Tow Truck 1/2 Ton?
 

Anybody try towing with a half ton PU ? My trailer weighs 10,400 #, but I will not be towing in Mountains, only flat lands , and only about 5 or 6 times a summer ! I have driven a 12 150 ford, w/ the eco-boost V-6 w/auto and 4 wheel drive, and I seemed to work great ! Just looking for opinions, and this would be my daily driver in the winter ! Give me your thoughts please ! I'm thinking about durability ? It will also have the full trailer tow package ......Thanks,,,, John !

Re: Tow Truck 1/2 Ton?
 

What kind of 1/2 ton truck?

Re: Tow Truck 1/2 Ton?
 

I like my 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Big Horn with the factory towing package and Hemi engine. It is rated to 11K.

I also purchase the factory extended lifetime warranty with the truck just in case...

Re: Tow Truck 1/2 Ton?
 

I use a 2000 F550 conversion (had it to tow my 48' LQ trailer)to tow my 24' featherlite. I was going to sell it and get a smaller pickup to save money on mileage. Looked at what I could get for it as compared to the price of a smaller truck. Decided to keep it. I have since replaced the transmission (went for the money $5000). Now I'll keep the truck till it stops running (should get at least another 200,000 miles towing).
I only get 10 mpg towing and won't go much over 65 mph due to the 4.88 gears. But when I go to stop it stops, when a tractor trailer or bus blows by me on a highway I don't know they are there till I see them. I don't have any sway bars or an equalizer hitch.
It's 10 mpg but the peace of mind is priceless

Re: Tow Truck 1/2 Ton?
 

Does that mean your'e back racing again?????

Re: Tow Truck 1/2 Ton?
 

I have a 1/2 ton extended cab Chevrolet truck that I pull a open trailer that weights 2500 lbs empty, put the car,pit scooter and load the box on the frt of the trailer and the weight is up around 5900 lbs. The truck is way under powered because it is a 4.3 v6. I had a 5.3 v8 truck before the v6 but the fuel mileage was bad. The v6 will get 13 mpg and the v8 was only about 9 mpg at 60-65 mph. I would not recommend a v6 for pulling, BTW tried to pull a 20 ft enclosed trailer with the v6 and in about 50 miles the transmission failed.

Re: Tow Truck 1/2 Ton?
 

Does your trailer actually weigh 10,400 lbs or that's what it's rated at with 2 5,200 lb axles?

I always try to put a a package together that is rated a good bit over the overall weight I will actually be towing at. It gives me peace-of-mind to have an extra measure of "insurance" in case of an emergency. Personally I have an '04 dodge diesel dually with a 28' Pace. Combined weight is about 20,600lbs almost evenly split. Trailer is rated for 12k. One year here on the way to a south Florida race, I got brake fade on a flat, 55mph highway when I had to stop for redlights about 4-5 times in a row going through some small, back-to-back towns & intersections. It surprised me that last time, but I stopped in time and was more cautious afterwards.

Personally, I think a 1/2 ton truck would be "borderline" with a bare-bones enclosed trailer. It's not just how well it pulls, but how well it maneuvers and stops also. Brakes and tires on the truck can take as much or more abuse than trailer counterparts. Even when I towed a heavy open trailer with a 1/2 ton, I used the highest rated tires I could. But I just tend to be over-cautious.

Re: Tow Truck 1/2 Ton?
 

Barnstorm, Yes I'm going to try to do some racing, on a limited basis, just to check myself out, as far as capabilities ! I just turned 74, and the desire is out of control ! I've got to get back out there , I want to play along with you guys ! I also talked to Lynn yesterday, about Brainerd, i was with you guys, even though i was'nt there ! You can't believe how much I miss Racing !........I'll talk to you guys soon !..........John

Re: Tow Truck 1/2 Ton?
 

Myron, the truck inquestion is a 2012 Ford 150, with the Eco-Boost V6, thats rated at 365 HP., and 430# tourque, with the HD trailering pkg, 4 wheel drive, 4 Door Cab , with all of the trailering equipment needed ! My trailer is a Pace-American Big Foot, 28' long, it scales out at 6400# without the car ! It has 2 6K Axels, etc ! Also includes, winch , air comp, and tools and cabinets ! The car weighs 3400#!......Thanks for your input !........John.

Re: Tow Truck 1/2 Ton?
 

John

2012 F150 Crew Cab with 3.5L Eco Boost and MAX trailer tow package is
rated to tow up to 11,300 lb trailer if short wheel base . 11,200 lbs if long wheel
base.