Posted 2010-11-22 6:58 PM (#127358) Subject: 1/2 ton for towing?
Regular
Posts: 72 Location: Connecticut
I found a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 4wd quad cab with a 4.7L V8 for sale. It has 58K miles on it and they are asking $13,000 for it. I don't have trailer yet, but assume it will be under 3,000lbs since I am looking at mostly aluminum models. I go back and forth all the time on whether a 1/2 ton truck is a suitable towing vehicle. All of my trips are less than an hour, no big hills or mountains. This seems like a good truck. I just don't want to underbuy. My horse is a TB and I know most of the time there will likely be a second horse in there. The buyer says this truck can tow 7,500 which seems accurate. thoughts?
Posted 2010-11-22 7:50 PM (#127359 - in reply to #127358) Subject: RE: 1/2 ton for towing?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
You need to consider not only if it can "pull" the load, but if it can get the load stopped. While you will see many people out there towing with 1/2 tons, and they will say the truck does just fine, I always wonder if they have ever towed with more truck, and actually felt the difference.
You do not want to be at the top range of what a truck is rated to tow. That will wear things out quicker. That applied to everyone who tows. I'd guess we have MANY folks out there with those big ol LQ trailers that are towing with a 1 ton, and really should have something bigger. But folks don't weight their rigs to actually KNOW what the weigh.
I personally would look for a 3/4 ton for your situation
Posted 2010-11-22 8:29 PM (#127360 - in reply to #127358) Subject: RE: 1/2 ton for towing?
Regular
Posts: 72 Location: Connecticut
Thanks for the input. I definitely don't want to be maxed out. I'm already maxing out my wallet just to do this. I'd have to buy something that's going to wear out prematurely or worse endanger my horse. Back to the 3/4's it is.
Posted 2010-11-22 8:55 PM (#127362 - in reply to #127358) Subject: RE: 1/2 ton for towing?
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Sounds to me like the seller is trying a good ol' sales pitch on you.
The truth is that truck and being a 4x4 with the 4.7 engine is really under powered just for the truck, not to mention adding a trailer behind it. On top of that the asking price it roughly 3-k too high for an 05 model unless it is just brand new and with a conversion package to go with it.
Posted 2010-11-23 7:46 AM (#127371 - in reply to #127358) Subject: RE: 1/2 ton for towing?
Veteran
Posts: 213 Location: Virginia
Beware of sellers - both of trailers and trucks. I have towed BP's and GN's (3H LQ) with 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. Major difference in stopping power - which is what really counts. When I was looking for a trailer, one of the aggressive sellers here tried to convince me to buy a trailer that would weigh 10K - loaded - and the truck I was going to use was a 1/2T 4WD rated for 8,300 lbs. When I told him of my concern, he told me not to worry about it because the mfg always rated the trucks MUCH lower than they would actually tow/stop. I ended up buying an older 1T dually for my 2H LQ. It pulls and stops with ease and is one less thing to worry about. Best decision I ever made regarding my tow vehicle.
Needless to say, I would NEVER buy from the seller who gave me that bad advice.
Posted 2010-11-23 8:53 PM (#127386 - in reply to #127358) Subject: RE: 1/2 ton for towing?
Regular
Posts: 72 Location: Connecticut
I can tell you all how much I worry about buying used stuff. People will tell you anything to make a buck. I wish it were in my price range to buy new, but I'm at the mercy of a thin wallet. I have seen quite a few 5 to 6 year old 3/4 tons for around 15K with about 60K miles. Looks like that will have to be the price point. After that, I have to move onto the trailer and see which way to go on that too.
1/2 ton for towing?
