Forum Discussion

livemusic's avatar
livemusic
Explorer
Oct 07, 2018

A 1-ton vs. 3/4 ton

A friend bought a lightweight 5th wheel trailer, I don't recall the brand. He likes it. His old truck conked out and he bought a new 3/4 ton Ford. I asked him how it pulls it and he bragged on it, like, nothing to it. But I have read a ton of posts and a good percentage of people say just go ahead and buy a 1-ton and you're good to go. I have never owned a 1-ton. Are dual wheels pretty much required, is that your opinion? Reason I ask is I don't like the look of a dually, lol. If my friend can pull his 5th wheel fine and dandy with a 3/4 ton, seems a 1-ton that is not a dually would be fine. I also don't know how much rougher a ride a 1-ton would provide vs. a 3/4 ton. Buying a 3/4 ton would be great if it's enough! I liked his 5th wheel, far as the layout goes, very nice.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2018
    If you plan on towing a 5th. wheel for any extended period of time, go with a 3500 Diesel SWD. The difference in price between a 3/4 vs a 1 ton is not significant in the long run and you will not have to worry about the weight of the 5th. wheel with few exceptions. If you are looking a big 40' or longer 5th. wheel then you might be better off with the dually wheels.
  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2018
    Since you didn't post brand and model of your friend's trailer nor the one you're looking at, its hard to advise you.
    As the others said, pin weight first, then the trailer's weight are the determining factors as to what to recommend.
    A SRW 1 ton can tow a lot of 5th wheels easily.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 07, 2018
    If properly matched (actual weights) to the truck capability then 3/4 ton can be a great towing platform.

    Same for 1 ton SRW...or a 1/2 ton truck etc

    It is all about knowing what the trucks Axle Ratings are vs the Axle Weights so one can make an educated decision on how much 'weight carrying capacity' is available for PIN weight or Tongue weight


    I tow a 14K 5vr with a 2007 3500 SRW.......pin weight puts be right at RAWR

    Todays 250/2500s are capable of towing that same 5vr
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2018
    Just follow the rule...”buy or select the TT or 5er first then match a TV to it.”
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2018
    If I read the Trailer Life - Towing Guide correctly, the 2018 F-350 can tow 4000 lbs more than the F250 (both with SRW and diesel) 14,000 vs. 18,000.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Oct 07, 2018
    It all depends on the total loaded weight and the loaded pin weight of the 5er to determine the truck you need. A 250/2500 will work for a lighter 5er. A heavier 5er might need an SRW 350/3500. And an even heavier 5er might need a dually. But in spite of what many want you to believe, you do not need a dually simply because you buy a 5er. An SRW is stable towing a 5er if the trailer is matched to the truck ratings. It is all about the 5er weight and the truck load and tow ratings.

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