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1/2 ton 4X4 Truck towing capacity and other truck-related observations
Posted on 7/21/22 at 12:27 am
Posted on 7/21/22 at 12:27 am
I posted this on the OT board, but that place is as useless for any real conversation as the SEC Rant. Just 100% smartasses now…anyway…let’s try it here.
I recently bought a fairly large boat that weighs right around 5,500 Lbs.
I quickly realized that I’ll need to upgrade my 6cyl truck in order to get up and down the hills of TN…so off I went looking at towing capacities. I’m no fanboy of any brand, so the field is wide open for me.
Most all manufacturers brag about their lofty towing numbers, but these numbers - it turns out - are often based on very specific packages and not at all indicative of the capacities of the most popular models.
Let’s start with Ram 1500…
They brag about 11K+ capabilities. However, their most popular Ram Crew Cab 5.7L combination has an actual towing capacity of around 7,200 Lbs.
The number drops to around 6K for the V6 options.
Even the 5.7L Rebel comes in between 6K & 7K Lbs depending on options.
Ford F-150…
“Best in class towing capacity” at around 12K.
Ford pushes their 3.5L’s hp and torque. However, most of the F150 lineup I have looked at with the 3.5L has a max rating of 6K-7K.
I have came across a few of the 5.0 equipped crew cab models with 9K maximums, but the norm seems to be 7K.
Chevy/GM 1500…
I have only researched the V8 options in these trucks. These are more likely to be rated in the 9K range than the Ram and Ford offerings, but about half seem to also be in the 6K-7K range in the packages I’m interested in.
Toyota Tundra…
I don’t recall Toyota really pushing their numbers, but real-world Tundra numbers are generally pretty solid at the 9K range.
These V8’s are famously thirsty, but they can tow.
Nissan Titan…
Again, they don’t do a lot of bragging, but their 5.7L V8 paired with their most common transmission options reliably yield 9K+ in their more popular crew cab configurations.
One note here…the Titan XD, which is in between a 1/2 & 3/4 ton truck, has a tow capacity of 11K+.
As far as interiors and tech goes, ChevyGMC is pretty much shite until you get into the SLT range. Just absolutely boring…especially for their premium price.
Ram has very nice interior and tech packages across the board.
Ford F150 is decent, but they’re too in love with the front bench seat.
Toyota Tundra is pretty boring on layout and they’re about 3 years behind everyone on tech.
Nissan Titans have decent interiors and generally offer more tech for the $ than the others.
If you want to see your specific truck’s towing capacity, you can find it HERE by using the VIN search feature.
Mine came back at 6,200 and I was surprised, because I had assumed it was at least 9K. Before you go spouting off, check out your numbers.
I’m thinking about checking out some Titans if I can get past how ugly they are in front.
I recently bought a fairly large boat that weighs right around 5,500 Lbs.
I quickly realized that I’ll need to upgrade my 6cyl truck in order to get up and down the hills of TN…so off I went looking at towing capacities. I’m no fanboy of any brand, so the field is wide open for me.
Most all manufacturers brag about their lofty towing numbers, but these numbers - it turns out - are often based on very specific packages and not at all indicative of the capacities of the most popular models.
Let’s start with Ram 1500…
They brag about 11K+ capabilities. However, their most popular Ram Crew Cab 5.7L combination has an actual towing capacity of around 7,200 Lbs.
The number drops to around 6K for the V6 options.
Even the 5.7L Rebel comes in between 6K & 7K Lbs depending on options.
Ford F-150…
“Best in class towing capacity” at around 12K.
Ford pushes their 3.5L’s hp and torque. However, most of the F150 lineup I have looked at with the 3.5L has a max rating of 6K-7K.
I have came across a few of the 5.0 equipped crew cab models with 9K maximums, but the norm seems to be 7K.
Chevy/GM 1500…
I have only researched the V8 options in these trucks. These are more likely to be rated in the 9K range than the Ram and Ford offerings, but about half seem to also be in the 6K-7K range in the packages I’m interested in.
