What factors Determine Tow Rating

[kdanner]

Have to disagree completely, I wouldn't think twice about a modern half ton truck towing that amount of weight. They have way more brake now, way more tire which lets the brakes really work, ABS that actually works without locking up tires, way more gears in the trans, heavier duty trans, heavier duty rear axles, tow/haul modes for the trans that really help via engine braking, fantastic OEM trailer brake controllers, trailer tire pressure monitoring. More capable than what a 3/4 ton truck was not long ago. Now I wouldn't feel comfortable with over 6 tons behind one like they advertise them being capable of, but 3, oh yeah, they'll do that very well.

[6130]

Originally Posted by kdanner

Have to disagree completely, I wouldn't think twice about a modern half ton truck towing that amount of weight. They have way more brake now, way more tire which lets the brakes really work, ABS that actually works without locking up tires, way more gears in the trans, heavier duty trans, heavier duty rear axles, tow/haul modes for the trans that really help via engine braking, fantastic OEM trailer brake controllers, trailer tire pressure monitoring. More capable than what a 3/4 ton truck was not long ago. Now I wouldn't feel comfortable with over 6 tons behind one like they advertise them being capable of, but 3, oh yeah, they'll do that very well.

Modern 3/4-ton and one-ton trucks come with all of those things too.

Half-ton trucks may be better than they used to be in some ways, but half-ton trucks have never come with full-floating rear axles or load range "E" tires, and those things were standard on 3/4-ton trucks for many, many years.

Conversely, 3/4-ton trucks have never come on P-metric (passenger car) tires, and 3/4 ton trucks have never had their rear axles held in by something as flimsy as C-clips.

I don't have a dog in this fight but I know in the last 2 years we've towed 7K lbs. (24' enclosed trailer and car) with a very well equipped late-model GM 1/2 ton truck. We then sold that truck and bought a 3500HD DRW 4WD Duramax and towing the same set-up was night and day difference. I'm not even talking about the power either. The 1/2 was a constant white knuckle event with sway even with good weight distribution bars and a sway control kit. All of that disappeared with the one ton. Tow with a DRW truck one time and see if you ever go back.

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by kdanner

Have to disagree completely, I wouldn't think twice about a modern half ton truck towing that amount of weight. They have way more brake now, way more tire which lets the brakes really work, ABS that actually works without locking up tires, way more gears in the trans, heavier duty trans, heavier duty rear axles, tow/haul modes for the trans that really help via engine braking, fantastic OEM trailer brake controllers, trailer tire pressure monitoring. More capable than what a 3/4 ton truck was not long ago. Now I wouldn't feel comfortable with over 6 tons behind one like they advertise them being capable of, but 3, oh yeah, they'll do that very well.

Concur on this post...!
The newer trucks have really stepped up in towing performance.
Been watching lots of YouTube video about these newer trucks.

They tested the Denali Canyon (V6 & Diesel) and Durango SRT.
Towed them up and down a long mountain, called the Gauntlet.
They had no problems up or down the mountain.

My wagon has been beefed up, Class 3 hitch, Electric Brake.
Metco Lower control arms and front and rear SS bars.
Rebuilt the brakes and front suspension.
Moser Street performance axles and new bearings.
Tahoe springs, airbags, electric pump.
Tires are Nitto 275/50/17's with a load rating of 2200 lb per tire.
All other brands hover around 1900lbs.
My set up has weight distribution bars and forgot to install them once and had no sway problems.
I love the Featherlite trailer, very smooth around a curve.
Trailer and car weigh between 5700-5800lbs

I do not have any problems braking with the Caprice and Trailer.
Drives nicely with no twitchy behavior.
Though do drive with a high SA (situation awareness).
In wet weather I am a lot more careful, rarely exceed 65 mph.

D

Originally Posted by Dan Fahey

Concur on this post...!
The newer trucks have really stepped up in towing performance.
Been watching lots of YouTube video about these newer trucks.

