Is this a can of worms?

mleekamp wrote:
Okay, A friend with 3/4 ton Dodge noted my 1500 (half ton) has too little tow capacity. True, there is a difference, I don't argue that at all. But look at this...

in 2000, I had a 2500HD Chevy with a 10k tow rating (WD hitch)
in 2005, I had an F150 with 9500k tow rating (WD)
today, I have a 1500 GMC with a 9700k tow rating (WD)

I also currently have a 1979 Chevy with a 5k tow rating (WD).

My point to my friend is that over the years, the 1500 has become what the old 3/4 ton trucks were...they evolved. I keep within my tow rating no matter what, but am I correct thinking the half ton trucks have double capacity than what they used to?

Remember the 1500HD's? Ford even had F250 and F250 Super Duty (before it became just the SD model).

What do you think?

You are correct in that 1/2 ton trucks have greatly evolved. I have to question if they have progressed as for as the truck ads say they have. I towed 8000 lbs with a Tundra that's one of the stoutest 1/2 tons made. It was rated to pull 10,000, but I really felt that 8K was maxxing it, and I never did any heavy duty mountain towing with it, mostly Interstate and well paved level roads. I'm happier and more comfortable having traded up to a F250 and not worrying if I'm safe or not.
An example is the Ford Ecoboost. It may tow 11,300 and have a big payload according to the specs, but it will be interesting to see how a 6 cylinder, turbo or otherwise, is going to hold up to the rigors of continuous long distance, heavy towing with those turbos kicked in all the time. That's a lot of heat and a lot of stress on that motor, but Ford says it will do it. We'll see.
Bottom line is, when you're towing a heavy trailer across the Colorado Rockies, there's no substitute for payload capacity, braking capability, and cubic inches.