Toyota Tundra…
I don’t recall Toyota really pushing their numbers, but real-world Tundra numbers are generally pretty solid at the 9K range.
These V8’s are famously thirsty, but they can tow.
Nissan Titan…
Again, they don’t do a lot of bragging, but their 5.7L V8 paired with their most common transmission options reliably yield 9K+ in their more popular crew cab configurations.
One note here…the Titan XD, which is in between a 1/2 & 3/4 ton truck, has a tow capacity of 11K+.
As far as interiors and tech goes, ChevyGMC is pretty much shite until you get into the SLT range. Just absolutely boring…especially for their premium price.
Ram has very nice interior and tech packages across the board.
Ford F150 is decent, but they’re too in love with the front bench seat.
Toyota Tundra is pretty boring on layout and they’re about 3 years behind everyone on tech.
Nissan Titans have decent interiors and generally offer more tech for the $ than the others.
If you want to see your specific truck’s towing capacity, you can find it HERE by using the VIN search feature.
Mine came back at 6,200 and I was surprised, because I had assumed it was at least 9K. Before you go spouting off, check out your numbers.
I’m thinking about checking out some Titans if I can get past how ugly they are in front.
18
Posted on 7/21/22 at 12:31 am to Eli Goldfinger
I think any of the full size trucks can easily tow a 5500lb boat.
Titan will be discontinued soon.
Tundra model is new and I don’t think the V8 is offered in it. It’s now a turbo like Ford.
Titan will be discontinued soon.
Tundra model is new and I don’t think the V8 is offered in it. It’s now a turbo like Ford.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 12:45 am to biglego
quote:
I think any of the full size trucks can easily tow a 5500lb boat.
I thought so, too, until I tried it.
My truck struggles getting up long hills way more than I’m comfortable with.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 3:07 am to Eli Goldfinger
You can help your truck out with the transmission mode.
Like the ability to lock out certain gears from the shifter to keep you in the lower gears longers when towing and keeping your RPMs up.
Your gas engines like the RPMs. My 6.2L f250 gas lonves the shite out if 4500 RPM range. It sounds like it's being worked but that's their design. Let it eat.
What size rear end do you have? Consistent towing with a gasser and a six speed would do well with at least a 3.73.
A 10nspeed may get away with 3.55. Add some trailer brakes and a controller snd you'll help yourself tremendously.
Like the ability to lock out certain gears from the shifter to keep you in the lower gears longers when towing and keeping your RPMs up.
Your gas engines like the RPMs. My 6.2L f250 gas lonves the shite out if 4500 RPM range. It sounds like it's being worked but that's their design. Let it eat.
What size rear end do you have? Consistent towing with a gasser and a six speed would do well with at least a 3.73.
A 10nspeed may get away with 3.55. Add some trailer brakes and a controller snd you'll help yourself tremendously.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 4:57 am to Eli Goldfinger
Just saw an ad for a 2021 Ram 2500 with 16K miles - $71k
Holy shite
I'm keeping my Tundra for a while.
Holy shite
I'm keeping my Tundra for a while.
This post was edited on 7/21/22 at 4:59 am
Posted on 7/21/22 at 5:12 am to cable
The Judge posted great info above. Reaf Diff gear ratio. Tow/Haul mode keeps the tranny from going to the higher gears too soon.
Best have an auxillary tranny cooler, a baby radiator up front that the transmission fluid flows thru.
Ram's 8 speed tranny is a good one.
Best have an auxillary tranny cooler, a baby radiator up front that the transmission fluid flows thru.
Ram's 8 speed tranny is a good one.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 5:54 am to Eli Goldfinger
Tow ratings are at least based on an SAE standard now. It used to be whatever the automakers pulled out of their asses.
That said, those max tow weights are usually on 5th wheels or weight distributing hitches and with electric trailer brakes.
5,500 wouldn't worry me with any new truck with a tow package. If the engine wants to turn 5k rpms, let it. It might sound horrible, but it's far better for the whole driveline to be screaming than it is for it to be lugged down.
