Forum Discussion

VCRT's avatar
VCRT
Explorer
Dec 27, 2017

Shopping for a new TV

This will be a mixed use vehicle,business and personal. We tow our 6000# (loaded, and with about a 900# tongue weight) TT about once a month on average and we plan to go out west one time in the next year or two. Towing and payload capacity are important as is stability and braking, but since most of the time it will be used as a daily driver, gas mpg. is also a consideration.
We've been looking at both half and 3/4 ton Fords and Chevy Silverado's and would like to get some personal input from others on this forum.
Our current 02 Silverado 1500 combined with the trailer weighs a little over 12000# and is getting maxed out. We've already replaced the rear differential twice because it's overloaded at the rear.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Rich
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2017
    If you're looking at new trucks then IMO the 2016+ F150's with the Max Tow would be ideal. I would worry about the Heavy Duty payload option. I would look for a Super Crew with the 6'.5" bed. You should have close to 1900+ lbs of payload depending on trim. Get the 3.5 EB. Nice DD ride and plenty capable for 6000 lb TT.
  • Shal36's avatar
    Shal36
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2017
    I would look at a newer Chevy/GMC 1500 with the NHT code Package. About 2K payload and 9.76” HD rear. 7600 GVWR. 3.73 gear. Should do well for you unless you have eyes on a much bigger trailer or fifth wheel. I bought a 2500HD as we were thinking of a bigger camper but it’s really over kill for my current trailer, which is the size of yours. I would much rather drive a 1500 on a daily basis than my 2500. I’m sure Ford has a similar offering in the F150.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Dec 27, 2017
    Six thousand pounds and 900 tongue weight is right on the border for what I'd tow with my Tahoe. My loaded TT is 5,150. I'd go 3/4 ton truck for the extra margin of safety.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Dec 27, 2017
    Your limiting factors are rear axle capacity and cargo capacity. For a good comfort factor, you will probably need to look for a HD version of a 1/2 ton or a 3/4 ton.

    1/2 ton HD versions generally have beefed up suspensions, axles and heavier load rating tires, vs the non-HD versions. Be careful to get the exact correct numbers, don't guess.

    Engine power is not your limiting factor in most 1/2 tons. The Ford Ecoboost is a towing beast, for one option. Gets upper teens mpg as a daily driver, or better, depending on driving habits.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2017
    Something to think about, a DutchmenSport original quote:

    "You really need to think in terms of what is the ultimate extreme usage you'll be experiencing with your truck, not what is the lightest usage and hope it's OK when the extreme happens."

    Think about that and you'll know what what truck to get.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2017
    I've always been a 1/2 ton Chevy guy but IMO pretty well any of the current 1/2 tons with a V8 or ECO V6 would easily handle a travel trailer weighing 6000 lbs loaded. Vehicles have come a long way since your 2002, both in engine and transmission capability - indeed even my 2012's 6 spd tows better than either of my earlier version 4 spds. I'd look for as much payload as you can get and pay attention to the axle ratio, 'cause even with a 6 spd or 8 spd a 3.73 axle will still be far more capable when it comes to towing than say a 3.21.
  • NascarBobnBeth's avatar
    NascarBobnBeth
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2017
    i pull a 30ft arctic fox with a chevy hd 2500 gas and don't have any problems. i have checked the gas millage and average around 11 miles to the gallon. when towing i usually keep my speed around 60 to 65 mph

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