Halt Ton Towing

[atlgagent57]

We recently purchased a 2011 Toyota Tundra CrewMax Platinum Edition with the 5.7 Engine, Towing Package, 20 inch wheels and it has the 5.6 Bed. The Tundra is rated to tow 10,000 lb. I'm having the tires replaced with E Rated (10 ply) tires and I'm having rear Timbrens installed over the leaf springs It has also been fitted with an automatic slide 5th wheel hitch for pulling a 5th wheel. We also purchased a 2008 Keystone Laredo 5th Wheel with a 7740 Dry Weight and a 1440 Hitch Weight according to the manufacturers labels. It's a 30 footer with one slide. There are just the two of us and two lap dogs so we won't be loading the camper to the max. Bikes go on the rear of the 5th wheel which should help the pin weight. I've pulled it a couple of times on the Interstate and it pulls fine. A lot of it is using common sense when towing regarding speed and allowing plenty of space to stop. Exceeding the speed limits and riding the guy in front's rear bumper is simply inviting trouble no matter what your towing vehicle is. I've also seen plenty of 3/4's and 1 Tons out there towing a TT that is not set up correctly that are far more dangerous than my half ton rig. I've matched the two up the best I can, added some safety features and will use common sense when we're out there.

[otrfun]

Deleted.

[2112]

One # I'm sure he didn't consider is two full waste tanks. Wait until he has to move it with the gray and black tanks full. That's where I'm broke on payload! My poor rear bearings take a beating during that short trip to the dump station 😞

[breeno]

Former Tundra owner here. Loved the Tundra's engine and transmission, but the payload was a limiting factor for me. Seems like that pin weight alone would blow through all the payload available -- without considering the hitch weight and passengers -- and leave the RAWR to be overloaded by a fair margin.

That motor/transmission is a gem, though -- I'm sure it won't complain as it sucks down the fuel! 🙂

[Orcusomega]

rhagfo wrote:


So now instead of just depending on common since, and being very cautious (both good traits no mater the TV), you can feel safe and comfortable driving roads like this.

This is a main state highway, speed limit 55, most drive it at 60+. I drive with the flow, with confidence.

Well, there are two parts to this... On the first trip with the F150, I used Co Pilot in RV mode to help navigate on major roads, watch for bridges etc and even stil, half way there we got detoured due to an accident, and routed down a little back road. Picture this: first road trip (campground was ~15 miles from my house or so) have the kids with me, first time driving this combo, and we end up getting routed down this road that is so narrow and has trees reaching over the road, I need to drive down the middle. With traffic coming the other way. Downhill for a while then back uphill. Needless to say I was white knuckling the entire time (moving less than 15mph, causing all sorts of traffic)... Downhill was not so bad, but uphill with no room to really get any sort of momentum going, the F150 was working harder than it should, in the long run, could I have used the 150 longer term? Maybe but I would have burned it up very fast, and frankly, wasn't safe enough for me and my family.

Even with the F350, I could do a lot faster than 65 I guess - seems like a ton of power to spare... But not worth the risk, frankly, and rushing sort of defeats the purpose, doesn't it? Stick to a reasonable speed, enjoy the ride there too...

Bob

[rhagfo]

Orcusomega wrote:

Ric Flair wrote:
To the OP: Can you get 2 more wheels on the rear axel and a diesel engine under the hood? If so, then you'd really have something!

Well, I broke down and did half that - diesel under the hood, but still SRW... Picked up my NTM 2011 F350 King Ranch, 6.7 PSD on 10/10, just before our wedding (did not go over well with the now-missus 🙂 )

This past weekend we all went to Hershey for Halloween, and the trip was not without quirks, but overall awesome. And the new truck was amazing compared to the 150 gasser. No looking back now! The ease it towed, stability on the highway (almost zero sway, even at speed on the turnpike with truck traffic), and ~12 mpg at ~65 MPH, tons of power to spare, and high marks from the matrimonial unit (the heated seats were right up her alley) means we can and will be able to enjoy a lot more trips this coming season. I was bummed to have to winterize it the minute we got home though (dropped into the 30's around here at night now,,,) but I have a lot of cool ideas for next year to start working on 🙂

Bob

So now instead of just depending on common since, and being very cautious (both good traits no mater the TV), you can feel safe and comfortable driving roads like this.

This is a main state highway, speed limit 55, most drive it at 60+. I drive with the flow, with confidence.

[Orcusomega]

Ric Flair wrote:
To the OP: Can you get 2 more wheels on the rear axel and a diesel engine under the hood? If so, then you'd really have something!

