Best vehicles for towing

TomG2 wrote:

jaycocreek wrote:
In 2008 the Ford F-150 payload started at 1480 lbs then went clear to 3080 lbs, depending on model.

As mentioned the ones with over 3,000 pound payload are standard cab special order models. The OP stated that he wants seating for four adults. The chances of him finding a used F-150 that seats four and has a payload over 3,000 pounds is about as likely as finding Flight 370. With most 3/4 tom models having a gvwr over 9,000 pounds, why search for a maxed out 1/2 ton that has 8,000 pounds?

Not four adults... two adults and two very small children (infant and toddler). Not that it really matters - I find that the amount of space an adult would need for legs is about the same that is needed for a toddler's carseat/legs.

jaycocreek wrote:
In 2008 the Ford F-150 payload started at 1480 lbs then went clear to 3080 lbs, depending on model.

As mentioned the ones with over 3,000 pound payload are standard cab special order models. The OP stated that he wants seating for four adults. The chances of him finding a used F-150 that seats four and has a payload over 3,000 pounds is about as likely as finding Flight 370. With most 3/4 ton models having a gvwr over 9,000 pounds, why search for a maxed out 1/2 ton that has 8,000 pounds, if he needs a pickup with that kind of capacity?

In 2008 the Ford F-150 payload started at 1480 lbs then went clear to 3080 lbs, depending on model.

To clarify how far we would be going... the furthest is probably a couple hundred miles. We live in Oregon which has mountains and beach a couple hours each way so there's no need for us to go far. No cross country trips for us.

I thought the Titan we were looking at had a payload of close to 2,000. I guess I'm confused too about the Tongue weight. If a truck says that the max tongue weight is 950 then I need to make sure that the tongue weight of the TT is less than 950?

Really...

Two of the SuperCrew models are receiving major upgrades to the payload capacity that will significantly improve their carrying capabilities. The 2012 EcoBoost two-wheel drive SuperCrew will receive an expanded bed to 6.5 feet, which will allow the total payload to be increased from an already impressive 2000 pounds up to a massive 2590 pounds. The 4x4 model of the SuperCrew will also be enhanced. In this case, the upgrade will shift the payload capacity from "1890 pounds" up to 2340 pounds.

Shorteelaw wrote:
Would a Titan with a 9500lb towing capacity work or would we be pushing it too much?

I used to own a Titan until it was totaled by a drunk driver. Awesome, torquey engine and good handling for a truck. I towed an open car trailer with it all the time, weighing around 5K pounds total, but I never had a chance to tow anything heavier with it.

Like I mentioned above, to me it depends on how many miles you plan on towing. I think you can make the Titan work assuming you use a WDH and maybe airbags, but a 3/4 ton is way more substantial and will handle heavy loads a lot better.

Assuming the 6,500 lb dry weight TT trailer actually weighs around 7,500 lb loaded up, that's the upper end of a properly equipped 1/2 ton truck's capacity, and the sweet spot for a 3/4 ton. The question you have to ask yourself is how far do you plan on towing? If you're going 20 miles from home a few times a year, I think a 1/2 ton will be fine. If you plan on thousands of miles a year (and one cross country trip will do it), I'd go with a 3/4 ton.

Also, forget the 'tow rating' - you need to be looking at it from a payload capacity perspective. That's typically the limiting factor. Look at the sticker on the driver's side door sill. A 7,500 pound TT will have a tongue weight of around 1,000 pounds. Most recent F150s, for example, have a payload capacity of 1,300-1,500 pounds, leaving you with 300-500 pounds of capacity to carry in the truck. That capacity is quickly eaten up by passengers and other gear in the truck.

Yes, there is an HD package for the F150 that can give you up to 2K pounds of payload, but people usually custom order for that. It's rare to find one on a dealer lot.

Again, it all comes down to how many miles you plan on towing. If it's a lot, you want those miles to be comfortable and relaxing.

Would a Titan with a 9500lb towing capacity work or would we be pushing it too much?

2oldman wrote:

Shorteelaw wrote:
I would like to stick around $20,000 if possible... but I'm not sure it is!

Possible, with a used..something. I guess everybody thinks you need a pickup. I see plenty of TT's being towed by SUV's etal.

We have a Chevy Trailblazer right now but I believe the max tow capacity is a little over 6,000 so it wouldn't work...

It wasn't all that long ago that standard cabs were by far the most popular pickup. I have only owned one double cab in my life with know cab and a half.....

I suppose you can't walk onto a lot and get a Dodge 3500 with the 30k towing package either.

As I said, not all 1/2-3/4 or 1 ton rigs for sale are meant for towing as we know it. Some 1/2 tons ate rated for towing more weight than some 3500' s aka 1-tons, so one must be careful and know what he is looking for.

Example:

Ram 3500 SLT, 6.7 -liter, Mega cab, short bed, 4WD 3.42:1 axle, A/T, DRW Towing capacity 9,050lbs