How Many Have A 3/4 Ton And Don't Really Need It?

Mguts · May 15, 2011

I'm getting a new truck in the next couple of weeks and have been looking at half-tons and 3/4 tons. Realistically, I could definitely buy a 1500 and probably not ever push it to its limit enough to necessarily break it, but the 3/4 tons sure are nice looking. I have a 1995 half-ton and it seems like the new 3/4 tons are similar to that in terms of stoutness, etc. Also, I'll be putting a plow on it, so I guess a 3/4 ton would be better from that respect.

Anyhow, do any of you guys out there with heavy-duties have one even though you don't necessarily need one. Thanks!

bossmare · May 15, 2011

I'm getting a new truck in the next couple of weeks and have been looking at half-tons and 3/4 tons. Realistically, I could definitely buy a 1500 and probably not ever push it to its limit enough to necessarily break it, but the 3/4 tons sure are nice looking. I have a 1995 half-ton and it seems like the new 3/4 tons are similar to that in terms of stoutness, etc. Also, I'll be putting a plow on it, so I guess a 3/4 ton would be better from that respect.

Anyhow, do any of you guys out there with heavy-duties have one even though you don't necessarily need one. Thanks!

Some might say I don't need one, hahaha! I have 3 horses, but the number of times I actually trailer them . . well, it is adding up this year now, but previously it wasn't a whole lot! But I want the power there when I need it and my 1/2 ton just wasn't cutting it even with a smaller trailer. Besides, as I said, my trailer is gonna add up this year--was just a matter of getting the one horse prepared to leave the property with the others. Besides, the 3/4 does use more gas but is it really all that much???? It's not really a huge difference.

plowking · May 16, 2011

I got the 2500HD back in 08 as a 07 leftover. I wanted the six speed transmission with the 6.0. If you put a plow on the newer trucks you have to be sure the front suspension at the a-arms is gussetted. Some of the trucks have been developing cracks,especially trucks that carry weight for ballast. 2011 may not have this problem with box frame. plowking

palukie · May 16, 2011

I have a 3/4 HD with a 6.0 . I tow a toyhauler trailer 21ft and tow about 5 times a yr. I am coming from owning a 06 Duramax, so do I need a 3/4 HD maybe not. But I would rather have a little too much truck than not enough. I do wish they put the 6.2 in the 3/4 trucks since I think the 6.0 is a little under powered. Good luck on what ever you buy.

grimmysnr · May 16, 2011

Got a 2500HD because I needed a quad cab with a 6.6 ft bed. Only Ford offers that configuration in a half ton. Well we all know the tragic end of that story. I don't care about towing houses to the camp grounds and stuff. I just need room for my ATV, tent, and the fam. If GM would have offered the same config in a 1500 I would have gone that route.

jro909 · May 16, 2011

its better to have too much then too little...i'll be going from a 1500 to a 2500 next time around just because for the few times a year i actually put my truck to work i'd have greater peace of mind not worrying if its too much on the truck...let alone HDs generally outlive 1500s

builderpaul · May 16, 2011

I agree the 3/4 will last longer than a 1/2 doing the same work. You will pay for this in gas milage. The 3/4 are about 600 lbs heavier and geared taller so they get about 2mpg less than a 1/2 ton. The 1/2 ton will have a more car like ride. I need an HD everyday so I guess I shouldn't be replying to this thread.

ATMINF · May 16, 2011

3/4 tons have better brakes, better Trans(esp 4L80 vs 4l60), better rear(14 bolt vs 10 bolt), beefer frame, only bad is gas. Also I go a smoking deal on my 3/4 ton since it was a low option LS, and closer to a work truck.

8.1HD/ALLISON · May 16, 2011

I definately don't NEED a 3/4 ton, but I do need a truck. Occasionaly haul a 25 foot gooseneck trailer. 18 foot car trailer. atvs, firewood, etc. Being its not a daily driver, I went for the HD. Like others have said, better to have too much then not enough.

tom sumter · May 17, 2011

I think a good percentage of people drive a 3/4 ton because, quite frankly, it's a nice looking truck with a better build than a 1500. Most probably don't "need" a 3/4 ton. I see so many HS and college kids driving 2500s that were probably bought by daddy. I doubt they are pulling heavy loads and need the 2500.

Personally, I would love to own a 2500 even though I don't need one. I just think they are cool trucks. Unfortunately, I couldn't justify the extra $10K or so in costs to buy one, plus all the additional fuel costs to operate it.

2010.6.2L · May 17, 2011

I recently downgraded from an 07 2500hd with a duramax. What a great combination. The other nice thing about a 2500 is the longer box when you get a crew cab. I didnt pull anything other than a 19ft fiberglass fishing boat. Did I need it? Absolutely not, but I loved every minute of owning it. I went down to a half ton with the 6.2 as this will be plenty for the needs that I have now in a pickup.

rgv · May 17, 2011

I was at the RV dealer the other day picking up some parts for my travel trailer hot water tank.

After watching all the guys in half tons driving in and out with 28+ foot travel trailers, I was thinking just the opposite.

I know they are rated to pull #8000 pounds plus, but wow that can't be fun.

redjewel2ss · May 17, 2011

i got a half ton because the only thing i ever tow, is stuff that fits in the bed of the truck. but i wanted an extended cab so that i had the 6' 6" bed; the back seat is used for 2 small dogs, so i was okay not getting a crew cab for the time being. when i have kids and can afford toys that need to be towed from the trailer hitch, i'll upgrade to the roomier crew cab 3/4 ton with the 6' 6" bed.

tyhuck · May 17, 2011

I only ran a 2500 until 2010 when I traded that for a Tahoe for my wife. I then began driving an s10. Well, I figure that I never really truely needed the 2500, but it was nice to have a little extra truck. Most of my driving was just highway transport for me and the wife. Kinda overkill to have a 2500 CC for just me and her. But, the s10 was not nearly enough truck. So, now I have a 1500 Z71, and for the most part, Im happy with it. But, I sure do wish I had the 2500 again. It was nice to have the CC and a 6.5' bed. Plus, the 6.0 was a good bit peppier than the 5.3 that i have now.

I guess Im like so many others that posted above. Its nice to have a little more truck when you need it, and more than enough when you dont, instead of having enough when you dont need it and not enough when you do.

Diesail · May 17, 2011

I have a 2500 CC dmax and would trade it in a heartbeat for a 1500 if I didn't need that much truck. As a daily driver it is a lot of truck, heck I even have a couple of parking garages I frequent that I can no longer park in. If you don't need it stick to the 1500.