They tested the Denali Canyon (V6 & Diesel) and Durango SRT.
Towed them up and down a long mountain, called the Gauntlet.
They had no problems up or down the mountain.

My wagon has been beefed up, Class 3 hitch, Electric Brake.
Metco Lower control arms and front and rear SS bars.
Rebuilt the brakes and front suspension.
Moser Street performance axles and new bearings.
Tahoe springs, airbags, electric pump.
Tires are Nitto 275/50/17's with a load rating of 2200 lb per tire.
All other brands hover around 1900lbs.
My set up has weight distribution bars and forgot to install them once and had no sway problems.
I love the Featherlite trailer, very smooth around a curve.
Trailer and car weigh between 5700-5800lbs

I do not have any problems braking with the Caprice and Trailer.
Drives nicely with no twitchy behavior.
Though do drive with a high SA (situation awareness).
In wet weather I am a lot more careful, rarely exceed 65 mph.

D

Clear up your private messages my friend! Tried to PM you back but your box is full.

It was great to hear from you as well. What are the plans for the SS now that Pure Stock has changed?

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Tar Heel

Clear up your private messages my friend! Tried to PM you back but your box is full.

It was great to hear from you as well. What are the plans for the SS now that Pure Stock has changed?

Private message done.

As for Pure Stock. Going to stay for another year.
Have the Stocker Cam and Springs from Bullet cams.
This year upgraded the Heads with better valves and fresh springs.
Made a few adjustments and managed a 12.74 best in warm weather.
Few more mods, enough to run K/SA index as a Pure Stocker.

Once season is over add a Roll Bar and Harness.
Upgrade the 10 bolt with Ford ends, better spool/axles and 4.88’s.
Install an 8 gallon tank.
Enough to run stock legally and safely.
Or run the Association races as Pure Stocker

If enough time freshen the block, add the new cam and springs.
Will freshen the trans and add a converter to match the cam.
Going to stick with 4L60E for now.

Still finishing up the 1969 Impala which may be set up as a Biscayne.
Going to be painted a medium blue with light flake.
Will have a nice graphic on it called Biscayne Bay.
This was my old Stocker from the 70’s and 80’s.
It should be light enough to run J/SA.

D

[MR DERBY CITY]

Just take a stroll through the pits at a local points meet. That will answer all your questions regarding 1/2 ton pickups. Do you want to save money,.....or save your life....??

[Chevy55]

Your wallet is what will determine your tow vehicle. You can tow a 6000# trailer staying within reason of posted speed limits with just about any full size car or 1500 p/u. If you can afford $40,000 + you can get a new 1500 p/u with a 12,000 GVW rating.

The most important thing is a good trailer brake controller and good trailer brakes. Lousy trailer brakes will even make towing a 6000# trailer a challenge with a 3500.

[james schaechter]

The only person that will really push you to a 1/2 ton is a salesman with a lot full of half tons for sale! I agree, the new half tons are much better than they used to be. They might just let you drive over your head. 3/4HD and one tons are much more stable, safer braking, and will be more reliable as they age. A half ton that barely makes the grade is stressed a lot more for my comfort level.

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by james schaechter

The only person that will really push you to a 1/2 ton is a salesman with a lot full of half tons for sale! I agree, the new half tons are much better than they used to be. They might just let you drive over your head. 3/4HD and one tons are much more stable, safer braking, and will be more reliable as they age. A half ton that barely makes the grade is stressed a lot more for my comfort level.

X2, also in one of the related threads someone mentioned the financial benefits of possibly just renting a truck for towing a trailer a few times a year. Not wanting to use my Motorhome for a quick 5,000 mile trip to pick up my new race car I rented a 3/4 Ford from Enterprise Rent a Truck and with the 6.2 gas motor it performed flawlessly for far less $ per mile than I could have done otherwise, new trucks are so pricey renting may make sense for you as well.