Large displacement 1/2 ton, or just go for 3/4 ton?

[7mmfan]

I'm beginning the process of shopping for a new truck. I've been watching the market for some time gauging prices and how fast they move.

I've been planning on upgrading to a 3/4 ton for some time now, but I'm having a hard time stomaching the 50-60k for a good used rig. I've been considering looking for a 6.0-6.2L newer half ton, but frankly, they aren't much cheaper, mid-high 40's.

Other than higher payload in the 3/4 ton, is there a reason to go with one over a 6.2 half ton? Most of my towing is pretty lightweight in the big scheme of things. 4000# travel trailer, someday a 19-22' aluminum boat.

I know this is a can of worms, just wanting to get opinions from people with more experience than me.

[300rum]

If you do any towing at all, just go with the 3/4 ton, you will be happy you did.   

I probably should have added more...

Much better braking systems on the 3/4 tons.
Better Transmission cooling systems.
Better suspension.

Half Ton pickups just aren't built to tow or handle much. 

[Westside88]

A couple years ago I was looking at a well optioned F150 eco boost crew. After shopping around I chose a Ram 2500 Crew Cab longbed with a Cummins diesel. The Ram isn’t as well optioned (no leather interior) but for a very comparable price I got a truck that should handle anything I want to do. Other than it’s much bigger, which isn’t always convenient.  I keep trucks a long time so I lean toward go with the most capable

[300rum]

I probably should have put down my experience.

I have a 2009 GMC 3/4 ton with the 6.0 gas engine, love the truck, my daughter drives it now and I use it for hay and the dump trailer.

I tow everything else, GN Horse Trailer and 32' camp trailer, with a new GMC Diesel.

I tow 4+ times a week. 

It's not the engine that's most important, its being able to get it to stop.  Half tons just don't have the brakes.  When it's 90 degrees and you are at elevation going up or down hill, it's nice to have a good transmission cooler.   

[Stein]

For 4k towing, I would go with the 3.5 ecoboost or the 5 liter.  Way better mileage and more than enough to tow and stop that along with a much better ride and maybe even save a few bucks on registration and insurance. 

For a 19' boat or even larger you're still fine.  My 18' is about 3k.  If you end up with a heavy 22' and don't like the way it tows, then upgrade at that time, to me it doesn't make sense to spend more on fuel and a worse ride for years in the hopes that something might happen in the future.

[Skillet]

I think I'd go half ton in your situation. The weights you're talking about towing are half what a modern 1/2 ton 4x4 with tow package is rated to tow.  You'll be fine, as long as you don't seriously "de-engineer" the truck by lifting it and putting Stomper tires on it.

 

[Angry Perch]

I agree on the 1/2 ton based on your expected towing, and no need for a big motor. I think where you are towing is nearly as important as what you're towing as well. 

[7mmfan]

I agree on the 1/2 ton based on your expected towing, and no need for a big motor. I think where you are towing is nearly as important as what you're towing as well.

I currently own a 2008 Silverado with the 5.3 in it. I'm approaching 225,000 miles. I've noticed that the power is fading some and I've specifically noticed that it gets hot even in moderate temperatures when towing my trailer, I guess that was part of my thought process in looking for a vehicle more meant for towing that would likely handle it better. I probably just need to make sure whatever I buy has a transmission cooler.

[Mtnwalker]

My dad just had to dump a ton of money into his f150. The mechanic said it was from towing his camp trailer, which is well within the tow rating of his truck. His words were "just because it can doesn't mean it should". Other than the towing, I've always been under the impression that 3/4 tons hold up better on bumpy roads etc just due to beefier components. Back when my buddies all had 1/2 tons we'd go through front ends like crazy. Maybe we're just nicer to our rigs now but I don't think that's the case as mine has been rode hard and put away wet.  I'm no gearhead though

[Angry Perch]

My dad just had to dump a ton of money into his f150. The mechanic said it was from towing his camp trailer, which is well within the tow rating of his truck. His words were "just because it can doesn't mean it should". Other than the towing, I've always been under the impression that 3/4 tons hold up better on bumpy roads etc just due to beefier components. Back when my buddies all had 1/2 tons we'd go through front ends like crazy. Maybe we're just nicer to our rigs now but I don't think that's the case as mine has been rode hard and put away wet.  I'm no gearhead though

In my past experience, bumpy roads is exactly where you (and your kidneys, fillings, etc.) don't want a 3/4 ton, although I think they are much improved in the ride department these days.

