need advice on best truck to haul my trailor.

[boat_tower]

Could you guys offer some advice? I am buying a boat that when fully dressed out will weigh about 8000 lbs GTW. I would like to purchase a Dodge or Chevy 1500 crew cab 4x4. Will this be enough truck to handle the tows? Will I NEED the tow package or is it just an option? I plan to tow to several locations in and out of state

[Highway_4x4]

If you are towing 8000 pounds for any distance or through the mountains, if I were you I would get a diesel. By the time you load up all the stuff you will be over 8000 pounds and while a 1/2 ton will do it, you might not like the way it does it.

[camperdave]

keep in mind, most of the folks that reply to these "which truck is best" threads are not exactly unbiased...

[Nvr2loud]

K Charles wrote:
"I would like to purchase a Dodge or Chevy 1500 crew cab 4x4"

Dodge doesn't make trucks any more.

What?

[anaro]

NanciL wrote:
Towing that weight, get the tow package.

Also between the two trucks that you mention, compare the engines.

I just asked the same questions and found thanks to this forum that the Dodge has more power then the Chevy.

Jack L

dodge has a lower payload than chevy. I agree with others if going with an 8000 lb trailer, get a 3/4 ton. If you don't want a 3/4 ton then look into a ford HD ecoboost or a tundra HD. Definitely go HD on any of these trucks, your weak link on the 1/2 ton truck will always be payload. Towing package is a must as it comes with things like a heavy duty transmission cooler to keep your tranny from overheating. Make sure you get a good brake controller too. Prodigy P2 or P3 is really good for a reasonable.

[NanciL]

Towing that weight, get the tow package.

Also between the two trucks that you mention, compare the engines.

I just asked the same questions and found thanks to this forum that the Dodge has more power then the Chevy.

Jack L

[wrenchbender]

Get a3/4 ton and oil burner. When you get above 6k lbs and above 2000 ft altitude. The diesel will pay for itself.

[boat_tower]

Thanks for your help guys.

[bguy]

If you buy the Ram, go for the 3.92 axle. That'll give the maximum towing.......

[K_Charles]

"I would like to purchase a Dodge or Chevy 1500 crew cab 4x4"

Dodge doesn't make trucks any more.

[DutchmenSport]

If at all possible, go with a bigger truck. It might do it, but you're also pulling 8000 pounds out of the water on a hill .... ???

[usmohls2]

Yes, Get the tow package & a little heavier duty truck (3/4 ton)
Truck make? Different strokes for different folks.

[Bob_Landry]

Oh boy.. Another "What's the best" thread..

[old_guy]

I knew an old salty kind of guy who worked on cars and trucks, who once told me many years ago that he would not drive a car or truck across the street with out a transmission cooler on it. they are that important he said. so towing a boat or TT is another darn good reason to get the tow package. I would check first to see if the 1500 series truck will handle the weight and get the one with the highest tow rating. You can go to trailer life.com and check with their link for truck ratings. from experience, I would suggest you also look at a 3/4 heavy duty truck. might be better in the long run.

[fla-gypsy]

Always get the tow package!