Info on Tow Vehicle

[jmcarter]

Only reservation I have about 1/2 ton trucks is their payload ratings, more so than tow ratings since the motors, frame and transmission are plenty stout if you don't need to spin up major grades at 70 MPH. By the time you add hitch weight and topper so you can cram in spares and tools you can pretty easily exceed the payload ratings (as shown on driver door jam). Some manufacturers also ship with tires that may cut you close on sidewall load ratings. You can get by with a 1/2 ton if you select your options carefully, get a good weight distribution hitch (determining optimum axle(s) weight at your nearest CAT scale yields dividends in driveabiltiy ). Make sure you have a good brake controller and insure you have good trailer brakes (some severe braking tests followed by checking brake temps recommended). An aluminum trailer (i.e. ATC) pays dividends as well.

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by jmcarter

Only reservation I have about 1/2 ton trucks is their payload ratings, more so than tow ratings since the motors, frame and transmission are plenty stout if you don't need to spin up major grades at 70 MPH. By the time you add hitch weight and topper so you can cram in spares and tools you can pretty easily exceed the payload ratings (as shown on driver door jam). Some manufacturers also ship with tires that may cut you close on sidewall load ratings. You can get by with a 1/2 ton if you select your options carefully, get a good weight distribution hitch (determining optimum axle(s) weight at your nearest CAT scale yields dividends in driveabiltiy ). Make sure you have a good brake controller and insure you have good trailer brakes (some severe braking tests followed by checking brake temps recommended). An aluminum trailer (i.e. ATC) pays dividends as well.

Great points Jim.
one of the first things I did to my Ram 1500 was to switch to "E" rated tires, quite costly due to the 20" factory alloy wheels, tire selection was slim when compared to 17" and 18" wheels. The truck had the towing package which included a great brake controller, class IV hitch and all the necessary hook-up plugs.

[Feltham.Justin11]

Thanks for all the help people!!! I have a good idea now of what im going for. Either a dually gasser or older diesel depending, not in a huge rush the car isn't done yet, I just don't want to pick something up and it not be able to handle towing it, that would be a waste. Ive never heard much about the v10 fords. good? bad? will a half ton dodge really handle it all without a cough?

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by Feltham.Justin11

Thanks for all the help people!!! I have a good idea now of what im going for. Either a dually gasser or older diesel depending, not in a huge rush the car isn't done yet, I just don't want to pick something up and it not be able to handle towing it, that would be a waste. Ive never heard much about the v10 fords. good? bad? will a half ton dodge really handle it all without a cough?

The V-10's have proven to be a decent engine.
Ford started putting those in vans and motorhomes around 1997 or so and in the 3/4-/1 tons in '99.

Here is a link to a Forum devoted to Ford trucks, and there is a section for the V-10 guys. ( good site-lots of info)

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum49/

[Chris1529]

I think it depends upon where you tow as well. Towing in hills and mountains or on a lot of 2 lane roads is completely different than towing on a rolling or flat interstate.
If you tow in the south and the Midwest, it is one thing. But if you tow across I-68 from WV into MD or up I-77 from North Carolina in Virginia at Fancy Gap, or say west of Denver on I-70, you may quickly find out you don't have enough truck or will get the brakes hot very quickly when you load close to the max.

[Feltham.Justin11]

Originally Posted by Chris1529

I think it depends upon where you tow as well. Towing in hills and mountains or on a lot of 2 lane roads is completely different than towing on a rolling or flat interstate.
If you tow in the south and the Midwest, it is one thing. But if you tow across I-68 from WV into MD or up I-77 from North Carolina in Virginia at Fancy Gap, or say west of Denver on I-70, you may quickly find out you don't have enough truck or will get the brakes hot very quickly when you load close to the max.

I'm in Pennsylvania towing a super stock cutlass, just bringing a small tool box, air compressor, generator, no full spares or anything.

[Chris1529]

Originally Posted by Feltham.Justin11

I'm in Pennsylvania towing a super stock cutlass, just bringing a small tool box, air compressor, generator, no full spares or anything.

The longer or more often you race, the more stuff you will start to bring with you.

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by Chris1529

The longer or more often you race, the more stuff you will start to bring with you.

^^ so true.

Seems every weekend get-away racing trip I take now I add another item to the trailer for, you know, "just in case".

These enclosed trailers have spoiled us...lol