Ford or...?
I notice that a very large number of the people who post here tow with some sort of Ford product. I'm wondering if they are that much better than Dodge Rams or other hefty vehicles. What is it about...
Forum Discussion
Ford makes the best selling Half-Ton truck. This is not really in dispute. Best Selling doesn't mean... Best...
Everything is about compromises and the different brands tend to make different compromises to attract customers. I tend to lean Ford simply because I have had good service from them and they tend to be cheaper on the used market.
You must understand that the 'half ton' or 1500 or 150 series trucks are the MOST diverse vehicles made today. there are so many ways to outfit them and so many different capabilities and options that you can order into them.
With a half ton you could have two sitting next to each other with the same colors and comfort options and look identical...however one can be capable of towing an 8,000 lb trailer and the other one hardly capable of towing a 4,000 lb trailer.
Options and equipment are everything on a half ton.
The comment earlier about Ford only making the HD half is incorrect. Chevrolet also has an NHT- trailering option that increases capability in both payload and tow rating.
So, here are some general rules for towing with a half ton
1) Get the top of the line most powerful motor you can afford.
*GM- will be the 5.3 and the 6.2 V8 preferrably
*Ford- Will be the 5.0 V8 and the 3.5 EcoBoost V6
*Ram- Will be the 3.5 EcoDiesel or the Hemi 5.7 V8
2) Get the lowest axle ratio you can find in each brand. Remember that a lower gear is actually numerically higher. 3.07 rear axle is higher than 3.73 for instance
3) Ensure that the truck has the trailering package, and if available, the Heavy Duty trailering package.
4) If ordering new.. order Tow Mirrors if a factory option...
5) Get the truck with the most available payload. These will typically be 2wd trucks and mid level trim's.
6) Remember to air up your tires on your half ton to full psi listed on the sidewall of the tire before you tow.
Finally,
Educate yourself and read everything you possibly can about weight distribution, payload, trailering, brake controls and if you run across a phrase or something that confuses you ask questions.
Thanks!
Jeremiah
Everything is about compromises and the different brands tend to make different compromises to attract customers. I tend to lean Ford simply because I have had good service from them and they tend to be cheaper on the used market.
You must understand that the 'half ton' or 1500 or 150 series trucks are the MOST diverse vehicles made today. there are so many ways to outfit them and so many different capabilities and options that you can order into them.
With a half ton you could have two sitting next to each other with the same colors and comfort options and look identical...however one can be capable of towing an 8,000 lb trailer and the other one hardly capable of towing a 4,000 lb trailer.
Options and equipment are everything on a half ton.
The comment earlier about Ford only making the HD half is incorrect. Chevrolet also has an NHT- trailering option that increases capability in both payload and tow rating.
So, here are some general rules for towing with a half ton
1) Get the top of the line most powerful motor you can afford.
*GM- will be the 5.3 and the 6.2 V8 preferrably
*Ford- Will be the 5.0 V8 and the 3.5 EcoBoost V6
*Ram- Will be the 3.5 EcoDiesel or the Hemi 5.7 V8
2) Get the lowest axle ratio you can find in each brand. Remember that a lower gear is actually numerically higher. 3.07 rear axle is higher than 3.73 for instance
3) Ensure that the truck has the trailering package, and if available, the Heavy Duty trailering package.
4) If ordering new.. order Tow Mirrors if a factory option...
5) Get the truck with the most available payload. These will typically be 2wd trucks and mid level trim's.
6) Remember to air up your tires on your half ton to full psi listed on the sidewall of the tire before you tow.
Finally,
Educate yourself and read everything you possibly can about weight distribution, payload, trailering, brake controls and if you run across a phrase or something that confuses you ask questions.
Thanks!
Jeremiah
