantpw]

Wouldn't be much of a comparison if you know anything about towing 3/4 ton hands down all day.

I wouldn't put money on that. After repeated stops, probably. But a single stop, from a certain speed, with the same exact load behind, and the brake controller set up properly, I'm not so sure that the 3/4 ton stops faster. "Hands down all day," definitely not.

Now, stability? Depends on the weight of the trailer, but with proper brakes, the trailer should follow right behind the tow vehicle.

 

[94BULLITT]

Would be interesting to see a side by side comparison of braking with loaded/unloaded 1/2 ton gasser vs 3/4 ton diesel. See if truck weight had much affect

The new F-150's Super crew 4x4 will out stop a 01 Ford Lightning. They have a heck of a set of brakes. They are pretty much 3/4 ton brakes on a 1/2 ton. If you look at car and drivers website you could find the 60-0mph braking test on a 1/2 ton and 3/4 or 1 ton probably.

 

[RobertN]

Generally a "3/4 ton" has heavier springs, shocks, sway-bars, E-rated tires et-al that would hande the weight transfer of braking better than a "1/2 ton". The net affect of that and the actual braking ability would go to a "3/4 ton".

I would agree tha latest "1/2 ton" are much better than old, and closer to the "3/4 ton". But even the "3/4 ton" are better than those of days past.

I wouldn't put money on that. After repeated stops, probably. But a single stop, from a certain speed, with the same exact load behind, and the brake controller set up properly, I'm not so sure that the 3/4 ton stops faster. "Hands down all day," definitely not.

Now, stability? Depends on the weight of the trailer, but with proper brakes, the trailer should follow right behind the tow vehicle.

 

[94BULLITT]

The new 3/4 and 1 ton Fords have pretty much the same towing and hauling capacities.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Wouldn't be much of a comparison if you know anything about towing 3/4 ton hands down all day.

No way. My Titan will flat out stop both my previous Ford and Dodge 3/4 ton and my current F350 and past GM 3500 pulling a 9,500# load. It gives up about 2,000# of weight but has comparable brakes or better. My fathers new Eco Boost is even better yet.

FORGET eveything you know about 1/2 ton trucks till you drive a new one.

Chris

 

[handirifle]

The weight of the two vehicle was what I was thinking about. A truck weighing 2,000 less than another does not NEED as much brakes. It's all about stopping inertia, and more weight means more inertia. So a 3/4t 4x4 diesel pulling 6,000lbs for combined weight of say 14,000, against a 1/2t 4x4 weighing 5,000 pulling 6,000lbs combined weight 11,000. It will take more brake power for the 3/4t to just be even, much less out stop the lighter truck. While tires will definately make a difference in towing, and their longevity, not sure if there's enough difference in truck tire to make a true difference in stopping power. Plujs who's to say they could not have the same model tire on both trucks?

I think there would be winners and losers on both sides. There are a lot of variables. Spring strength isn't the only thing of importance to consider, as shock dampening on a sudden maneuver can cause you to either maintain or lose control. On a panic stop, the shocks take up a HUGE role in maintaining control and stopping distance.

 

[handirifle]

No way. My Titan will flat out stop both my previous Ford and Dodge 3/4 ton and my current F350 and past GM 3500 pulling a 9,500# load. It gives up about 2,000# of weight but has comparable brakes or better. My fathers new Eco Boost is even better yet.

FORGET eveything you know about 1/2 ton trucks till you drive a new one.

Chris

Chris
What is your fathers general mileage when towing decent weight, say, 6,000 or above, with the Eco Boost? If you know.

 

[fordmantpw]

Chris
What is your fathers general mileage when towing decent weight, say, 6,000 or above, with the Eco Boost? If you know.

And does he use premium when towing? I know it's not required, but Ford does recommend if towing heavy.