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3/4-ton truck for towing - reccomendations

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I think a regular half ton with a v8 would be more than enough to pull an 8000lb trailer, I have certainly pulled more with one.

I suppose I should add that we don't have hills in Michigan.
 
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ussfletcher said:
I think a regular half ton with a v8 would be more than enough to pull an 8000lb trailer, I have certainly pulled more with one.

I suppose I should add that we don't have hills in Michigan.
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The guy who owns the trailer has a lot of experience (he owns 10+ of them that he rents out) and is adamant that a 3/4-ton is the minimum.
 
ussfletcher said:
I think a regular half ton with a v8 would be more than enough to pull an 8000lb trailer, I have certainly pulled more with one.

I suppose I should add that we don't have hills in Michigan.
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That 8,000lb trailer is very close the max tow weight of most 1/2 ton PU's and would not be a good idea to use... Its not just the ability to pull the trailer it also has a lot to do with stopping it... Yes I know you will say the trailer has brakes but part of what is figured is the truck being able to stop the trailer without the aid of the trailer brakes in case of failure... A 3/4 ton has much heavier brakes and running gear upgrades as well so its just an all around better choice for towing... A diesel is not required but is also better choice but of course cost more up front but it depends on how much you use it and for what as to how it could make up in difference...
 
Yeah, you can tow 8000 with a half ton but it is not fun. A conventional trailer will tend to steer you on rough roads, even with a good set of equalizer bars. The weight of the tow vehicle comes into play here, and a 3/4 ton will not get shoved around nearly as much. The comfort level is greatly improved with the heavier truck.
 
Not sure where your from, but I know around here 5K could get me into a half decent Cummins. Of course going old and used then theres nothing that will beat the cummins. I've had them with over 400k miles no rebuild and the same(manual) tranny. Ended up selling it for 3k and I see it scooting around still. I've pulled heavy trailers up mountains going 80mph the whole way without issues. Just don't get an 89, they didn't have a intercooler.
 
Bartman39 said:
... Its not just the ability to pull the trailer it also has a lot to do with stopping it... Yes I know you will say the trailer has brakes but part of what is figured is the truck being able to stop the trailer without the aid of the trailer brakes in case of failure... A 3/4 ton has much heavier brakes and running gear upgrades as well so its just an all around better choice for towing...
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Thank you! Another voice of reason amid the sea of "it's just the spring rates" towing advice.

It's never about pulling but about stopping and can the guts of the truck/tow vehicle withstand pulling heavy loads. And stopping is the first consideration that should be taken......when that old lady pulls out in front of you and you try to panic stop but the truck's brakes are nowhere near up to the task and you rear end her, you'll be held liable for the accident and for overloading the tow vehicle beyond mfgr's recommendations.
 
Alright- so what do you all think of shooting for an F250 with the 7.3 Powerstroke, whatever transmission I can find it with, 1996+?

Also, how much of a difference does and equalizing hitch make?
 
nedfunnell said:
Alright- so what do you all think of shooting for an F250 with the 7.3 Powerstroke, whatever transmission I can find it with, 1996+?

Also, how much of a difference does and equalizing hitch make?
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Mid -94 through 2002 model year.
Equalizing hitch is worth it. You can get a used one cheap if you look around.

The differences are dramatic. the truck comes up in the rear, headlights are pointing right, big bumps and bridge joints are taken with relative ease.
Without it, a good bump or two timed in a row can quickly get thrilling in a very bad way.
 
alkalinetaupehat said:
Found a thread with a lot of ratings for different conditions. They're saying 10-ish MPG for your case.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/12373-dont-laugh-460-gas-mileage.html
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I'm a member over there (heymrdj there as well) and the boards for the superdutys are busy all the time. If you have any questions about the capabilities of a truck or questions on repairing/maintaining one the groups (especially the powerstroke 94-2002 group) will be adamantly helping you.
 
Good info guys, thanks.

Okay, another question- SRW or DRW? What advantages do I get with DRW? One thing I know is that DRWs are awfully wide- I've driven though some narrow construction zones before and I wonder how guys in big trucks do it. Also, reduced MPGs. DRW isn't needed for an 8klb trailer, is it?
 
For that size and weight of trailer a single rear wheel (SRW) should be just fine... As for MPG less rolling drag with of course mean more MPG... Also most DRW trucks have a lower rear ratio as well which means less MPG... My 3/4 ton Duramax (2004.5) gets 10-12mpg pulling our 33' dual slide travel trailer (right at 10K lbs loaded) and gets 19+mpg by itself... It has a 3.73 ratio rear gear but of course has a 5 speed Allison auto trans with OD...
 
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