Travel trailer towing.

BillyW wrote:

beemerphile1 wrote:
A 1/2 ton with a 3.55 gear does not make a great tow vehicle. A +30 feet trailer will likely have too much tongue weight. That is as good an answer as can be given without specific info.

Go to the Ford website. You can build a well appointed F150 with Max Tow Package that sports a 3.55 rear end and 2000lb payload. They don't even offer a lower ratio in some instances. You can build a Ram 1500 Laramie with 3.21 gears rated to tow nearly 8000lbs, while adhering to J2807. 3.55 gears hobbled my old F150, but the newer transmissions have spread out the ratios pretty nicely, not to mention these newer engines with power to spare. Just like Buicks, these ain't your grand dad's half tons.

The one thing, IMHO, the J2807 standard does not take into effect is wind resistance. Towing a flat trailer with steel is way different than towing a Box on wheels. One thing it does do is put all the players on an even field.

But, you are right with these newer trucks and gears. These multi-speed transmissions are doing wonders. I still would prefer a little better of a gear for towing than 3.55 where it can be hilly.