Tired of looking at all the junk around here used. Heck, they want $25k for 75-100k mile later model stuff. I'm seeing Chevys at $31k, Nissan Titans at $28-31k, Fords are 8-12K off. I would have to trade my Mazdaspeed3, which I'll take a few thousand hit on. Depends on how bad of a hit I take though. The thing I'm finding is the Chevys with the 5.3 and "hd trailer towing" have 3.42 gears, the Fords either have 3.31 or 3.55 gears. Haven't seen any with the HD payload package or 3.73 gears. Nissan doesn't seem to be selling well and they're almost all at least $10k off. My local Toyota dealer has the Tundra double cab 5.7 with towing package (frickin 4.30 gears...) and they sticker for $34,558. They just don't have anywhere near the options all the other trucks have. This will be my daily driver and the TV for our 49XX 31 ft TT. It seems from everything I've read the Ford 5.0 stands at the top of the list, not sure if I'm a Dodge boy with all their quality control issues from personal experiences as a Chrysler service advisor. I just wondered if these 6 speeds make the 3.42/3.55 gears work well as a TV. I require a crew cab as I have two boys 14 and 10. The Tundra double cab appears to be comparable to the others' crew cabs. Just trying to establish a pecking order to go look at and rule some out if possible. They all are rated at 9500 pounds or more, but I realize some may suck in the hills and or dealing with the length of the trailer.

For what you're going to pay for a 1/2 ton I'd look at gassers in 3/4 ton too. A lot more truck for the same price.

Haven't seen any 3/4's for the same price new. I need to be at $31k or so new.

Stclairm wrote:Haven't seen any 3/4's for the same price new. I need to be at $31k or so new.I was in a similar situation a few years ago only my decision was for a 3/4 T over a 1 T. I chose the 3/4 and saved several thousand $. As a result of that decision, when I got my latest (heavier) RV, I traded a perfectly good 3/4 with many useful years and miles left on it and I'm now waiting for a new truck. Moral of the story is that my short term savings cost me much more in the long run.

I would look at the Ford, Chevy, and Tundra and make your decision on which one you like the best and the current incentives that are being offered. All 3 are good trucks.The downside for the Tundra is that it is now 6 years old and getting a bit long in the tooth and due for a redesign in 2014. The Ford and Chevy have a nicer interior than the Tundra, an area Toyota lags behind it. Having said that, I've been very pleased with my 2007 Tundra Crew Max as it's an awesome tow vehicle IMO with 381 HP and 401 ft lbs of torque. The Tundra also only comes with a 26 gal gas tank which some don't like but has never been an issue with me.The rear end ratios are much different know then in the old days because everybody runs a 6 sp trans now. That's the reason Toyota can get a way with the 4.30 rear end and still get decent gas mileage.The 3/4 ton suggestion is a good one and will open up a wider range of trailers for you if you can get a good price on one.Good luck in your search.

So, you would rather buy new marginal than used sufficient? Any and I mean ANY of the 1/2 ton crew cabs will be near maximum payload when loaded up with family and stuff long before you add the hitch weight for a trailer to them.

Going to look at new 1500 crew cabs today | Good Sam Community

APT
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
My owners manual specifically sates the purpose of not towing for the first 500 miles is for the rear differential gears to seat/wear in. Consult your owners manual for any restrictions during vehicle break-in.
Kevin_O_
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
Stclairm wrote:
What is the deal with putting so many miles on before towing? Transmission break in? ^ Sweet rig BTW!
I think waiting the 1000 miles to tow has to do with a little bit of everything breaking in correctly. But i think one of the big things is the rear ends ring and pinion gears. I have been told the rear end needs to be broken in under normal driving conditions before towing a trailer and adding real heat and load to them. Not sure if there is any real truth to it or not but it's what i have been told and the owners manual says to wait 1000mi so it's better to be safe than sorry. Especially with a brand new truck. Good luck, Kevin
jerem0621
Explorer II
Apr 30, 2013
countryboy69 wrote:
gmc dually blowing over in the wind
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwOqARlw1EI

That was an unfortunate example of the power of the wind. There is also a video of a semi doing the exact same thing.

Nothing is ever a guarantee... Everytime you get behind the wheel you risk everything.

Also as a note.... That video also illustrates how well the coupler and ball actually attach. Most of the time the TT and TV stay coupled.

Thanks!
countryboy69
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
gmc dually blowing over in the wind
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwOqARlw1EI
Stclairm
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
What is the deal with putting so many miles on before towing? Transmission break in? ^ Sweet rig BTW!
Kevin_O_
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
You will be very pleased with your new truck. I towed our 33' 7500lb trailer last summer over 4,000 miles with no issues. I will suggest you put as many miles as possible before your first tow. Comparing the Ecoboost to your old tow vehicle will be like night and day, you will be amazed when you climb most hills at 2200rpms! Best of luck with it!
Stclairm
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
I didn't see any of those around, but there again, I only looked at MSRP of about 43K.
ronhuntfish
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
Dang, got here after you bought one. Oh well, just wanted to throw one more option nobody mentioned... Chevy 1500 with 6.2L engine and 3.73 diff. I debated the whole 3/4 or 1/2 ton issue also, since it was to be my daily driver also. I have been very pleased. It just fit my situation better. Of coarse if money was no issue then I would have gone for bigger/badder truck.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Apr 30, 2013
Ok. Video #1 had to do with ice. Not even a dually and a PuP have a chance there. And the other one looks like improper setup and windy conditions. Hardly compareable to the OP's setup.

If the OP never had an issue with his previous 1/2ton SUV then why would he have an issue with his new more capeable truck?
Stclairm
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
With my 03 Suburban, I was 12,500 on the scales. Showed my trailer axle weight at 5380.

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Going to look at new 1500 crew cabs today

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