What factors Determine Tow Rating

Brakes!!! I see everything but better brakes. Higher Hp, bigger tow ratings but no big brake package. Most move up for better brakes, they go to commercial trucks just for the Jake and brake piece of mind.
Bottom line is you are asking a small truck to do the work of a larger. Small brakes do not get rid of heat, nor do radiators or trans coolers in smaller trucks.
If you do not exceed the rating you should be fine but most push it...

[kdanner]

Originally Posted by Barry Polley

Brakes!!! I see everything but better brakes. Higher Hp, bigger tow ratings but no big brake package.

If you look up the brake dimensions of a current half ton and then just a 10 year old 3/4 ton, you'll find the new truck has the larger brakes of the 2.

[curtis reed]

Originally Posted by kdanner

If you look up the brake dimensions of a current half ton and then just a 10 year old 3/4 ton, you'll find the new truck has the larger brakes of the 2.

I was also going to point out how much better the brakes are now. The larger wheels on trucks now allow a larger diameter brake with a larger caliper than they used to have. Granted no argument can be made that they are equal to a 3/4 ton's brakes and suspension he isn't talking about pulling a 30' enclosed either.



Curtis

Originally Posted by kdanner

If you look up the brake dimensions of a current half ton and then just a 10 year old 3/4 ton, you'll find the new truck has the larger brakes of the 2.

Oh for sure. But, the new 2500/3500HD plus trucks also have bigger brake packages. If you are not going up big mountains and down the other side then yeah a light duty truck will work. I put safety first. Not $. You are asking a light duty truck to do the job of a Heavier duty truck. I like most guys on here have towed with lighter trucks. I like piece of mind. IMHO...

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Barry Polley

Oh for sure. But, the new 2500/3500HD plus trucks also have bigger brake packages. If you are not going up big mountains and down the other side then yeah a light duty truck will work. I put safety first. Not $. You are asking a light duty truck to do the job of a Heavier duty truck. I like most guys on here have towed with lighter trucks. I like piece of mind. IMHO...

That is why you pay attention to the Tow
and total
Total maximum gross vehicle weight.

One sleeper is the Chevy Blazer SS which is a great tow vehicle.
Has the Power, Trans, Brakes and Suspension to tow 6000 lb easily.
Don Compolito tows with one and seen several racers using them.

Also popular is the new Durango RT.

D

[John Kissel]

Trailblazer SS is a good truck we lived 191k with one, BUT, I would not want to tow with one, as wheelbase is kinda' short, rear air bags, elec. gas pedal, and throttle body, would not want to cooperate at the wrong time. Sure would be fun trying to tow with a bag that didn't want to take air, while the instrument panel announances reduced power due to someone not being happy. John Kissel