The Dreaded 1/2 Ton Towing Question
Ok, not really but kind of. I currently have a 2012 GMC Sierra Crew Cab 1500. The truck is paid off and a 3/4 ton is not in the cards for me at least for the time being. I currently pull a 1999 25...
Forum Discussion
Point taken. Some folks choose to pull their large travel trailer with a 2500 or 3500, even some with 3500DRW. Again, Tom, that is not the subject of this thread.
The subject is, "can we use a 1/2 ton to pull a given travel trailer, and have a good setup" ?
My point is, as demonstrated by both the numbers and real world observation and experience, yes, the OP can most likely have a good setup that will serve his families needs.
"Right tool for the job". Which is why I have three trucks that get used as both daily use and towing needs. All have been over the CAT scales numerous times. All are set up correctly. All tow my four trailers well, because all are in fact set up well and driven in a safe manner.
For example in my case, while for sure my dually would pull this 4000 pound funfinder just great, it would be the equivalent of driving a tack with a sledge hammer. My Frontier pulls it well, and has done so now for coming up on 50K miles.
"Right tool for the job"
And I'm not going to argue the point that I've "found a couple of exceptions". I see a LOT of this. I'm on the road 5 to 7 months a year in everything from state park CG's to resorts. There are many, many 1/2 ton trucks in use pulling travel trailers.
At the risk of once again being labeled a smart-azz, I would suggest folks need to get out more. Get out on the road. Go camp. Stay in different places, keep your eyes open and talk to folks in the real world.
Come on down, it's gonna be 70 degrees and sunny today. We'll walk around the park here and talk to 1/2 ton owners that have some really nice TT's in their space here.
The subject is, "can we use a 1/2 ton to pull a given travel trailer, and have a good setup" ?
My point is, as demonstrated by both the numbers and real world observation and experience, yes, the OP can most likely have a good setup that will serve his families needs.
"Right tool for the job". Which is why I have three trucks that get used as both daily use and towing needs. All have been over the CAT scales numerous times. All are set up correctly. All tow my four trailers well, because all are in fact set up well and driven in a safe manner.
For example in my case, while for sure my dually would pull this 4000 pound funfinder just great, it would be the equivalent of driving a tack with a sledge hammer. My Frontier pulls it well, and has done so now for coming up on 50K miles.
"Right tool for the job"
And I'm not going to argue the point that I've "found a couple of exceptions". I see a LOT of this. I'm on the road 5 to 7 months a year in everything from state park CG's to resorts. There are many, many 1/2 ton trucks in use pulling travel trailers.
At the risk of once again being labeled a smart-azz, I would suggest folks need to get out more. Get out on the road. Go camp. Stay in different places, keep your eyes open and talk to folks in the real world.
Come on down, it's gonna be 70 degrees and sunny today. We'll walk around the park here and talk to 1/2 ton owners that have some really nice TT's in their space here.
