1/2 ton or 3/4 ton???

music · June 17, 2013

Thanks for the info, very helpful. You're a little heavier than me, but the tongue weight is about the same. I've asked quite a few folks, and usually don't get much opinion between a "properly setup" 1500 and 2500HD, but I like what I hear in what you wrote. It's a clear choice when you get into 5th wheels and larger horse trailers (shifting weight), but a medium sized tag-along is in a grey zone. The only other issue for me, other than cost, ride, and mpg (which is just another cost), is that the HD won't fit in my main garage. I have a building/workshop where I could park it, so it wouldn't be terrible, but it's nice to park "inside". With a family on board for long trips, a HD would be a better/safer choice overall (heavier axles/springs/bearings/etc and higher load capacity).

Not to sound preachy, but I would suggest keeping the speed closer to 65. I have never had a blow-out, but I've helped my FIL change tires on the side of the road for his camper multiple times. When they go, they go fast, and usually in hot weather on a busy highway. Failure is usually catastrophic, and can easily take out the inside of the trailer above it. ST tires are only rated for 65 mph, so that's where I try to keep it. I know folks go faster, but I personally don't think it's worth the risk. Just my opinion...

timdan94 · June 17, 2013

I went from a 1/2 ton to a srw 1 ton and I can tell you there is no comparison between the two when towing. My boat is only about 3000lbs and my wife looked at me the first time I towed it up the mountains with the new truck and she said this truck is more stable and powerful.(she has never towed before). I bought a 14 foot 14000 lb gvw dump trailer and it tows it like its not even there. The half ton with a 3000lb trailer was working hard empty and was down right a dog when I had 9000lbs behind it. I will never own a half ton again.

SouthCo · June 18, 2013

Well keep us posted on what you get and what you think (happy or sad you got the 1500 or 2500). When I tow my enclosed 8.5x16 with the toys inside I'm around 5000-6000lbs. I tow very seldom, but when I do I absolutely know it's back there even when towing on flat ground which is what I'm mostly on. I have the 5.3 6spd 3.42 gears with max trailering package (or whatever the call it) with integrated brake controller. Like I posted earlier, it gets the job done and I don't feel overloaded but I know a 2500 would feel soo much better. I'm tempted to trade mine in for a 2013 2500 as the 2014's haven't grown on me.

doverarjim · June 18, 2013

I forgot to make one point on your truck. If you plan on keeping it a long time ie. 10 years or more I would go with a 2500 HD truck. "It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it." My gas truck got fair gas mileage and it did not ride so bad that I hated to daily drive it.

cliobogger · June 18, 2013

Go HD. I'm closing the deal on my first 2500HD. When I test drove it, I was in love. I totally subscribe to the have it and not need it theory above.

[email protected] · June 19, 2013

I moved from a 1/2 ton to a 2500HD - far better towing anything. I tow a 20' Enclosed Car Carrier loaded with a sports car and some tools etc. It was no real strain for the 1/2 ton and only weighs 7K lbs at the most. Nonetheless the aerodynamic drag at 65/70 mph is the main Load. It is like pulling a big sale down the road. The 3/4 ton is just much more stable at speed and far less stressful driving.

Some people in this thread mentioned the stiff or harsher ride of the 3/4 ton's around town. True - I was not to happy with the ride quality of the 2500HD when the bed was empty or I wasn't towing. Small bumps and pot holes jarred my teeth... even with lower tire pressures.

I installed a set of Sulastic Springs, they replace your stock rear shackles... HUGE difference. Now my 2500HD rides well within the acceptable level, much more like the 1/2 ton - and the truck isn't beating itself to death on rough streets. They don't change your load nor towing ratings either. I'd recommend them highly if ride quality is of a concern to anyone.

http://sulastic.com/sa-01

FWIW,
Carl B.

Ramin258 · June 19, 2013

HD for sure! Why buy a 1500 and "beef" it up to handle towing heavier loads when the 2500 or 3500 are equipped to handle the larger loads stock.

Also, if you are towing that frequently you might want to go with the 4.10 gears.

Nitro375 · July 10, 2013

To me it is a matter of how long you keep your truck. And if you even think that you will 'need' a larger trailer. I made the move from 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton years ago and have not looked back. My first truck was a 1/2 ton Camper Special, that was set up more like a 3/4 ton any way, it had extra springs in the rear and the front springs were for a big block. I moved using that truck and went across the scales at 16,000 lbs the empty truck and trailer weighed 6500 lbs!!! Thank goodness gas was only $0.55 back then. I worked that truck for over 100,000 miles and when I went to trade I could not get a exact replacement so I stepped up then.

Could not agree more, in the past there have been times I wished for or needed more truck. Never have I been in a situation where I wished for less truck.

zogg · July 12, 2013

You just cannot have too much truck! I went the 1/2 ton route, adding air bags, higher range tires, etc....still had a half ton.

Bought a used HD2500 and it opened a whole new world. Besides the heavier suspension and tires, it had a stronger drive train, bigger brakes for great stopping power, sits a bit taller, and is a he!! Of a lot more stable over all.

You just cannot make a half ton truck do all of that. My 2011 GMC HD has a lot of heavynduty upgrades over my previous HD, and it just gets the job done. We just got back from an 800 miles trip pulling our new 8000+ pound trailer, and there wee absolutely no issues or concerns.

The guy at the next camp site was pulling a small fifth wheel with a half ton Ford....he was way maxed out and admitted he was scared to go over 50 mph. He wanted a new 3/4 but cant afford it....my big concern it that he is on the road with me...ugh!

Anyway, if you are looking for a new truck, buying a 3/4 ton now will save a lot of regrets later...good luck.