Max Tow F150s
How can I identify a Max Tow F150 by decoding the VIN? I'll be replacing my 2012 F150 with a newer one in the next 6 months or so. I'd like the heavier duty package when I do. But how does Ford ide...
Forum Discussion
I test drove a Gas Crew Cab 4x4 standard bed (6.5ft)GMC Sierra of the 2002 vintage yesterday. It has nearly the same footprint as my 2008 SCrew F150 has with the 5.5 ft bed. It was a whole 12 inches longer. Not perceptible at all.. drove good, ride was good (not to rough at all), and is something I could live with every day. I really liked that truck.
The compromise over a half ton was....a few MPg less (maybe) and a few inch longer wheel base. But I gained so much, heavier truck, heavier frame, heavier axles, LT tires....and this one came with a pre installed B&W turnover ball!
Why can’t a half ton tow within its ratings? That’s the question right? The answer is that it can. It’s not a junk truck. They are very capable.
I can dig out a ditch for a waterline to my house with a shovel, a pick axe, and some manual labor. A ditch witch will do in minutes what it would take me HOURS if not days to do.
Here is the thing. Most gravitate from Half Tons to 3/4 and 1 tons for a similar reason. Especially those towing heavy and long TT’s. A heavier truck is a more sturdy platform. Sturdy platforms equal an easier experience and less stress. Less stress equals more enjoyment and more enjoyment and pleasure is what RV’ing is all about.
Never mind that most RV’ers are weekend warriors which means hitch up on Friday and burn rubber ASAP to get to the camp ground and start relaxing before we come home on Sunday or Monday. A HD truck removes a lot of stress from traveling with a 30 plus ft RV.
Now I am speaking in general here and many are pleased with their half ton. Heck I loved mine. I just want back in RV’ing again and I am walking straight past the half tons and looking at the 3/4 tons.
Look at RAM for example. They will flat recommend a 3/4 ton truck for towing a TT. There is so much more to it than just checking the weight boxes. As my Buddy BenK says...and I am paraphrasing....do you have enough truck to manhandle your trailer when Mr. Murphy comes calling?
Any doubt? Go to the 3/4 ton.
Tons and tons of people on this very forum have switched from half ton to 3/4 ton and say “why didn’t I change earlier”
If you are any a half ton...go for it... you can make it work and be safe. Just don’t get over zealous on the size of the TT (true for any truck)
Thanks..and JMHO as always.
Jeremiah
The compromise over a half ton was....a few MPg less (maybe) and a few inch longer wheel base. But I gained so much, heavier truck, heavier frame, heavier axles, LT tires....and this one came with a pre installed B&W turnover ball!
Why can’t a half ton tow within its ratings? That’s the question right? The answer is that it can. It’s not a junk truck. They are very capable.
I can dig out a ditch for a waterline to my house with a shovel, a pick axe, and some manual labor. A ditch witch will do in minutes what it would take me HOURS if not days to do.
Here is the thing. Most gravitate from Half Tons to 3/4 and 1 tons for a similar reason. Especially those towing heavy and long TT’s. A heavier truck is a more sturdy platform. Sturdy platforms equal an easier experience and less stress. Less stress equals more enjoyment and more enjoyment and pleasure is what RV’ing is all about.
Never mind that most RV’ers are weekend warriors which means hitch up on Friday and burn rubber ASAP to get to the camp ground and start relaxing before we come home on Sunday or Monday. A HD truck removes a lot of stress from traveling with a 30 plus ft RV.
Now I am speaking in general here and many are pleased with their half ton. Heck I loved mine. I just want back in RV’ing again and I am walking straight past the half tons and looking at the 3/4 tons.
Look at RAM for example. They will flat recommend a 3/4 ton truck for towing a TT. There is so much more to it than just checking the weight boxes. As my Buddy BenK says...and I am paraphrasing....do you have enough truck to manhandle your trailer when Mr. Murphy comes calling?
Any doubt? Go to the 3/4 ton.
Tons and tons of people on this very forum have switched from half ton to 3/4 ton and say “why didn’t I change earlier”
If you are any a half ton...go for it... you can make it work and be safe. Just don’t get over zealous on the size of the TT (true for any truck)
Thanks..and JMHO as always.
Jeremiah
