I am towing a 27' Rockwood Ultralight, weight is under 7,000. I was told by a Ford dealer, that wanted to sell a vehicle apparently, that the 2007 Expedition would do just fine. I'm a novice and took his advice. Many of you will realize it was horrible advice. After 4 years of asking camper people, mechanics and just the general public to try to figure out why it felt like I was "floating down the road" above 50 mph, all of a sudden it seems like everybody I ask now says "the air suspension system is terrible for pulling. It will make it feel like you're floating." Now I'm looking for a different truck. We are weekend/local campers with about a 400-500 mile max traveling. The Chevy is my preference, but since we mostly use the vehicle for every day driving, the 2500 is a gas guzzler. It also is too big to fit in my garage! I would like to look at the 1500, but want some advice about it. We live in Ohio, so not tremendously large hills.

As long as you don't exceed the weight, towing, or axle capacity of the TV, you should be fine with what-ever you select. My biggest mistake was purchasing a TV that met all of my needs at the time, but then wanting a larger (heavier) FW later on. I couldn't do it because of the capacity of the TV.I traded in my 2004 2500 about five months ago. I used it as a daily driver, and you're right, it didn't do very well on mileage. I got about 13.8 around town. But it was sure nice to have when I'd hook up the FW and head out for one of our infrequent camping trips.

Do you have anti sway bars? This will reduce some of the "floating" and trailer swaying sensations you might be experiencing. Air bags are also another thought to consider. Although we pull a fifthwheel, we found many RV and truck salesman trying to sell us something we did not need. I found the truck saleman to be woefully under knowledgeable when it came to weights and towing data.RV sales people will always tell you that the vehicle you currently have with EASILY pull the unit they are trying to sell you. I suggest the best advise is to get with someone who has a similar unit and similar tow vehicle and talk with them.......There are to many so called experts out there who will offer their advise as gospel. Research online and watch for responses here.

I know this is a vague statement.. I would get the newest and largest capacity/capable vehicle you can afford... If GPM is important than weigh that in too. I love my ecoboost. But if I had the extra time. I'd get a 3/4 ton diesel.

Are you looking for assurance that a Chevrolet 1/2 ton will tow your RV? If so the answer is `probably yes' depending on the model. The tow ratings of the vehicle you prefer will help answer the question more definitively.I tow 7500 lbs and went with a 3/4 T Suburban with a 6.0 L gas engine. The 3/4 T gives me that extra tow rating cushion and I don't drive it to work. Would have preferred a 8.0 L but they don't make that engine anymore.

I guess I dont understand the garage issue.....both 3/4 and 1/2 ton trucks are the same size in the GM and Dodge lines, assuming we are looking at the same body style..shoet bed, crew cab, etc.Anyway, I Have owned two GM HD 2500s, and they are certainly hyge gas guzzelers....less tahn 13 hiway unloade and 6-7 towing 8000 pounds.I would guess your 7000 pound trailer weighs a lot more when loaded for a trip, and I would prefer a 3/4 ton to pull that load.....the 3/4 has a more stable towing ability, bigger brakes, heavier suspension, etc. A much better towing experience, IMO.My Ram 2500 Hemi gets 9-10 mpg towing and 19-21 hiway empty....rides better than any 3/4 ton I have ever owned, but it is 2wd.I doubt that you can have too much truck!

