1/2 ton truck vs 3/4 ton

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The biggest negative I see is the size

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I have a crew cab long bed 3/4 ton and don't see myself ever having a different configuration truck. A 1 ton single wheel, probably. But a CCLB single wheel is where its at.

I've never found any issue with the size of fhe truck. If they made a crew cab 10' bed, id get that.

Far as 3/4 ton vs half ton, no comparison. You sacrifice ride quality for a vastly more capable truck. Pay attention to the payload capacity if you are looking at diesels - they can be extremely low with some configurations. Diesels should really all be 1 tons. Gas 3/4 tons are excellent trucks.

I bought a 2025 Sierra diesel this time having always had 1/2 tons. First trip in it my wife said “you’ve got to get rid of this thing.” It rides ok on good roads but it lets you know when you are on a bad road. I find it steers like a boat and isn’t nimble or easy to maneuver. I’ll go back to the 1/2 ton asap.

Absolutely horrible as a daily driver.

What are you towing that needs more than a 1/2 ton?

I had a 3/4 ton years ago and didn’t enjoy the ride at all. My latest 1/2 ton is a Chevy Silverado High Country w/ the 6.2 (recall engine) but I love the truck and the ride! I put air bags on the rear end. I pull a 25’ Sea Hunt w/ it, 38hp tractor w/ loader and grader on it. It’s never had an issue pulling either.

I’m not giving up the ride as long as I can pull my toys with a 1/2 ton.

Purchased a new 1/2 ton gasser in 22, upgraded from my old 3/4 diesel. Can’t be happier. It’s more comfortable than I could’ve imagined. We take it in road trips and long drives quite a bit.

I also tow a smaller skid steer on the highway and around town not so frequently, but it handles just fine. My trailer has great breaks, so I take advantage of that and keep my distance on long hauls.

My vote would be go with 1/2 ton and enjoy the comforts and maneuverability. Some of the 3/4 ton trucks I’ve been in recently are very nice, but not worth the extra price.

Really appreciate the input guys. I may just end up sticking with 1/2 ton.

Traded trucks about a year ago and really really wanted a gas Ram 2500 but don't tow often or heavy enough to justify diesel. I couldn't get past the bad transmissions they had in the model years I was looking at and at the end of the day didn't really NEED a 3/4 ton on a regular enough basis. So I went with a newer model Tundra and have been very happy.
Fast Forward to a couple months ago, a buddy of mine made the same move but he did pull the trigger on the 3/4 and has had a lot of trouble from it. Not saying they're junk, just that my needs didn't offset the trouble I knew I'd have from one and DON'T have from my Tundra.

Stay with 1/2 ton unless absolutely need 3/4 ton for towing heavy loads.

15k lbs behind any half ton is retarded. Diesel 3/4tons are usually rated 26k gross combined, which generally means 16k on the trailer, and that is retarded.

Towing 15k behind a 3/4 ton diesel is miserable if it isnt on a 40' spread axle gooseneck. I do it all the time. Behind a half ton? No frickin way. You might get there without wrecking and dying but its going to suck.

Terrible, terrible advice. The tow ratings on half tons are retarded. You cant hardly put the rated tow weights behind them without vastly exceeding payload capacity.

Do tractor dealerships not have pick up options? Seems like I see this on here all the time, paying like $250 once a year for someone to pick up your tractor for repairs seems a lot better than buying a 3/4 ton just for once a year or 2 service.