What Upgrades needed for a 3/4 ton pickup
I want to thank everyone who responded to my other post "will a 3/4 do". It was very informative. I am making a new post because I thought I could get more answers than just asking on my other post...
Forum Discussion
Michelle.S wrote:
Maybe it's just me, but not sure I would be trying to pull a 14K Fifth wheel with a gasser unless it was all down hill.
Best answer yet.
Any "late model" unless it's a used '22 will be a 6.0 6speed, 3.73 or 4.10 gears and they havent changed in the drivetrain dept in about 10 years save for the new 6.6s which aren't mush better in the power dept anyway.
3.73 trucks are rated to tow about 10klbs GN/5ver and a non starter for that size camper IMO.
4.10 trucks are rated to tow about 14klbs GN/5ver
Suspension and chassis and cab type make no difference, really, the tow rating is based on how much power it has. Slap some airbags and a 5ver hitch in it and go. The chassis is up to the task no problem. Presume it has an integrated brake controller or you'll need one of them too.
IF it's a 4.10 truck and you'll be staying E of the Rockies and don't mind running with your hazards on in the truck lane up every grade, and 4th gear max on the flats it will pull...ok, at best, the rest of the time.
This is my analysis, not being the guy that holds up traffic and doesn't have time to wait for another birthday to roll by to get somewhere. If you're literally the person who is doing 55-60 mph max everywhere you go/tow and have the expectation that you will not be keeping up with, well, anyone except the Army convoys and heavy haulers, then it will be ok for you.
The truck drivetrain itself is pretty bulletproof. You can wind the snot out of the engine for days or months at a time and the only thing hurting will be your wallet at the gas pump @ 5-6mpg.
