New truck ride 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton

[dfattack]

I'm considering buying my first pickup ever. I've got my eye on a 3/4 ton but would like to hear comments regarding the ride compared to the 1/2 ton. Of course, I realize the 3/4 ton will be stiffer...I'm trying to see if it's so dramatic that I should consider a 1/2 ton. I'm assuming the brand could make a difference too since each has their own suspensions.

Main reason I'm leaning to a 3/4 ton is due to the diesel engine and to some degree the stronger frame for trailering. My trailer is a Legend 28' enclosed. There is a lot of tongue weight since the axles are set so far towards the back. When I trailer with 3 sleds the tongue weight goes up dramatically. I plan on putting a lot of miles in the winter trailering to as far east as Quebec City. I know a 1/2 ton gas engine could do the job, but I have heard people who trailer really like the 3/4 ton diesel engine setup.

I was going to keep the brand out of this question since I really don't want to hear the brand bashing/comparison comments and we all think "our" brand is the best for us. But I think maybe I can get to more beneficial comments quicker if I tell you which one I'm thinking about. Main reason for the question is the ride comparison. Anyways, the truck I've got my eye on is a GMC Sierra HD.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

 

[mezz]

That will do the towing job, no question. I can only speak from past experience, the 2500 vs 1500 is a drivers choice thing. If your looking for ride 1500, if your looking for towing heavy, 2500. I don't know how heavy a load your pulling nor the frequency, but, if your towing heavy a lot go 2500.-Mezz

 

[dab102999]

That is a rather long trailer for a 1/2 ton. I assume you are talking alum frame. If it is a steel frame then would say def a 3/4. What is the gvw on the trailer empty? Then figure your added weight with sleds and stuff o. If money is not the big factor I would do a 3/4 both for easier on the truck and also resale at a later date. As far as ride all I can say is you need to ride in all of them. 1/2 ton to 1/2 ton is difference in ride between the brands and same with 3/4 and one tons. As far as diesel goes are you thinking new or used? I am not totally sold on that def as of yet but have no real choice on anything new. My dad just bought a new GMC coming off of a 2003 Dodge. That GMC is so quiet I almost thought it was a gasser when he pulled in.

 

[dfattack]

My trailer is 4,120 lbs. empty. with three sleds (Yamaha's ) I'm guessing total combined would be close to 6,000 lbs with the sleds and gear.

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That is a rather long trailer for a 1/2 ton. I assume you are talking alum frame. If it is a steel frame then would say def a 3/4. What is the gvw on the trailer empty? Then figure your added weight with sleds and stuff o. If money is not the big factor I would do a 3/4 both for easier on the truck and also resale at a later date. As far as ride all I can say is you need to ride in all of them. 1/2 ton to 1/2 ton is difference in ride between the brands and same with 3/4 and one tons. As far as diesel goes are you thinking new or used? I am not totally sold on that def as of yet but have no real choice on anything new. My dad just bought a new GMC coming off of a 2003 Dodge. That GMC is so quiet I almost thought it was a gasser when he pulled in.

New 2016 GMC. the differences in price of the trucks is not a factor. Yes, my trailer is aluminum.

 

[HardwaterHoosier]

The independent front suspension in weaker, but gives a much better ride. I like my2010 F-250 for working, but it'll rattle your teeth unloaded. Prior I had a 2005, 2500. Much better unloaded, but sagged too much for working, especially with a V plow on the front.
I do love my dads 2015, 1500. Rides like a cadillac, pulls a 24' boat with ease. But I'd hesitate pulling a fully loaded 24' enclosed trailer and expect to stop it on a dime controllably.

 

[dab102999]

Personally my self I would go 3/4 or even 1 ton straight axel. 3/4 will get you better mileage over a 1 ton though. I would think you would be pushing the upper limits on a 1/2 ton, what other things are you thinking of doing with the truck also. i.e. add a plow...ect. And as Hardwater said stopping that much of a load on a 1/2 ton would be pushing the system. Again that is just what I would do, not saying that is what you need to do.

 

[srt20]

My trailer is 4,120 lbs. empty. with three sleds (Yamaha's ) I'm guessing total combined would be close to 6,000 lbs with the sleds and gear.

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New 2016 GMC. the differences in price of the trucks is not a factor. Yes, my trailer is aluminum.

Your trailer empty weighs 4120lbs and it aluminum? Just checking because my buds aluminum 31ft legend weighs significantly less than that.