Well, I broke down and did half that - diesel under the hood, but still SRW... Picked up my NTM 2011 F350 King Ranch, 6.7 PSD on 10/10, just before our wedding (did not go over well with the now-missus 🙂 )

This past weekend we all went to Hershey for Halloween, and the trip was not without quirks, but overall awesome. And the new truck was amazing compared to the 150 gasser. No looking back now! The ease it towed, stability on the highway (almost zero sway, even at speed on the turnpike with truck traffic), and ~12 mpg at ~65 MPH, tons of power to spare, and high marks from the matrimonial unit (the heated seats were right up her alley) means we can and will be able to enjoy a lot more trips this coming season. I was bummed to have to winterize it the minute we got home though (dropped into the 30's around here at night now,,,) but I have a lot of cool ideas for next year to start working on 🙂

Bob

[rjd2516]

I like overkill. I bought the vehicle that will tow my trailer up AND down anywhere I want without me ever worrying about the trucks capabilities. I have a 10, 000 lb trailer (when its completely loaded). My truck will tow 17, 000 lbs. Why the overkill? Because my kids are sitting right behind me. Yes, I spent 10k more on the truck. But my kids are worth it. Heck, so am I. And so is your family, if you are in the car behind me. Your welcome 🙂 .

[zogg]

CKNSLS wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

Lantley wrote:

zogg wrote:
I was visiting my son who sells Ram trucks....bought mine from him, of course.
Anyway, I was talking to a customer in the coffee room who was excited because he was closing a deal on a new Ram Laramie. Salesman told him he would be fine with a 3.92 rear end and 8 speed tranny to tow his 10,000 pound travel trailer with a new 1/2 ton truck.

I did attempt to talk to him about bigger brakes, heavier springs, etc., etc. In reference to my 3/4 ton Ram, but "the salesman said" it would be fine.

I took my son to lunch (at my cost of course) and we talked about it. He agreed that it was not enough truck, but the deal was done. He said the customer thought about a 3/4 ton, but the rebates and financing was much better in the 1/2 tons.

Something just not right here....ugh

Nothing wrong towing with a 1/2 ton truck...I did it for years. You just have to know the limitations of a 1/2 ton truck. When we opted to buy anbig trailer, we also upgraded the truck....not an issue

That's just it. Too many people base the decision of buying a tow vehicle on too many other factors other than actual towing ability!
How capable the vehicle is to actually do the job and tow a trailer is way down the list in the decision making process.
In the end many end up with a marginal tow vehicle vs. having the correct TV for the same money.
It's simply a matter of priorities!

So many buy for the 90% of the time they are not towing and put up with a little white knuckle while towing. That is not for me.
I will deal with a harsher ride not towing for that solid, I have your back, ride and handeling feeling I get from my Ram. Driving down the interstate is one thing. Driving a narrow two lane road to the coast , is something else.

I don't like the ride of the heavier trucks. That is why I bought a half ton. I also bought a trailer to match the capabilities of the tow vehicle I bought. There is no "white knuckle experience" with my set up. I just completed a 8,000 mile-8 month towing trip with my trailer around the U.S.A. I put an additional 10,000 miles on the truck as well during that time. Both truck and trailer performed FLAWLESSLY. Not even a flat tire running ST tires.

The truck is a 2011 Silverado Crew Cab w/the 5.3. The trailer is an Eclipse Milan 24LSBHG. If you buy your trailer correctly to match your tow vehicle you don't have to come on this forum asking questions as to why you are experiencing a certain negative towing situation.

[Ric_Flair]

To the OP: Can you get 2 more wheels on the rear axel and a diesel engine under the hood? If so, then you'd really have something!

[CKNSLS]

rhagfo wrote:

Lantley wrote:

zogg wrote:
I was visiting my son who sells Ram trucks....bought mine from him, of course.
Anyway, I was talking to a customer in the coffee room who was excited because he was closing a deal on a new Ram Laramie. Salesman told him he would be fine with a 3.92 rear end and 8 speed tranny to tow his 10,000 pound travel trailer with a new 1/2 ton truck.

I did attempt to talk to him about bigger brakes, heavier springs, etc., etc. In reference to my 3/4 ton Ram, but "the salesman said" it would be fine.

I took my son to lunch (at my cost of course) and we talked about it. He agreed that it was not enough truck, but the deal was done. He said the customer thought about a 3/4 ton, but the rebates and financing was much better in the 1/2 tons.

