Let me start off with this is my opinion based on towing the same trailer with my old truck and new truck. Same destination, same weather conditions (very windy) and same loading. But I'm sure someone will take offense anyway.I was one of the readers that always got so tired of all those posters that said you need a 3/4 ton or bigger truck to pull your rig. For years I towed with my 1/2 ton and made it just fine. When it got time for my new truck I ordered a 1/2 ton max tow with the plan of getting a bigger trailer. If I had purchased the trailer I planned on the 1/2 ton would have been fine. But the wife found one she liked better. Almost 4 ft longer and about 3000lb heavier. I towed it with the 1/2 ton but it was work. The truck had plenty of power but I was getting pushed around on the road. The wind and passing vehicles kept me hanging on tightly to the wheel. I traded for a 3/4 ton diesel and I am very impressed. I still felt a little wind sometimes, but nothing that made me uneasy. The power was great and the mileage was better, I gained 2 mpg. Needless to say I am very happy I made the change.I still believe the 1/2 ton is a good tow vehicle. Even though mine was rated to tow 11000 lbs didn't mean I should. Yes I had a good hitch, I'm using it with the new truck. Every piece of equipment has its limitations. I feel I was there with the old truck. I'm not telling anyone to run out and purchase a bigger truck. Stay within your limits and be safe. I feel I made the right move by upgrading.

I always like reading success stories. One thing I wonder about with WD hitches is, why the long draw bar. My first WD hitch was a short shank Quality S trunion style hitch. Then I found a can't pass up deal on a Reese with it's 14~" shank. That 7" made a noticeable difference on the interstate. I went back to the Quality S and eventually no WD at all with an even shorter draw bar. Way less wind effect from passing trucks and crosswinds. I wish Reese made a short draw bar. Snug the head right up to the receiver for my preference.

too bad you had to buy two tow trucks to find out we were tell you the truth all along

As has been said before, one can never have too much truck.

There's "good enough to do the job".There's "good enough to do the job, safely."And there's "good enough to do the job safely, and comfortably"."Safely" is important. But "comfortably" feels pretty good, too.

First pull with new truck | Good Sam Community

Hannibal
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016
I always like reading success stories. One thing I wonder about with WD hitches is, why the long draw bar. My first WD hitch was a short shank Quality S trunion style hitch. Then I found a can't pass up deal on a Reese with it's 14~" shank. That 7" made a noticeable difference on the interstate. I went back to the Quality S and eventually no WD at all with an even shorter draw bar. Way less wind effect from passing trucks and crosswinds. I wish Reese made a short draw bar. Snug the head right up to the receiver for my preference.
old_guy
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016
too bad you had to buy two tow trucks to find out we were tell you the truth all along
brirene
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016
As has been said before, one can never have too much truck.
DakotaDad
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016
There's "good enough to do the job".

There's "good enough to do the job, safely."

And there's "good enough to do the job safely, and comfortably".

"Safely" is important. But "comfortably" feels pretty good, too.
wirenutz
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016
go big I say
wirenutz
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016
my picture posting sucks
alexleblanc
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016
Been there, done that, have the tshirt! Those F150's are impressive, but above 7500lbs a 3/4 or 1ton really are that much more stable and enjoyable to tow with.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016
Same here in 99' had a 1/2 ton truck towing a TT, truck did great, oh, and was new...purchased a 5er...lost big time when I traded the 1/2 ton for a 3/4 ton which did a better job towing in the mountains...live and learn...sometimes it'll really cost you.

Jim
TomG2
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016
Getting by with a half ton is a challenge and we like challenges. Funny how nobody ever comes on here asking how to turn their HD model into a half ton tow vehicle. How about, "Can I put P rated tires on my 2500HD?", or "Are smaller brakes and tires available for the 3500 series?". Nobody ever says, "I am worried that I will forget the trailer is back there now that I have a HD tow vehicle".

I am not anti- half ton as I recently purchased a 2016 F-150, but I tow lightweight trailers these days.
ACZL
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016
Congrats OP on the new ride and new trailer! With our 5er, I'm 54.5' nose to tail and just south of 22k and very little problems towing. Also have a 4 place V-nose alum snowmobile trailer and nose to tail is around same length as w/ the 5er and total weight w/ 3 sleds is approx between 13-14k (never scaled out). Sled trailer is NOT on WD hitch and it is very noticeable when pulling it. Was much worse when old sled trailer was steel frame. Point is, the 5ers do tow much nicer and tho my sled trailer isn't all that bad towing, anything heavier (trailer weight above 5k), I'd have a WD hitch on it.