I'm not sure what happened, but my wife suddenly opened up to the idea of a pickup and a larger trailer and currently has her heart set on the Cruise Lite 261BHXL. I know its no show stopped, but seems to fit into our price range and requirements, and is already longer than I wanted, but, whatever...The dry weight is about 4400lb, and the yellow sticker on the door is 49?? (just under 5000lb) which the salesman included all options, dry (I'm assuming thats with empty propane tanks). He was also the first salesman that didn't try to tell us we could pull it with anything, but thought a properly equipped 1500 series pickup could do it. I'd really like to avoid jumping to a 2500 series if I can, as this vehicle would be my daily driver.Is it realistic to expect that a Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, or even a Tahoe, or Expedition with factory tow package can reasonably tow this thing with a family of 4 - say, 6-700 pounds in the TV now, but 7-900 lbs as the boys grow? Or should I really just be looking at a 2500.Thanks for any input.

While a 1500 series truck might do the job with only a driver, once you add more bodies the 1500s capacity will dry up in a hurry. Get a 2500 series gasser truck and travel happy.

There's no way I'd want to regularly pull 7-9000 lbs with any half ton, especially in the mountains where I live. Some do and with the proper packages it can be done within ratings, but heavy duty trucks are much better tow vehicles, especially the diesels. Go drive some HD models and see what you think - they're a lot more refined than they were even just a few years ago. The truck in my sig is my daily driver and I love it, even just commuting in traffic. Compared to a half ton it has a stiffer ride but that's such an inconsequential factor it's meaningless. I don't really see any reason to buy a half ton unless you really just plan on using it as a people hauler and you buy it in place of a full size SUV. Heavy duty trucks don't really cost much more, they're not materially less comfortable to drive or live with on a daily basis, and they're a lot more capable. Seems like a no brainer to me.

I think a 3/4 ton might be overkill. A good half ton with a max towing package should handle that TT easily. You may not race up slopes at 60 mph but you shouldn't be dragging along at 15 mph either. I hauled a TT around the size all over the west with a F150 5.4L

We got away with pulling a 5000# dry weight Outback from MD to FL; some days you get lucky. The Outback stays under the carport and the 3680# loaded TM goes camping.

:h That trailer is well within 1/2 ton towable range. Make sure the truck has tow package, 3:55 gears minimum, and at least 1600 lbs payload (per the door sticker), and enjoy!

Tow Vehicle Reality Check Please | Good Sam Community

donn0128
Explorer II
Mar 07, 2016
While a 1500 series truck might do the job with only a driver, once you add more bodies the 1500s capacity will dry up in a hurry. Get a 2500 series gasser truck and travel happy.
IdaD
Explorer
Mar 07, 2016
There's no way I'd want to regularly pull 7-9000 lbs with any half ton, especially in the mountains where I live. Some do and with the proper packages it can be done within ratings, but heavy duty trucks are much better tow vehicles, especially the diesels. Go drive some HD models and see what you think - they're a lot more refined than they were even just a few years ago.

The truck in my sig is my daily driver and I love it, even just commuting in traffic. Compared to a half ton it has a stiffer ride but that's such an inconsequential factor it's meaningless. I don't really see any reason to buy a half ton unless you really just plan on using it as a people hauler and you buy it in place of a full size SUV. Heavy duty trucks don't really cost much more, they're not materially less comfortable to drive or live with on a daily basis, and they're a lot more capable. Seems like a no brainer to me.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Mar 07, 2016
I think a 3/4 ton might be overkill. A good half ton with a max towing package should handle that TT easily. You may not race up slopes at 60 mph but you shouldn't be dragging along at 15 mph either. I hauled a TT around the size all over the west with a F150 5.4L
scrubjaysnest
Explorer
Mar 08, 2016
We got away with pulling a 5000# dry weight Outback from MD to FL; some days you get lucky. The Outback stays under the carport and the 3680# loaded TM goes camping.
nohurry
Explorer
Mar 08, 2016
:h

That trailer is well within 1/2 ton towable range. Make sure the truck has tow package, 3:55 gears minimum, and at least 1600 lbs payload (per the door sticker), and enjoy!
bbaker2001
Explorer
Mar 08, 2016
you probably will make it ok
watch the payload and get a good WDH
we towed 6800 with a 2009 chevy 1500 5.3

took our time going up hills. you will want to watch coming down also, just don't get in hurry.
that said if you are going a lot, a bigger truck would be better. how far and how long are your trips.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Mar 08, 2016
Yep. That TT is right in the 1500 series, or F150 wheel house. A perfect fit for a 150, or 1500 with the tow package, and 3.55, or 3.73 rear gears, and either a 5.0, 5.4, 5.3, or 3.5 EcoBoost.
Hookup and go. Yes a 2500, or F250 is overkill for that TT.
goducks10
Explorer
Mar 08, 2016
Terryallan wrote:
Yep. That TT is right in the 1500 series, or F150 wheel house. A perfect fit for a 150, or 1500 with the tow package, and 3.55, or 3.73 rear gears, and either a 5.0, 5.4, 5.3, or 3.5 EcoBoost.
Hookup and go. Yes a 2500, or F250 is overkill for that TT.

x2.
Just check the door CCC sticker to make sure you have enough payload capability. Some 1/2 tons are really inadequate when it comes to payload. JMO but an F150 with the Max Tow and 3.5 Ecoboost would be great.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Mar 08, 2016
The right 1/2 ton optioned correctly can easily handle the load
jaycocamprs
Explorer
Mar 08, 2016
If you stay out there in the flat lands you will have the power you need with the 1500. But if you go west to the mountains not so much. But the 2500's will handle the trailer in the winds better. With the way we use our trailer, and the terrain here I would not think about a 1500 truck. The 2500 trucks are really are built better, bigger brakes, better suspension and tires and heaver drive line components. And for not much more than a 1500 after adding the options for the heavy duty towing and payload. That still leaves you short of the 2500 truck.