Forum Discussion

Michiganmetzger's avatar
Michiganmetzger
Explorer
Aug 05, 2018

Confused 1/2ton or 3/4ton ?

Looking at purchasing our first tt and confused by all the different responses as to what truck we should get to tow it. It has a UVWR of 5295 lbs hitch weight of 635lbs. Most are saying to go with a 3/4 ton yet the 1/2 ton is rated to 7000 lbs. So I'm asking you towing veterans what would you use?

Thank you
  • eHoefler's avatar
    eHoefler
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2018
    What is the GVWR?? That is the number I would go by, if the 1/2 ton has the capacity, run it.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2018
    No one complains because they have too much truck.
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2018
    Trailer length?
    What percentage of time will the truck be used for towing and how many miles?

    Either can handle that load but a 3/4T will always tow better. 1/2T will have a softer “car like” ride when not towing. Which is more important to you?
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2018
    Half ton will tow it but may not carry (payload) all the people and stuff plus hitch and tongue weight. Seven thousand pounds isn’t that much. My SUV, a 2015 Tahoe, will “tow” 8600.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2018
    2 thoughts....it has got to have a GVWR listed somewhere or it might have a CCC listed (cargo carrying capacity). If so, add that to the dry weight to get and idea of what the GVWR is....

    Also: this is your first trailer; your next one will be heavier.
    so....go with the 250/2500 series truck.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2018
    With a 32 foot trailer, you should have a 3/4 ton truck. Better to be 30 percent too light that just barely making the numbers. Get a large engine too, they don't just tow easier, but they also really help in slowing the trailer down when going down a hill and using the engine resistance to help.
  • WNYBob's avatar
    WNYBob
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2018
    I have a 2011 Silverado 1500 LS work truck, 9800 tow #, hitch max 600. I tow a 19.5' 23' over all TT that weighs in at 4300 loaded to camp!

    I would not go higher. Maybe to 4800 max. Over that would be white knuckle!

    Check my profile for truck specs.
  • richclover's avatar
    richclover
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2018
    gbopp wrote:
    No one complains because they have too much truck.


    Good one! Agreed!

    I spent too much time with not enough truck...

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