Btw that same bud has a 2012 GMC 2500 duramax. I know it's not a 2016, but that thing rides outstanding for a 2500 diesel. It's a heavy truck, over 8k IIRC, but we take it on 2-4 trips out west every winter so I get plenty of drive time in it. It is an extremely comfortable, stress free drive. Even in the high wind areas.

IMO, doing short trips around the Midwest, I probably would have no problem using a newer gas truck. Probably have to be more "up on the wheel" but it's a shorter drive. If you are going longer distances I'd be happier with a 2500 diesel not question.

If money is no issue, get the 2500 Denali diesel, IMO.

 

[dfattack]

Personally my self I would go 3/4 or even 1 ton straight axel. 3/4 will get you better mileage over a 1 ton though. I would think you would be pushing the upper limits on a 1/2 ton, what other things are you thinking of doing with the truck also. i.e. add a plow...ect. And as Hardwater said stopping that much of a load on a 1/2 ton would be pushing the system. Again that is just what I would do, not saying that is what you need to do.

I have been thinking the same thing as you. I will not plow with it or at least have no plans to do so. I don't want to go for the 1 ton since i don't believe I need that much of a truck for what I'm doing with it. I have a 21' bassboat and a mastercraft. I tow the bassboat when I'm going to fish on another lake other than my own. I know the 1/2 is plenty for the bassboat. It's the 28' trailer enclosed snowmobile trailer fully loaded that I''m thinking about. I am towing with my 2015 escalade currently but have limited that to within a couple hours from my place in Wisc. Usually to get to lake effect snow since we don't get any in my area. But now with heading to Ontario and eventually Quebec to ride that's a lot further and i want to make sure I'm covered.

 

[dfattack]

Your trailer empty weighs 4120lbs and it aluminum? Just checking because my buds aluminum 31ft legend weighs significantly less than that.

Btw that same bud has a 2012 GMC 2500 duramax. I know it's not a 2016, but that thing rides outstanding for a 2500 diesel. It's a heavy truck, over 8k IIRC, but we take it on 2-4 trips out west every winter so I get plenty of drive time in it. It is an extremely comfortable, stress free drive. Even in the high wind areas.

IMO, doing short trips around the Midwest, I probably would have no problem using a newer gas truck. Probably have to be more "up on the wheel" but it's a shorter drive. If you are going longer distances I'd be happier with a 2500 diesel not question.

If money is no issue, get the 2500 Denali diesel, IMO.

Yes, I had it weighed on a scale. it's the Heavier frame Trackmaster with alot of options. In fact if you look at Legend's website in the trackmaster section the black trailer they have shown is actually my trailer. I then had it rhino lined on the floor. Good to hear about the ride of your friends truck. That's exactly what I was looking for.

And yes, it would be the Denali HD duramax

 

[durphee]

I pull a 24 foot V neck aluminum trailer with 5 sleds inside with my 1500 and it pulls fine but definitely works it. If you have it wired for brakes that helps a bunch. I needed upgraded back springs to help sagging. It works for a trip or 2 a year but its not optimal. When I go with another rider he pulls it with his 2500 and there is a difference, not much gas comsumption difference though. It seems if we pull the trailer with 2 sleds or 5 the 2500 gets very similiar MPG.

 

[dfattack]

I pull a 24 foot V neck aluminum trailer with 5 sleds inside with my 1500 and it pulls fine but definitely works it. If you have it wired for brakes that helps a bunch. I needed upgraded back springs to help sagging. It works for a trip or 2 a year but its not optimal. When I go with another rider he pulls it with his 2500 and there is a difference, not much gas comsumption difference though. It seems if we pull the trailer with 2 sleds or 5 the 2500 gets very similiar MPG.

That's what I thought I was going to hear. I think I'm heading in the right direction with the 2500HD

 

[snake]

2006 gmc 2500 duramax with Allison here. I towed for years with a 1/2....get the 3/4 for sure!!

 

[duramax]

I'm considering buying my first pickup ever. I've got my eye on a 3/4 ton but would like to hear comments regarding the ride compared to the 1/2 ton. Of course, I realize the 3/4 ton will be stiffer...I'm trying to see if it's so dramatic that I should consider a 1/2 ton. I'm assuming the brand could make a difference too since each has their own suspensions.

