1/2 ton truck towing question
I am looking for a toy hauler to put a golf cart in. I’ve seen a few but they will be about 10,000 pounds after everything is loaded. Current tow capacity on the truck is 9300lbs. With GVWR @ 7,000lbs...
Forum Discussion
You can't change the "rating". That comes from the manufacturer and doesn't change if you replace parts.
You may or may not be able to improve the capability. In addition to the springs, the axles, tires, brakes, frame and rims factor into the rating. Upgrading the springs may simply be putting a Band-Aid on the issue as the truck will look good but other parts may be over their ratings.
Honestly, I would cap out around 7500lb with a properly outfitted 1/2 ton. Much over that and I would want the bigger beefier 3/4 ton. Bigger brakes, axles, stronger frame, more truck weight relative to the trailer, etc... all make for a more pleasant and safer towing experience.
If you don't want to replace the truck, start looking at trailers where the GVWR is a bit lower.
PS: Toy haulers tend to have high percentage for hitch weight, so it's not just the tow rating. At 9000lb loaded, you could easily have a 1500lb hitch weight. Most 1/2 tons have a payload of only around 1500-2000lb...that leaves you in pretty tough shape once you add passenger weight and anything in the truck bed.
You may or may not be able to improve the capability. In addition to the springs, the axles, tires, brakes, frame and rims factor into the rating. Upgrading the springs may simply be putting a Band-Aid on the issue as the truck will look good but other parts may be over their ratings.
Honestly, I would cap out around 7500lb with a properly outfitted 1/2 ton. Much over that and I would want the bigger beefier 3/4 ton. Bigger brakes, axles, stronger frame, more truck weight relative to the trailer, etc... all make for a more pleasant and safer towing experience.
If you don't want to replace the truck, start looking at trailers where the GVWR is a bit lower.
PS: Toy haulers tend to have high percentage for hitch weight, so it's not just the tow rating. At 9000lb loaded, you could easily have a 1500lb hitch weight. Most 1/2 tons have a payload of only around 1500-2000lb...that leaves you in pretty tough shape once you add passenger weight and anything in the truck bed.
