1/2 ton max tow shootout results

[goducks10]

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/01/whats-the-best-light-duty-truck-for-towing-2016-texas-truck-sho...

Too bad GMC only puts the 6.2 in the high trim levels because it's definitely a winner for towing.

[spoon059]

goducks10 wrote:
Too bad GMC only puts the 6.2 in the high trim levels because it's definitely a winner for towing.

I was never keen on GM products, but in 2009 I researched all the half tons before buying my Tundra. It was a HUGE turnoff not being able to get the big engine in a base model (or much lower trim level) in the GM products. Something I liked about the Tundra was that you could literally buy a stripped base model truck with the 5.7 engine. I ended up getting a few options on the Tundra, but not many. Loved that engine.

Now that I am in the Ram, I have a Tradesman (fairly stripped down truck) with the Cummins. I don't need fancy gadgets, I want a solid engine. GM will likely never get my vote for other reasons, but not offering a low trim truck with the big boy engine is disappointing...

[45Ricochet]

That was my exact pick from last week. I'd still like to have seen the two new diesels offerings in the mix.

[Bedlam]

Disregard. Wrong thread.

[carringb]

lbrjet wrote:
The heavier GM's braked better than the Ford. That is interesting to me.

It's those low-rolling-resistance tires. Ford Transit has the same problem, the skinny tires make its braking distances quite a bit longer than the E-series vans it replaces.

[lbrjet]

The heavier GM's braked better than the Ford. That is interesting to me.

[TurnThePage]

goducks10 wrote:
Only thing subjective is fit, finish, styling and comfort. Numbers don't lie. Hard to be subjective about 0-60 times, mpg towing and non towing, etc. While I'm not into 0-60 times, braking and handling are important. As well as empty mpg. These tests do offer information that's important to some. Pick and choose I guess.

Those numbers are somewhat important, but generally they were pretty close too. The lowest towing mileage was 10mpg. That's NOT bad for any gas engine. The GM twins got excellent unloaded fuel economy, and consistently scored at or near the top in the various tests, but otherwise didn't stomp the competition. There was no gap of even 2 seconds from first to last in any timed test.

[goducks10]

Only thing subjective is fit, finish, styling and comfort. Numbers don't lie. Hard to be subjective about 0-60 times, mpg towing and non towing, etc. While I'm not into 0-60 times, braking and handling are important. As well as empty mpg. These tests do offer information that's important to some. Pick and choose I guess.

[Campfire_Time]

BillyW wrote:
Truth be told they're all very nice rides now days.

And that is the reason I ignore these "tests". All very subjective when all is said and done.

[TurnThePage]

That 6.2 is definitely a winner. Since they've started direct injecting the 5.3, it's no slouch either. Nice trucks! I gotta say though, I'm very happy with my Ram. Truth be told they're all very nice rides now days.

[BB_TX]

Not only do you have to pay for the premium trim, but then you gotta run premium gas thru it!

[IdaD]

The best half ton tow vehicle is like being the fastest kid at fat camp. :B

The results are about what I'd expect. Personally I'd buy an F150 if I were buying a half ton. I think it's bogus that you have to go to a high trim level to get the 6.2 in the GMs, and the 36 gallon tank is a great feature.

If I were a GM fan intent on buying a gas tow vehicle, I'd save some bucks and get a 6.0 in a 2500 - better tow vehicle for less $$.