Posted 2014-12-10 11:13 AM (#162005) Subject: Help! What truck???
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Louisiana
Ok, I have been researching trucks but always see conflicts b/t 1/2 tons vs 3/4 tons. I understand that bigger is better but - I am looking to pull a trailer and 1-2 horses. The trailer I am looking at weighs roughly 3,000 lbs. So lets say the most I will be hauling is about 6,000lbs. I am in Louisiana where it is relatively flat and will be hauling maybe 1x a week for a trail ride ... and using for emergencies. Can I get by with a 1/2 ton or do I need to look at 3/4 tons? If 1/2 will work which should I be looking at? What years to stay away from since I will be buying used? thanks!!!
Posted 2014-12-10 1:54 PM (#162008 - in reply to #162005) Subject: RE: Help! What truck???
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
1/2 ton would be fine...you'll just notice that the trailer is behind you...more so than with the 3/4 ton...but the 1/2 on will give our better mpg...:)
Posted 2014-12-10 9:21 PM (#162015 - in reply to #162005) Subject: RE: Help! What truck???
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
A half ton truck will do the job on the flat, a three quarter will do it better, anywhere. It has larger brakes, a better suspension, heavier frame etc. Whatever truck you decide upon, if it is equipped with a factory trailer towing package, it will save you some money setting it up for towing. It will also have aux coolers and different gear ratios that will ensure its longevity when towing. Most of the newer half ton trucks' towing packages, exceed the capabilities of older three quarter ton trucks. With a half ton, you are still limited by the rear axle load capacities and lighter duty OEM tires; meaning you can pull a great deal, but are limited by what you can carry.
Posted 2014-12-11 5:51 AM (#162019 - in reply to #162005) Subject: RE: Help! What truck???
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Half ton and enjoy the better fuel economy. I personally have had 3/4 ton diesels and half ton trucks and when it all comes down to towing the same size two horse trailer you really can't justify the 3/4 ton price difference.Dodge even makes (or made) a 1/2 ton ecodiesel...towed up to 9200 lbs and the current F-150 tows up to a whopping 13,000 which is higher than my last 3/4 ton.You only need the bigger truck if you might step-up to a larger trailer, 3+ horses, hauling at maximum towing capacity or hauling nearly every day for long trips. If that isn't your case then 1/2 ton is your sweet spot!
Help! What truck???