1/2 ton or 3/4 ton? | Good Sam Community

bryoderwls
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
In the TV are me, my wife and 2 kids. Don't usually have it packed really full.
Mr_Biggles
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
What payload are you carrying in the TV ? If it's just you and the wife, your payload is good for a 1/2 ton, but if it's you , the wife, 5 kids and a dog , then you will need a 3/4 ton . The TV's payload rating is just as important as it's tow rating.
bryoderwls
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
You guys are great! I didn't expect so many responses so quickly. Thank you all for the advice. The garage issue will probably be there no matter what! I do have anti-sway bars and have messed with raising and lowering which has helped. A couple farmer friends have told me to "get used to how it feels." Sorry, can't do it, I'm white knuckled the entire drive. I've been told that leaf spring suspension will make a big difference in the feel of towing!? I think I will test drive a few different trucks and see what I come up with. Any further advise or suggestions are truly appreciated.
TomG2
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
bryoderwls wrote:
..snip......
We are weekend/local campers with about a 400-500 mile max traveling. The Chevy is my preference, but since we mostly use the vehicle for every day driving, the 2500 is a gas guzzler. It also is too big to fit in my garage! I would like to look at the 1500, but want some advice about it. We live in Ohio, so not tremendously large hills.

Do some searching on these forums and you will find a whole lot of posts asking how they can upgrade their half ton pickup to handle a 6,000 to 8,000 pound trailer. There are exceptions as to any rule, but having done the half-ton/three quarter ton swap, I will pick the one with the most capacity every time. I tow a lot, so towing comfort is very important to me. If I didn't, I might go for the fuel savings of the half ton.
spoon059
Explorer II
Oct 16, 2013
You need to know your tongue weight, your passenger and gear weight and make sure that combined weight is below your payload capacity. For a weekend warrior, half ton trucks are usually the more economical approach. However, if your tongue weight and passenger/cargo weight are more than a half ton can handle, that takes the half ton out of the equation.
zogg
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
I guess I dont understand the garage issue.....both 3/4 and 1/2 ton trucks are the same size in the GM and Dodge lines, assuming we are looking at the same body style..shoet bed, crew cab, etc.

Anyway, I Have owned two GM HD 2500s, and they are certainly hyge gas guzzelers....less tahn 13 hiway unloade and 6-7 towing 8000 pounds.

I would guess your 7000 pound trailer weighs a lot more when loaded for a trip, and I would prefer a 3/4 ton to pull that load.....the 3/4 has a more stable towing ability, bigger brakes, heavier suspension, etc. A much better towing experience, IMO.

My Ram 2500 Hemi gets 9-10 mpg towing and 19-21 hiway empty....rides better than any 3/4 ton I have ever owned, but it is 2wd.

I doubt that you can have too much truck!
Dick_B
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
Are you looking for assurance that a Chevrolet 1/2 ton will tow your RV? If so the answer is `probably yes' depending on the model. The tow ratings of the vehicle you prefer will help answer the question more definitively.
I tow 7500 lbs and went with a 3/4 T Suburban with a 6.0 L gas engine. The 3/4 T gives me that extra tow rating cushion and I don't drive it to work. Would have preferred a 8.0 L but they don't make that engine anymore.
bigcitypopo
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
I know this is a vague statement.. I would get the newest and largest capacity/capable vehicle you can afford... If GPM is important than weigh that in too. I love my ecoboost. But if I had the extra time. I'd get a 3/4 ton diesel.
dancoppins
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
Do you have anti sway bars? This will reduce some of the "floating" and trailer swaying sensations you might be experiencing. Air bags are also another thought to consider.

Although we pull a fifthwheel, we found many RV and truck salesman trying to sell us something we did not need. I found the truck saleman to be woefully under knowledgeable when it came to weights and towing data.

RV sales people will always tell you that the vehicle you currently have with EASILY pull the unit they are trying to sell you.

I suggest the best advise is to get with someone who has a similar unit and similar tow vehicle and talk with them.......There are to many so called experts out there who will offer their advise as gospel. Research online and watch for responses here.
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Oct 16, 2013
As long as you don't exceed the weight, towing, or axle capacity of the TV, you should be fine with what-ever you select. My biggest mistake was purchasing a TV that met all of my needs at the time, but then wanting a larger (heavier) FW later on. I couldn't do it because of the capacity of the TV.

I traded in my 2004 2500 about five months ago. I used it as a daily driver, and you're right, it didn't do very well on mileage. I got about 13.8 around town. But it was sure nice to have when I'd hook up the FW and head out for one of our infrequent camping trips.

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