Need to make buying decision based on towing; Please help!

[Zoe Saldana]

What about this?

https://www.mariontoyota.com/used/D...0-Marion-1d1287ec0a0e0ae8632ffabea673de32.htm

It has 3.92 axle and all towing features. I know it would be a risky situation, however I could keep my car.

98K miles - just in time to do a lot os scheduled maintenance.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

There are some things you need to determine:

1. Weight of the truck loaded (dry weight + cargo + fuel + anything you put in the truck + tongue weight)

2. Loaded trailer weight

3. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR (What the truck's maximum weight rating is)

4. Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating GCVWR (What the truck's maximum weight rating is with a trailer connected)

5. Total combined vehicle weight (loaded truck weight + loaded trailer weight). If this number is greater than the GCVWR you have a problem.

You may be right on the edge of a 1/2 ton rated truck and possibly close to needing a 2500 with either the 6.4L Hemi or a Cummins diesel

This is what he has.

Dry Weight 5,160 lbs.GVWR 7,000 lbs.Hitch Weight 695 lbs.

Even if the fully loaded weight was 7,000 his hitch weight would be about 1,000 - OK for a 5.7 - and all the stuff in the truck.

Also, no one takes long trips with the black/gray/fresh water tanks full. You dump when you start the trip. You leave about 1/3 to 1/2 tank of fresh and use RV park water. If you boondock; then you fill the fresh tank.
Considering he is traveling by himself I doubt he will reach the 1,800 addition weight limit.

 

[Toddz]

7,000 lbs is definitely doable for a 1/2 ton as long as you use a quality weight distribution hitch and take the time to ensure it is set up right.

 

[Ed Von Boeckman]

There are some things you need to determine:

1. Weight of the truck loaded (dry weight + cargo + fuel + anything you put in the truck + tongue weight)

2. Loaded trailer weight

3. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR (What the truck's maximum weight rating is)

4. Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating GCVWR (What the truck's maximum weight rating is with a trailer connected)

5. Total combined vehicle weight (loaded truck weight + loaded trailer weight). If this number is greater than the GCVWR you have a problem.

You may be right on the edge of a 1/2 ton rated truck and possibly close to needing a 2500 with either the 6.4L Hemi or a Cummins diesel

Thanks for posting this! To ensure that I understand, I'm going to use my truck (2005 Yukon XL 1500) as an example.
1. 5268 curb weight. plus me and towables. I'll assume 600lbs, 695lbs for tongue ( Does this mean given this calculation and #4 I could only tow 7437 Max?)
2. 7000
3. 7000
4. 14000 (not in image below, but I found)
5. 7000 + 5268 +600 + 695 = 13563

Pulling this trailer back from Tx to Memphis at approx 6000lbs was a strain. So when I read something that states (like on my truck) that it can tow up to 8400, that's only if towables(payload) is low enough? I'm sorry I have to dumb this down to ensure I got it. I wasn't including tongue weight when thinking about this before .

 

[Quyonmob]

14 would be great!

mind you, that is a low flat deck. Total height of the load isn’t even over 4ft.

F250 is soooo comfortable with it.

Silverado does it, but it’s a hot mess of watching trans temps, worried about potholes and dips in the road, frame beam vibes... etc.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

View attachment 230467

Thanks for posting this! To ensure that I understand, I'm going to use my truck (2005 Yukon XL 1500) as an example.
1. 5268 curb weight. plus me and towables. I'll assume 600lbs, 695lbs for tongue ( Does this mean given this calculation and #4 I could only tow 7437 Max?)
2. 7000
3. 7000
4. 14000 (not in image below, but I found)
5. 7000 + 5268 +600 + 695 = 13563

Pulling this trailer back from Tx to Memphis at approx 6000lbs was a strain. So when I read something that states (like on my truck) that it can tow up to 8400, that's only if towables(payload) is low enough? I'm sorry I have to dumb this down to ensure I got it. I wasn't including tongue weight when thinking about this before .

It is the payload that is the key number.

 

[Ed Von Boeckman]

7,000 lbs is definitely doable for a 1/2 ton as long as you use a quality weight distribution hitch and take the time to ensure it is set up right.

Here's the hitch that I have

 

[Ed Von Boeckman]

It is the payload that is the key number.

I see now. Thanks!

