General towing guestion - newbie

Aftertheloop wrote:
We plan to buy our first TT in the coming months. It will probably be something in the 8,000 pound (loaded) range. I’m thinking we would like to use a large SUV to tow but from my observations it seems most people have trucks. Should we consider a SUV or is a truck really the way to go? We are experienced travelers having spent the last year on a boat, and will probably be out 4-6 weeks at a time.

For this size of trailer you'd certainly want a 3/4 ton.

An 8,000 lbs TT will have about 1,000 lbs of tongue weight. Now add to that tongue weight the weight of you, your wife and kids, and everything else you will load in the tow vehicle (snacks, toys, luggage, tools, dog, firewood, whatever you load in the SUV/Truck). This is how much payload you need to be able to carry. This number is likely to be 1,600 - 2,000 lbs±. Not many SUV's will handle this much weight.

Eight thousand pounds loaded (is that gross vehicle weight rating?) means a tongue weight of up to 1,200 lbs (15% of 8,000 lbs). If you add four people (600 lbs at 150 lbs each) and 200 pounds of "stuff" in the tow vehicle that adds up to 2,000 lbs of payload. These are approximate numbers but given this, and adding in a 10% fudge factor, you need a tow vehicle that has a tow rating of 8,800 lbs and payload of 2,200 lbs as a bare minimum.

A quick look at some of the bigger SUV's I found the 2018 Ford Expedition with max towing packaging (suppose to be one of the best in class for towing) can tow up to 9,000 lbs BUT the maximum tongue weight is only 900 lbs. AND maximum payload is about 1,800 lbs.

Again, these are approximate numbers but unless there is something new for 2019 (or I missed something) I think it's going to be tough to find an SUV that can handle the load especially if you're going to be in hilly country.

Great information. Thanks!

So what type trucks should I be looking at?

I would say whatever brand 3/4 ton you like. Also depending on how often and where you go would affect the decision. For instance if a lot of hills or mountains are in your plans, to me a diesel is a must. If you stay mostly local, and short hauls, a gasser is great.

New? You will find that heavily loaded 150/1500s are really expensive. A moterletly loaded 250/2500 is a much more capable platform for about the same price. Ram Hemis seem do really well as do Fords 6.2L gas motor for towing up to around 10,000 pounds. The trade off with a 2500 is a bit rougher ride. The benefits are stronger frame, tires, wheels, axles, springs, brakes etc. Not to mention better resale value down the road.
How many bodies do you carry? 2? An extended cab is probably OK. Crew cabs will allow more i side storage and more bodies in seats. Long bed, short bed? Another long debate. Short bed if your concerned about driving and parking. Long bed for more in bed storage. There is no right or wrong, only what your comfortable with.

Aftertheloop wrote:
Great information. Thanks!

So what type trucks should I be looking at?

Some of the newer 1/2 ton trucks (F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500) can handle this load. In addition older 3/4 ton trucks (F-250, Silverado 2500, Ram 2500) can easily handle these loads.

We just recently got a new 8,800 lb trailer (gross vehicle weight rating) and I knew I couldn't pull it with my older 1/2 ton truck (2007 Silverado 1500 4.8L). I didn't want to get into a $40K ~ $50K loan at this stage (two years away from retirement) on a newer model 1/2 ton truck so we went with an older 2012 F-250 6.2L gas. It has a maximum tow rating of 12,500 lbs and maximum payload of 4,000 lbs so it easily pulls the trailer even if my wife should load it to the 8,800 lb max.

Some of the newer 1/2 ton trucks with max towing packages rival the towing capacity of older 3/4 ton trucks (2018 F-150 3.5L ~2,800 lb payload and ~13,000 lb towing).

IMHO, a large SUV (Expedition or Suburban) WITH the appropriate HD trailer tow package should be fine for UNDER 8,000 GROSS trailer weight. My daughter's family tows a 7,000+ lb TT with an Expedition, no problems.

When I was looking at getting my 5th wheel, my buddy told me to get a 3500 instead of a 2500 even though the 3/4 ton truck would do the job. For not much more money I'd have more truck for any future changes. Fast forward to recently, I decided to add a truck camper to the 5th wheel camper collection so I could pull my boat and camp. So glad I got the 3500! Now when Momma wants comfort, we take the 5th wheel; when I want to camp and fish, I put the TC on and go. So, get more truck than you think you will need.

OK, you have a lot of experience here to draw upon. I had a 1500 and have pulled an 8000 lb. trailer with it, a friends, so it was not a regular thing. It did it but it was all I cared to pull with it. Its at its limits.


I upgraded the trailer to a 10K gross weight TT and got a 2500 GMC. It pulls that trailer just fine. Its not a workout behind the wheel like it might be with the lighter set up you are considering. I assure you that you don't understand this being new and not experienced in towing.


The other issue is how do you plan on using your trailer? Short weekend getaways or longer 1-2 week or more trips? A smaller trailer will work if you don't mind giving up some creature comforts and are just looking for a dry place to sleep. The saying is buy your last trailer first. I have had 3 since 2012 when we got our first trailer, a 24 ft Coleman Autumn Ridge. I now have a 37 foot Laredo with 3 slides. We love it and its great living for our longer trips we take. We are retired so we have that luxury of time. The drawback is its a beast to tow and I have a challenge finding gas stations I can get into and OUT of. My truck is a gasser, not a diesel.


You have lots to consider and good support here to ask your questions. Welcome to the forum.