Something just not right here....ugh

That's just it. Too many people base the decision of buying a tow vehicle on too many other factors other than actual towing ability!
How capable the vehicle is to actually do the job and tow a trailer is way down the list in the decision making process.
In the end many end up with a marginal tow vehicle vs. having the correct TV for the same money.
It's simply a matter of priorities!

So many buy for the 90% of the time they are not towing and put up with a little white knuckle while towing. That is not for me.
I will deal with a harsher ride not towing for that solid, I have your back, ride and handeling feeling I get from my Ram. Driving down the interstate is one thing. Driving a narrow two lane road to the coast , is something else.

I don't like the ride of the heavier trucks. That is why I bought a half ton. I also bought a trailer to match the capabilities of the tow vehicle I bought. There is no "white knuckle experience" with my set up. I just completed a 8,000 mile-8 month towing trip with my trailer around the U.S.A. I put an additional 10,000 miles on the truck as well during that time. Both truck and trailer performed FLAWLESSLY. Not even a flat tire running ST tires.

The truck is a 2011 Silverado Crew Cab w/the 5.3. The trailer is an Eclipse Milan 24LSBHG. If you buy your trailer correctly to match your tow vehicle you don't have to come on this forum asking questions as to why you are experiencing a certain negative towing situation.

[rhagfo]

Lantley wrote:

zogg wrote:
I was visiting my son who sells Ram trucks....bought mine from him, of course.
Anyway, I was talking to a customer in the coffee room who was excited because he was closing a deal on a new Ram Laramie. Salesman told him he would be fine with a 3.92 rear end and 8 speed tranny to tow his 10,000 pound travel trailer with a new 1/2 ton truck.

I did attempt to talk to him about bigger brakes, heavier springs, etc., etc. In reference to my 3/4 ton Ram, but "the salesman said" it would be fine.

I took my son to lunch (at my cost of course) and we talked about it. He agreed that it was not enough truck, but the deal was done. He said the customer thought about a 3/4 ton, but the rebates and financing was much better in the 1/2 tons.

Something just not right here....ugh

That's just it. Too many people base the decision of buying a tow vehicle on too many other factors other than actual towing ability!
How capable the vehicle is to actually do the job and tow a trailer is way down the list in the decision making process.
In the end many end up with a marginal tow vehicle vs. having the correct TV for the same money.
It's simply a matter of priorities!

So many buy for the 90% of the time they are not towing and put up with a little white knuckle while towing. That is not for me.
I will deal with a harsher ride not towing for that solid, I have your back, ride and handeling feeling I get from my Ram. Driving down the interstate is one thing. Driving a narrow two lane road to the coast , is something else.

[Lantley]

zogg wrote:
I was visiting my son who sells Ram trucks....bought mine from him, of course.
Anyway, I was talking to a customer in the coffee room who was excited because he was closing a deal on a new Ram Laramie. Salesman told him he would be fine with a 3.92 rear end and 8 speed tranny to tow his 10,000 pound travel trailer with a new 1/2 ton truck.

I did attempt to talk to him about bigger brakes, heavier springs, etc., etc. In reference to my 3/4 ton Ram, but "the salesman said" it would be fine.

I took my son to lunch (at my cost of course) and we talked about it. He agreed that it was not enough truck, but the deal was done. He said the customer thought about a 3/4 ton, but the rebates and financing was much better in the 1/2 tons.

Something just not right here....ugh

That's just it. Too many people base the decision of buying a tow vehicle on too many other factors other than actual towing ability!
How capable the vehicle is to actually do the job and tow a trailer is way down the list in the decision making process.
In the end many end up with a marginal tow vehicle vs. having the correct TV for the same money.
It's simply a matter of priorities!

[zogg]

I was visiting my son who sells Ram trucks....bought mine from him, of course.
Anyway, I was talking to a customer in the coffee room who was excited because he was closing a deal on a new Ram Laramie. Salesman told him he would be fine with a 3.92 rear end and 8 speed tranny to tow his 10,000 pound travel trailer with a new 1/2 ton truck.

I did attempt to talk to him about bigger brakes, heavier springs, etc., etc. In reference to my 3/4 ton Ram, but "the salesman said" it would be fine.

I took my son to lunch (at my cost of course) and we talked about it. He agreed that it was not enough truck, but the deal was done. He said the customer thought about a 3/4 ton, but the rebates and financing was much better in the 1/2 tons.

Something just not right here....ugh

[goducks10]

Like Ron White says. "You can't fix stupid"