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BeerBrewer's avatar
BeerBrewer
Explorer
Oct 07, 2018

1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for towing a TT

I'm thinking about replacing my truck because it can't tow what we need. We are new to RVing and our Plan A as to find find a used TT thst we liked and that we could safely tow with my truck. Well the search isn't going well and we're going to plan B. Buying new tow vehicle that can pull a decent sized TT.

So I keep reading/hearing that the today's half ton trucks are much more robust that they were 10 years ago, claiming today's half tons are like yesterday's 3/4 ton. Is that true?

Below is a link to one of those articles.
https://rvlifemag.com/towing-half-ton-three-quarter-ton/

Odds are we are going to get a TT that weighs (GVT)beweet 5500 to 7500 lbs so I'm wondering if what size truck to get and we'd like to hear your opinions.

Lastly if we decide upon a 5th wheel we'd definitely get a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

What do most TT owners use to tow with?
Tow Vehicles

35 Replies

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  • George3037's avatar
    George3037
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2018
    Yes, most modern 1/2T's will easily tow a 7500 lb. TT. My previous 1/2T was rated for 12K towing but for all the reasons mentioned I upgraded to a 3/4T a couple years ago.
    If considering a 5th wheel I would get a 1T dually. A 3/4 or 1T single rear wheel will tow a 5er but IMO a dually will have better stability.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Oct 07, 2018
    Ron3rd wrote:
    The 2500 will give you more options


    True but a half ton is probably plenty just so long as it has the towing package and does not have one of those mini-engines. Check the tow capacity of the truck you are interested in on the manufacturer's website.
  • hone_eagle's avatar
    hone_eagle
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2018
    donn0128 wrote:
    While mfgs today have really upped towing limits, there are things 1500s dont have. Among then are better brakes, stronger frames. More motor, better transmissions, better tires and wheels. For a 7500 pounds your probably well within limits of most 1500s as long as you load the truck lightly. Instead of looking short term, look long range and buy a truck to handle your next trailer. No one truck is perfect for everyone, so make a wise decision based on your goals.


    Don't forget full floating rear diff/axles
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2018
    While mfgs today have really upped towing limits, there are things 1500s dont have. Among then are better brakes, stronger frames. More motor, better transmissions, better tires and wheels. For a 7500 pounds your probably well within limits of most 1500s as long as you load the truck lightly. Instead of looking short term, look long range and buy a truck to handle your next trailer. No one truck is perfect for everyone, so make a wise decision based on your goals.

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