 

[Toddz]

I towed a toy hauler which averaged around 8,000 lbs with a half ton for years. The drawbacks were:
1. I had to buy a tongue weight scale to always ensure I was right at 12.5% (the minimum I found for a travel trailer), so I was always fighting the payload issue.
2. I was always watching the gauges on hills because the 1/2 ton trannies tend to heat up pulling the heavy weights. So make sure you have plenty of cooling.
3. You have to really slow down and sometimes drag the trailer brakes in heavy wind gusts because the tow vehicle is so light.
With all the above, I can say I have no regrets switching to a 3/4 ton. It made the trips way more relaxing. But 1/2 ton tow safely by experienced towers.

 

[Ed Von Boeckman]

I think I'll start looking at 2500s or F150, which I know nothing about, but it appears that it can easily handle my load and then some. You guys have any thoughts on F150 vs 2500 Ram? I know it's not an apples to apples comparison. I really do like the Rams. Again, I really appreciate all the help.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

I think I'll start looking at 2500s or F150, which I know nothing about, but it appears that it can easily handle my load and then some. You guys have any thoughts on F150 vs 2500 Ram? I know it's not an apples to apples comparison. I really do like the Rams. Again, I really appreciate all the help.

You are comparing 2 different types of vehicles.

It is like comparing a ram 1500 with a 2500.

You really need to read up more on towing etc.

 

[rule18]

I think I'll start looking at 2500s or F150, which I know nothing about, but it appears that it can easily handle my load and then some. You guys have any thoughts on F150 vs 2500 Ram? I know it's not an apples to apples comparison. I really do like the Rams. Again, I really appreciate all the help.

If you like the Ram 2500, get it. You'll have ample head room now and if you move to a bigger trailer some day (everyone says they won't, many people do eventually) you'll be good to go with the 2500. There, I'm done spending your money now.

 

[Ed Von Boeckman]

You are comparing 2 different types of vehicles.

It is like comparing a ram 1500 with a 2500.

You really need to read up more on towing etc.

I know. I'll have to check it out. My initial response is I'll have to buy the Ford truck with a certain trim and options to get to what I need, vs the 2500 will serve my needs out of the box, regardless of model or eng.

 

[Toddz]

I think I'll start looking at 2500s or F150, which I know nothing about, but it appears that it can easily handle my load and then some. You guys have any thoughts on F150 vs 2500 Ram? I know it's not an apples to apples comparison. I really do like the Rams. Again, I really appreciate all the help.[/QUO

I just read today that there was a huge class action law suit against ford regarding issues with their 3.5 EcoBoost engines.
The half ton I towed with was an F150 5.4 Triton. It did a decent job.
I now tow with the Ram 2500 and there is no comparison.

 

[dhay13]

My son's camper is slightly heavier than yours. It weighs about 6600lbs dry and about 8100lbs loaded (GVWR is 8500). I towed it initially with my 2013 1500 5.7 hemi 3.55s. It towed it but really ran hard on hills. Sway was a little issue when being passed by semis. He then bought a 2018 2500 6.4 4.10's and has towed it all over the country this past year. I went with him to tow it 1400 mile to TX and we got about 8.5 MPG. Total CAT scale weight was 16,180lbs. Truck and TT were about 8100lbs each. When I towed it with my 1500 I got about 7.5 MPG so the 2500 actually got slightly better mileage. I have the exact same truck as him and get about 12 MPG empty. But the towing comfort is much better with the 2500.

As far as the F150 I would pass. They say they can tow 13000lbs etc but in the real world I doubt that is very realistic. I hear the braking system is sub-par on them too. In addition the lighter F150 will not help trailer sway and comfort. Towing and stopping are one thing but when you start getting windy conditions or the unexpected emergency in front of you nothing will compare to the 2500 (except a 3500...lol)

 

[Ed Von Boeckman]

Thanks! As of now I'm focusing on the 2500. My initial search pulled back 5 for the entire US. The one I like has been wrecked. Trying to get accident report.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...ectedEntity=d2102&zip=38138#listing=284060455

 

[crash68]

How this thread reads...

 

[Toddz]

Doesnt look like a bad deal. You would still have a couple thousand miles of factory warranty.
It has the 5.7 instead of the 6.4, but it should have enough power for what you want it to do. I didn't see the gear ratio, but again you are well below the trucks limits.
I personally would prefer a 6.4, but it looks like a nice truck depending on the accident. It is crazy what used trucks are going doe right now.

 

[Toddz]

How this thread reads...View attachment 230478

Hey, that looks like my old trailer right after my divorce lol

 

[Toddz]

See what I mean....