[Mtnwalker]

My dad just had to dump a ton of money into his f150. The mechanic said it was from towing his camp trailer, which is well within the tow rating of his truck. His words were "just because it can doesn't mean it should". Other than the towing, I've always been under the impression that 3/4 tons hold up better on bumpy roads etc just due to beefier components. Back when my buddies all had 1/2 tons we'd go through front ends like crazy. Maybe we're just nicer to our rigs now but I don't think that's the case as mine has been rode hard and put away wet.  I'm no gearhead though

In my past experience, bumpy roads is exactly where you (and your kidneys, fillings, etc.) don't want a 3/4 ton, although I think they are much improved in the ride department these days.

For an occasional trip a 1/2 certainly rides nicer, although like you said the newer 3/4 tons ride nice now too. But when you're racking up a lot of miles on mountain roads like we were we'd shake the 1/2 tons apart constantly. Fords, Chevy's, didn't matter. Maybe the new ones are better, I haven't owned one in years. I use my trucks pretty hard and I personally would rather have a 3/4 ton working at 60% capacity vs a 1/2 working at 90% capacity over the long term

[jrebel]

If I was towing on a semi regular basis, I would not go any smaller than a 3/4 ton.....regardless of weight.  If it was a half dozen times a year and the boat and trailer were the weights you describe....you will likely be fine.  It's not the engine in a half ton that is the problem, its the brakes, transmission, and suspension. 

If you go for a dodge diesel, I would look at the 1 ton just to get the aisin transmission.  As a point of reference, my brother in law's 1/2 ton ford cost as much as my 1 ton dodge.  I don't have leather and all the fancy jazzz....but It is still a very nice and comfortable ride.  I get as good of fuel economy as my wife's 2015 4runner and it will tow anything.  Only reason I would not buy a diesel at this point, is if I were only using it for city stop and go driving.  The new DEF systems do not like stop and go driving all the time....you have to get them out and run them.  If I were doing a lot of city driving I would go with a 3/4 or 1 ton gasser and just know that fuel bill is going to hurt. 

Just my two cents.....which is exactly what most internet advice is worth.   

[b23]

I have a GMC 1/2 ton w/6.2 and 10 speed auto that is my daily driver.  I had a Ford diesel super duty before that I pulled my 26ft enclosed car hauler and 25ft boat with.  At the time I also had a Tacoma that was daily driver.  When I sold my car hauler and boat I also sold my super duty because I just didn't need it anymore and was down to just my Tacoma.  Wanting a full size that was still capable but not really wanting a 3/4 ton as my daily driver and not needing one because I didn't have anything very heavy to haul anymore a 1/2 ton with good power, like the 6.2, seemed like a good compromise.  I got the AT4 model GMC 1500 and it's been a great truck so far and that's coming from a Ford guy.

If this is your daily driver and you don't really have a need for a HD or SD type truck but still want something that has pretty good power and is capable of hauling/towing a few things the 1/2 ton GM trucks with the 6.2 and 10 speed are a good choice.  My dad and one of my best friends both have F150's with the HO 3.5 and 10 speed trans and they're very happy with those too.

[trophyhunt]

I've heard the new gmc half ton duramax can tow more than my 06 duramax, can't haul as much but tows more.  Hard to believe, haven't looked up the stats myself.  But then it put's your price out of reach.

[Stein]

I agree on the 1/2 ton based on your expected towing, and no need for a big motor. I think where you are towing is nearly as important as what you're towing as well.

I currently own a 2008 Silverado with the 5.3 in it. I'm approaching 225,000 miles. I've noticed that the power is fading some and I've specifically noticed that it gets hot even in moderate temperatures when towing my trailer, I guess that was part of my thought process in looking for a vehicle more meant for towing that would likely handle it better. I probably just need to make sure whatever I buy has a transmission cooler.

Trucks have changed a ton since 2008, they pull night and day better.  Way more torque, better cooling, better transmissions, better suspension.  I have an older 5.3 Chevy and a 2016 F-150 5.0.  They are night and day different in just about every way.

Of course, there are always people that think you need a chipped dually with upgraded springs to pull a hooky bob, but at 4,000 pounds, you wouldn't even be half of the rated towing limit for just about every model and not even 1/3 of the model with the highest tow capacity.