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First pull with new truck

jwc99
Explorer
Explorer
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.
18 REPLIES 18

DakotaDad
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Jason, Angie, and our boys, Sean (13) and Liam (8)
Now with Radar and Daisy, both Boston Terriers. Missing Artemus the Labrador, gone on ahead.
2016 Ram 3500 CC Big Horn - 6.7 Cummins - B&W RVK3600 hitch
2015 Palomino Sabre 33RETS Platinum fifth wheel

brirene
Explorer
Explorer
As has been said before, one can never have too much truck.
Jayco Designer 30 RKS Medallion pkg, Trail Air pin
'05 F350 6.0 PSD CC 4x4 DRW LB B&W Companion, Edge Insight

โ€œCertainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." Miriam Beard

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

Hannibal
Explorer
Explorer
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.
2020 F250 STX CC SB 7.3L 10spd 3.55 4x4
2010 F250 XLT CC SB 5.4L 5spdTS 3.73
ex '95 Cummins,'98 12v Cummins,'01.5 Cummins,'03 Cummins; '05 Hemi
2017 Jayco 28RLS TT 32.5'