Towing question

[Ken Haase]

Rick, a 3/4T would be world's better than a 1/2T, and should be considered the minimum. I know Florida is very flat, so a 350 would probably get you by. But, I'd be very concerned about that cheesy 8.5 rearend with it's C-clips, axles riding on roller brgs, and smaller brakes. The TH350 trans doesn't inspire much confidence either. All this would be less of a concern with a lighter open trailer, but you're going to want that enclosed, and most likely are going to buy one. You're definitely going to know that trailer is back there when using a 1/2 ton tow rig.

Just my $.02. Adjusted for inflation that would be about 7.9 cents
Ken

[Doug Domm]

Folk's this has been talked about before on this forum and I believe at that time there was an overwhelming response to say you can never have enough truck on the motivating end of a trailer. Think about stability and driver fatique from lack of it. Brakes, which we all know you might need sometime. Cooling, who wants to be precariously perched on the side of the road blowing off a little steam with traffic wizzing by mere inches away. I can go on at nausium about this but the bottom line is your 1/2 may pull that darned thing but is it safe? The answer H--- No. Doug

[big blue galaxie]

Been driving trucks for a long time, and while the initial cost is cheap for what you have, you are going to spend a ton of money and time getting the vehicle safe. It's always cheaper to start with a 1 ton chassis with a blown engine than to upgrade a half ton. You should cut your losses and get a proper foundation to start with. If you are going to pull a big enclosed trailer, you need a turbodiesel. I don't know if this guy sold it yet, but there is a Suburban on racingjunk.com that has the 1 ton chassis, dually wheels and a Cummins w/auto for 4500.00 down in Texas.