High RPMS means more coolant, oil and air flow through the engine as well as higher fan speeds. It's also less torque through the driveline for a given truck speed and load. Its better for everything. Let it scream and don't worry about it.
That said, those max tow weights are usually on 5th wheels or weight distributing hitches and with electric trailer brakes.
5,500 wouldn't worry me with any new truck with a tow package. If the engine wants to turn 5k rpms, let it. It might sound horrible, but it's far better for the whole driveline to be screaming than it is for it to be lugged down.
High RPMS means more coolant, oil and air flow through the engine as well as higher fan speeds. It's also less torque through the driveline for a given truck speed and load. Its better for everything. Let it scream and don't worry about it.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 5:59 am to Eli Goldfinger
The problem is the hills- we are spoiled as hell here in S. Louisiana.
We’re all also spoiled by big horsepower and 70-75 mph speed limits on the interstate so we all think we need to haul arse. Regardless of where we live.
When you put a 5500 lb. boat behind a half ton, especially in TN, you can’t do any of that anymore.
It’s about managing expectations-
I have 3 boats…
A 15’ Bass Tracker
A 22’ Blazer Bay
A 22’ Crownline
The Crownline is 4400 lbs, probably 5500 lbs loaded with the trailer.
I daily a Duramax COLORADO. The weight is within the capacity limits of the truck and the trailer has 4 wheel brakes, but you’re not going to accelerate up a bridge (here) or hill (you). I also won’t pull it faster than 60-65 (max).
The other 2 boats, I can do whatever with them.
I know people will say my truck is too small, I also own (2) 5500s, (2) 3500s and a half ton- I drive a lot, so I daily the Colorado while the others go to work.
This is just like what has happened in the trucking industry- they used to go slow too when they were running 80,000 lbs with a 1985 Mack Superliner at 300hp. Now you’ll get your doors blown off of your wife’s Sienna when Bobby BullHauler comes blasting by in his Petercar Glider running 625 hopped up on whatever Chinese shite he got at the truck stop.
It’s all about expectations and with managing expectations also comes management of $. As others have said, a half ton truck should totally be fine with 5500 lbs. What expectations do you have as far as speed and convenience are concerned?
We’re all also spoiled by big horsepower and 70-75 mph speed limits on the interstate so we all think we need to haul arse. Regardless of where we live.
When you put a 5500 lb. boat behind a half ton, especially in TN, you can’t do any of that anymore.
It’s about managing expectations-
I have 3 boats…
A 15’ Bass Tracker
A 22’ Blazer Bay
A 22’ Crownline
The Crownline is 4400 lbs, probably 5500 lbs loaded with the trailer.
I daily a Duramax COLORADO. The weight is within the capacity limits of the truck and the trailer has 4 wheel brakes, but you’re not going to accelerate up a bridge (here) or hill (you). I also won’t pull it faster than 60-65 (max).
The other 2 boats, I can do whatever with them.
I know people will say my truck is too small, I also own (2) 5500s, (2) 3500s and a half ton- I drive a lot, so I daily the Colorado while the others go to work.
This is just like what has happened in the trucking industry- they used to go slow too when they were running 80,000 lbs with a 1985 Mack Superliner at 300hp. Now you’ll get your doors blown off of your wife’s Sienna when Bobby BullHauler comes blasting by in his Petercar Glider running 625 hopped up on whatever Chinese shite he got at the truck stop.
It’s all about expectations and with managing expectations also comes management of $. As others have said, a half ton truck should totally be fine with 5500 lbs. What expectations do you have as far as speed and convenience are concerned?
Posted on 7/21/22 at 6:26 am to Eli Goldfinger
quote:
I quickly realized that I’ll need to upgrade my 6cyl truck in order to get up and down the hills of TN…
quote:quote:
I think any of the full size trucks can easily tow a 5500lb boat.
I thought so, too, until I tried it.
My truck struggles getting up long hills way more than I’m comfortable with.
What is your current vehicle?
