A 1-ton vs. 3/4 ton

[livemusic]

A friend bought a lightweight 5th wheel trailer, I don't recall the brand. He likes it. His old truck conked out and he bought a new 3/4 ton Ford. I asked him how it pulls it and he bragged on it, like, nothing to it. But I have read a ton of posts and a good percentage of people say just go ahead and buy a 1-ton and you're good to go. I have never owned a 1-ton. Are dual wheels pretty much required, is that your opinion? Reason I ask is I don't like the look of a dually, lol. If my friend can pull his 5th wheel fine and dandy with a 3/4 ton, seems a 1-ton that is not a dually would be fine. I also don't know how much rougher a ride a 1-ton would provide vs. a 3/4 ton. Buying a 3/4 ton would be great if it's enough! I liked his 5th wheel, far as the layout goes, very nice.

[allen8106]

His 3/4 ton will be just fine. The it becomes an issue only if he ever decides to get a bigger, heavier RV. I started with a 1/2 ton towing a 23 foot Jayco TT. Then went to a 3 different 3/4 tons, a Dodge and 2 GMC's towing a 32 foot TT and a 34 foot 5ver. I just recently bought a 1 ton duelly because some day I'm going to buy a bigger rig to full time upon retirement. So it's future payload and tow capacity that you "might" want to take into account.

[allen8106]

azdryheat wrote:
If I read the Trailer Life - Towing Guide correctly, the 2018 F-350 can tow 4000 lbs more than the F250 (both with SRW and diesel) 14,000 vs. 18,000.

But what about payload?

[memtb]

If not a lot of towing involved: a rougher ride, more difficult to drive/ park in a city invironment, more tires to maintain/replace, potentially higher insurance/taxing, if the truck is used for off-roading (narrow twisting 2-tracks), mud/ snow &ice.... the SRW is more desirable!
Using all of the above criteria for our decision....we elected to go SRW. We’ve using it for 10 years....towing “far” more weight than the OP. However....we made special modifications for our 20 K pound 5th wheel!

As ours was a “daily user”, not a “daily tow vehicle”....we thought this was our best option!

[livemusic]

memtb wrote:
Obviously the weight of the RV being towed, must be considered. “If” it is determined that a, 1 ton is “needed”, is a DRW needed,or can a SRW suffice. I believe that the % of towing should be put into the equation. “If” the SRW is adequate, and towing is only a small % of the trucks use....I recommend the SRW. “If”there will be a high % of towing, then the DRW, may be the preferred option!

Hi, why do you say the above about percent of towing?

[memtb]

Obviously the weight of the RV being towed, must be considered. “If” it is determined that a, 1 ton is “needed”, is a DRW needed,or can a SRW suffice. I believe that the % of towing should be put into the equation. “If” the SRW is adequate, and towing is only a small % of the trucks use....I recommend the SRW. “If”there will be a high % of towing, then the DRW, may be the preferred option!

[wa8yxm]

YOu said it was a "Lightweight" Trailer.. Many of those can be pulled by a small truck 1/2 ton or less or even a car..

ON the other hand some folks like a 30' (Or longer) 5th wheel tipping the scales at 10 thousand or more.. and for those just remember the old Burger King Commercials.

The Bigger the tow vehicle the better the tow vehicle the tow vehicles are bigger at Peterbuilt.

Slightly reworded.

[Allworth]

Mark Twain has it exactly right!

[Grit_dog]

valhalla360 wrote:
Historically the difference between a 3/4 and 1 ton (SRW version) is a bigger spring pack for the 1 ton. Nothing else is different.

Some of the newer trucks (Dodge in particular) use different spring designs.

When you move up to a dually, it's a whole different rear axle.

Ford uses 2 or 3 differnet axles. GM is the same 2500 up to dually. Ram is only a slightly larger ring gear, same basic axle. Track width of the axles is typically a couple inches wider on a dually to account for rim offsets.

[Grit_dog]

This has never been discussed, lol.
In short apples to apples, a 3/4 ton is a 1 ton with less spring capacity in the rear suspension and a lower published gvwr.
Otherwise, same truck, differnet badge on the door.

[valhalla360]

Historically the difference between a 3/4 and 1 ton (SRW version) is a bigger spring pack for the 1 ton. Nothing else is different.

Some of the newer trucks (Dodge in particular) use different spring designs.

When you move up to a dually, it's a whole different rear axle.

For a 5th wheel, it's all about the pin weight (yes, check all the stats) and each move up will get you more capability to carry pin weight.

Moving up to a 1ton SRW is negligible cost and negligible impact on ride quality empty, so unless there is a big registration fee jump, go for the 1 ton.

[MarkTwain]

If you plan on towing a 5th. wheel for any extended period of time, go with a 3500 Diesel SWD. The difference in price between a 3/4 vs a 1 ton is not significant in the long run and you will not have to worry about the weight of the 5th. wheel with few exceptions. If you are looking a big 40' or longer 5th. wheel then you might be better off with the dually wheels.

[bikendan]

Since you didn't post brand and model of your friend's trailer nor the one you're looking at, its hard to advise you.
As the others said, pin weight first, then the trailer's weight are the determining factors as to what to recommend.
A SRW 1 ton can tow a lot of 5th wheels easily.

[Old-Biscuit]

If properly matched (actual weights) to the truck capability then 3/4 ton can be a great towing platform.

Same for 1 ton SRW...or a 1/2 ton truck etc

It is all about knowing what the trucks Axle Ratings are vs the Axle Weights so one can make an educated decision on how much 'weight carrying capacity' is available for PIN weight or Tongue weight


I tow a 14K 5vr with a 2007 3500 SRW.......pin weight puts be right at RAWR

Todays 250/2500s are capable of towing that same 5vr

[Lwiddis]

Just follow the rule...”buy or select the TT or 5er first then match a TV to it.”