Main reason I'm leaning to a 3/4 ton is due to the diesel engine and to some degree the stronger frame for trailering. My trailer is a Legend 28' enclosed. There is a lot of tongue weight since the axles are set so far towards the back. When I trailer with 3 sleds the tongue weight goes up dramatically. I plan on putting a lot of miles in the winter trailering to as far east as Quebec City. I know a 1/2 ton gas engine could do the job, but I have heard people who trailer really like the 3/4 ton diesel engine setup.

I was going to keep the brand out of this question since I really don't want to hear the brand bashing/comparison comments and we all think "our" brand is the best for us. But I think maybe I can get to more beneficial comments quicker if I tell you which one I'm thinking about. Main reason for the question is the ride comparison. Anyways, the truck I've got my eye on is a GMC Sierra HD.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

I would go with the 2500 if i were you. The 1500 squats to much with a full load, and you have to have your foot in it a lot going up hills, you really cant set the cruise. It will pull it but it will be really annoying. Go with the 2500 diesel. I've had both and love the diesel. I have a 29 legend all aluminum by the way. The diesel pulls it like nothing don't even know its back there.

 

[sw_lower]

I put 2500 # helper springs on my 1500 ... no more sag .

 

[dfattack]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Really appreciate it!

 

[firefightentaz]

The 2500 DMAXX is the way to go. We have 2 F250's at work and our next replacement will be a GM. Ride is one and the other is towing. I personally have a DMAXX 2012 which we bought last year when our 2008 6.0 had issues on a trip. My whole family could not believe the difference bet the gas and diesel. Plus the Denali perks will for sure make any long trip nice and comfy! Good Luck!

 

[mrbb]

man I have had a lot of trucks and used friends of all brands and sizes(almost all diesels were trucks I used at work or friends)
I will say this, HANDS Down for towing the diesel rules the game by a LOT, in every aspect but PRICE of the truck, they are way over priced IMO, and I just bought a new 2016 Ram 2500 diesel CCSB 4x4
but I have NO control over prices of new vehicles, there ALL overpriced JUNK IMO

one thing I didn't really hear anyone above mention is BRAKES< MOST all 3/4 tons I have driven and towed with STOPPED a LOT better than any half ton I have done same like driving with!

many half tons are tow rated to way more than your pulling, so you are covered there, YOU MIGHT want to have a look at the 1/2 ton diesels, now Ram and Nissan (a cummins too) now have out
but I think in the big picture the money is still better spent in a 3/4 ton and having more folks looking for one come resale time??

if your going to be staying with a gas motor truck, I think the 1/2 tons rule the ride quality game, and for your weight, might even PULL better(NOT stop or handle the weight better)
as they have like HP motors and have less weight to the trucks, most half tons are about a 1,000 lbs lighter than a gas 3/4 ton of like trucks from MY personal experience
and MOST diesel 3/4 ton's are a good 1,000 lbs heavier than there like Gas motored brothers!

My 3/4 ton gas trucks pull 10 more than a few times and would get about 4 mpg doing so on a 100 mile trip, MOST Diesel truck pulling have gotten about 10-15 mpg
so again IF you tow often that is where the diesel rules in trucks!

 

[chevytaHOE5674]

Towing 6k lbs is no issue what so ever with a 1/2 ton. Towing capacity on a newer half ton has to be close to if not over 10k lbs. Wire in trailer brakes and have a WD hitch and haul around 6klbs like nothing

Another issue is with the new diesels and the expensive upkeep. Unless you are towing heavy (10k lbs +) over long distance it is very hard to make a diesel pencil out. I love my 7.3L powerstroke but when I replace it I will most likely go gas so I don't have to worry about DEF fluid, glow plugs, $$$ oil changes, etc and I use my truck as a truck, often towing around 14k lbs or more.

 

[firefightentaz]

MRBB, Great idea on the braking! I haul a 30' fifth wheel, close to 9000 loaded, goose neck 2 horse trailer steel also close to 9000 loaded, and a tag along 24' V enclosed with typically 5 short tracks. I will definitely say that the diesel stops a heck of lot better then my old 6.0. Plus it is nice to watch a gas station go by rather then stop at all of them!

 

[szotty]

3/4 ton for sure have the same trailer have factory over loads and air bags with 5 sleds (3 full before front axle 2 on axle) jammed in there to go west with 80 lbs in my bags I still was sagging so if was me forsure 3/4 ton for a legend trailer. Btw I do like how the trailer pulls doesn't dance at all and rather have good tounge wieght than not but it has no sag with 2 sleds in trailer and 4 is just perfect with 60 lbs in bags