Aside from the 6-cylinder ecoboosts and similar, I feel like most people wouldn't consider a V6 to be a 'full sized' truck even though it has the body
This post was edited on 7/21/22 at 6:27 am
Posted on 7/21/22 at 6:53 am to mylsuhat
Your boats dry weight is 5,500 lbs? Or is that weighed on its trailer with fuel and all?
Posted on 7/21/22 at 7:49 am to bigbuckdj
Boat, motor, and trailer.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 7:54 am to Eli Goldfinger
Posted on 7/21/22 at 7:58 am to Eli Goldfinger
You should fill it up with fuel and weigh it. If those are dry weights, and your boat has a big fuel tank, you’re well over that figure.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 8:10 am to Eli Goldfinger
I had a 2014 Chevy 2500 4wd with the 6.0 gas engine. Like another poster said, it wants to rev into the 4-5k range to make its power. I pulled my tractor a few times with it and never had an issue. It’s slow but will pull what you want. Those are proven engines for pulling and will last a long time.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 8:15 am to Eli Goldfinger
quote:
Let’s start with Ram 1500…
They brag about 11K+ capabilities. However, their most popular Ram Crew Cab 5.7L combination has an actual towing capacity of around 7,200 Lbs.
The number drops to around 6K for the V6 options.
Even the 5.7L Rebel comes in between 6K & 7K Lbs depending on options.
I have a 22 Laramie 4x4 with the Hemi. Towing capacity is over 11k lbs with the 3.92 rear end. Pulls great, even through the mountains in Tennessee and out west.
Ram also has the best interior available in my opinion. I say that coming from Denalis.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 8:19 am to Eli Goldfinger
What did you expect OP? They have different options should they list the least amount? That doesn’t make sense either.
The biggest issue is speed and the ability to stop. Drive slow, take your time, don’t try to accelerate, and give people in front of you extra room so you can stop slowly.
Most of the guys that frick up their trucks pulling do so because they drive like jackwagons. You ever been passed by a guy at a light pulling a boat? It’s those guys, but they don’t ever want to admit their problem is poor driving.
The biggest issue is speed and the ability to stop. Drive slow, take your time, don’t try to accelerate, and give people in front of you extra room so you can stop slowly.
Most of the guys that frick up their trucks pulling do so because they drive like jackwagons. You ever been passed by a guy at a light pulling a boat? It’s those guys, but they don’t ever want to admit their problem is poor driving.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 8:29 am to pdubya76
I have a F-150 5.0 liter FX4. 3.55 gears and I recently pulled my jeep from La. to Knoxville area and then down to Savannah and back. Averaged 11.5 mpg and ran 70 mph on the interstates. Jeep and trailer weigh in at about 5000 lbs. Don't forget about wind load. My jeep sets up high on the trailer and the biggest factor in towing I find is wind resistance.
I towed to Moab with my F-150 ecoboost and encountered 25 mph head wind. That will make you rethink towing with a half ton gas truck.
I towed to Moab with my F-150 ecoboost and encountered 25 mph head wind. That will make you rethink towing with a half ton gas truck.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 8:47 am to Eli Goldfinger
Bought a 2021 used Titan 4x4 with 5k miles on it last year for under 40k. Truck came with a transferable 100k or 5 year powertrain warranty which was a big selling point for me. I pull around my 40 hp tractor and bay boat pretty often and have had no issues getting going or stopping either and thats without trailer brakes. You will probably find your best "deal" on a Titan compared to other brands.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 8:52 am to Eli Goldfinger
I have a 2019 F150 FX4 5.0 V8 and it pulls my 3500 pound boat package with little effort. I do have 3.55 rear end gears. Don't think I've ever put it in tow/haul mode.
Not sure what kind of truck you have but 5500 pounds should be a breeze for any full size truck, and most mid size trucks could handle it.
Not sure what kind of truck you have but 5500 pounds should be a breeze for any full size truck, and most mid size trucks could handle it.
Posted on 7/21/22 at 9:21 am to Eli Goldfinger
get a ram. if you want to pull..........get a ram.
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