Posted 2011-04-26 9:00 PM (#133588) Subject: 3/4 ton truck question
Member
Posts: 6
Location: California
I'm looking for a 3/4 ton, 4WD truck to pull a bumper pull 2 horse trailer. My budget is less than $ 12K and it has been discouraging to see how few trucks in my area are 4WD. My question for the forum is, what are the other features I should be looking for? I was not following up on ads if they didn't list that the truck had the towing package. Is a tow package something I can add later? I understand that axel ratio affects towing ability and mileage but given that a 2 horse isn't a huge load does it matter in a 3/4 ton truck? If it does what ratio do I need. The list of trucks in my price range within a 100 miles of my home is already small, and after I toss out the 2WD and no tow packages I am ending up with no choices!!
Posted 2011-04-26 11:39 PM (#133596 - in reply to #133588) Subject: RE: 3/4 ton truck question
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by leniH on 2011-04-26 9:00 PM
I'm looking for a 3/4 ton, 4WD truck to pull a bumper pull 2 horse trailer. My budget is less than $ 12K and it has been discouraging to see how few trucks in my area are 4WD. My question for the forum is, what are the other features I should be looking for? I was not following up on ads if they didn't list that the truck had the towing package. Is a tow package something I can add later? I understand that axel ratio affects towing ability and mileage but given that a 2 horse isn't a huge load does it matter in a 3/4 ton truck? If it does what ratio do I need. The list of trucks in my price range within a 100 miles of my home is already small, and after I toss out the 2WD and no tow packages I am ending up with no choices!!
Go back an search again and do not worry if the listing does not show "tow package" because 90% of the 3/4 ton and larger trucks on the road will have a "tow package". A factory tow package will include a receiver hitch, 7 way RV style plug and most will have a tranny cooler in front of or around/under the radiator.
The axle will depend on the truck and engine options. Again most later model 3/4 ton trucks will have somethiing around 3.55's or 3.73's, both are good for light to med. towing and not that bad on fuel/gas. 4.10's are more for heavy towing but your fule mileage drops.
Posted 2011-04-29 9:32 PM (#133674 - in reply to #133588) Subject: RE: 3/4 ton truck question
Regular
Posts: 59 Location: Colorado
I agree with the above. For what you plan to tow, just about any 3/4 ton truck should work just fine, with or without "tow package" (always check the manufacturer specs to make certain).
Btw, what a "tow package" actually includes varies greatly from model to model. Many times a "tow package" only includes a trailer hitch and the wiring, which of course can be added quite easily and inexpensively. Some tow packages include a tranny cooler (or a larger one than standard) and/or a larger alternater. These also aren't all that expensive to add later, but again for a 2 horse bumper pull I would think any "standard" 3/4 ton truck would be fine with the baseline gear.
Posted 2011-04-30 12:05 AM (#133678 - in reply to #133588) Subject: RE: 3/4 ton truck question
Veteran
Posts: 114 Location: Home of the WNFR at Christmas
I hate to say it but look to Nevada and Arizona for your new truck. With the crash in construction, there are many a great trucks out this way for very low prices. I just came across a 2006 crew cab f350 lariat 4x4 LB srw 75K miles air bags B&W etc for 15K.
If you have cash the trucks are here... Craigslist is your friend
Posted 2011-04-30 1:56 PM (#133693 - in reply to #133588) Subject: RE: 3/4 ton truck question
Member
Posts: 23
It might be good to visit your mechanic and other horse people in your area for the info you want, and due you really need a 4 wheel drive.You might pay extra Insurance money for the 4wheel I also live in CA. As far as rear ends 3.73 and around that range should be fine.
3/4 ton truck question
