pulling 4 placed enclosed with 1/2 ton
- Thread starter special_k
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Nobody said it was a bad idea or that it cant be done. Just discussing the pros and cons of towing 5000 pounds with a half ton, and there are cons. I did it back when I was 20 - 25. Its all I had. Pulled a steel 4 place from Toledo to St. Ignace 3 weekends a month all winter. In the summer I pulled a 28' Travel trailer all over the state. Everyone says "ah that truck is rated to pull X amount of weight. It'll be fine" and for a while it is. Over time though that kind of weight takes a toll on a truck. I changed to a gas 3/4 ton and had less problems.
Now I own lots of things that need towing from 5000 to 30,000 pounds and that is why I own a diesel.
Yes it is silly to go out and buy a $65000 diesel to only pull a 4 place trailer unless you really want one..
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kamikaze_bros
Member
much better response than i had lined up...
skdoo500adr
New member
4 place Trailer towing
I pull a 26ft full size 4pl steel frame from Northern Illinois to Hayward every year with my 2007 Toyota Tundra 1/2 ton. Pulls it very well. 4-sleds in Trailer, one in bed, and 5 passengers. Between 8mpg and 11mpg. When weather is -25 then closer to 8mpg. The Toyota has a 10,400lb towing rating.
I pull a 26ft full size 4pl steel frame from Northern Illinois to Hayward every year with my 2007 Toyota Tundra 1/2 ton. Pulls it very well. 4-sleds in Trailer, one in bed, and 5 passengers. Between 8mpg and 11mpg. When weather is -25 then closer to 8mpg. The Toyota has a 10,400lb towing rating.
I completely agree, my response is to those saying if you are pulling a 4 place trailer long distances to opt for the diesel.
I own a diesel myself, not because I need it, but because its cool! It's my toy for the most part, it only see's heavy towing once in a while. A half ton would do just fine for what I use it for, but then again, I enjoy blowing some smoke once in a while!
This is a great thread. I am in the middle of making a decision on a new trailer, as my 2 place is no longer cutting it. I am looking at a legend 5 place that weighs 2,850# empty so with 5/500# sleds and some gear im at approx 5380#. I bought a 2011 Suburban LTZ (half ton) with the towing package and it has a 5.3L motor and I forget the gearing. The Suburban says it is rated at a 9600# towing capacity. I would never put that much behind it but think I would be okay for the 10, 500 mile trips I make per year.
Any thoughts or opinions welcome.
Steve
Any thoughts or opinions welcome.
Steve
dfattack
Well-known member
Shouldn't have a problem. I've had a 3/4 ton suburban, 3/4 ton Yukon XL, an Escalade (1/2 ton). If you aren't pushing the limits of the towing capacity and are in the 5,000 - 6,000 lb. range they all towed the same, except the gear difference. I ordered 3.73 gears in the suburban and Yukon XL and thought they were a good balance for towing/not towing times. I think the Escalade had 3.42 gears. I did not like them for towing (yes, I know there was a tow/haul mode), but when you weren't towing they were very nice.
Anyway, I found the gears to be the more important factor than frame, brakes, trans when towing medium to light loads. Just my .02
Did I buy a diesel because I HAD to? Nope. I bought one because I WANTED to. Yes I could tow my trailer with my 07 Tundra. But I can say without batting an eye that towing with my new truck is no comparison at all.
I thought I knew what it meant when people said "it doesn't know the trailer is back there." Well I can tell you that towing a 4,000 lb trailer with a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel has given a whole meaning to that statement. It's amazing!
Yes diesel is about 10% more than gas but I am getting 20% better fuel economy unloaded and 30%-40% better towing.
So I guess you can call me silly then. But is reality is it any less silly for us to buy a new $10,000+ sled every couple years?
If you do other heavy towing, 5th wheels, construction equip etc etc and you need a diesel for that, I understand. For those who feel the need to buy a diesel to tow a 4 place snowmobile trailer irregardless of the distance, WOW. Do you realize most people uste to pull their steel trailers and sleds around with cars??[/QUOTE]
I used to pull around a 2 place open with a 1993 Camry. It's all I had. Did it do it - yes. Did I get there fast - no.
I used to pull around a 2 place open with a 1993 Camry. It's all I had. Did it do it - yes. Did I get there fast - no.
Did I buy a diesel because I HAD to? Nope. I bought one because I WANTED to. Yes I could tow my trailer with my 07 Tundra. But I can say without batting an eye that towing with my new truck is no comparison at all.
I thought I knew what it meant when people said "it doesn't know the trailer is back there." Well I can tell you that towing a 4,000 lb trailer with a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel has given a whole meaning to that statement. It's amazing!
Yes diesel is about 10% more than gas but I am getting 20% better fuel economy unloaded and 30%-40% better towing.
So I guess you can call me silly then. But is reality is it any less silly for us to buy a new $10,000+ sled every couple years?
Sounds like this is your first diesel? Nice truck!! I wasn't calling anyone silly. Just making the point that a diesel isn't NEEDED for this application. There is a lot of expense to owning a diesel that if not explained well when buying one can be a real pain in the wallet. Its not just the 10% more for fuel. Its the $75 oil changes every 5000 miles and the extra $80 every other oil change for the fuel filter. Oh, and lets not forget the new emissions bull sh!t oil we have to buy every 20 to 30 thousand miles at another $50 or more dollars per round. Gets expensive if your not prepared for it.
Diesels are GREAT and they are very cool. I love blowing raw fuel and black smoke all over people i pass them on the road!! I've owned 7 of the big 3's creations over the past 10 years, and they have all gotten a heck of work out towing my sh!t. They all have issues of one kind or another. So, were not going to get into who's diesel product is better. Right now I own 2 brands and they are both great trucks...
As far as buying $10,000+ sleds, that is silly but we all do it!!!
Oh I know. I was just messin with you. It is my first diesel. Lovin' it so far!
polarisrider1
New member
same here. I just push the little button that says tow. Figured that there is a reason for it. The Hemi 1/2 ton just sucks a bit more gas but it works.
bluetoysguy
New member
My Dad's half ton Chevy has pulled his 26' steel enclosed car hauler trailer loaded to the gills to Florida and back the last 3 years, along with literally 1000's of miles of boat towing every year. It has 100,000 miles on it and drives like a brand new truck.
A 1/2 ton is just fine for pulling a 4-place as much as you want. A 3/4 ton Duramax is even better.
A 1/2 ton is just fine for pulling a 4-place as much as you want. A 3/4 ton Duramax is even better.
polarisrider1
New member
Just thinking, I pulled a fully loaded 30' travel trailer around with 5 passengers and gear in a Chev.1/2 ton conversion van with a 350 motor for years. No problems. That surely must weigh much more than a 4 place with sleds.
no,no,no.........your truck IS sweet!! just bought a '10 150.....REALLY wanted the 250 FX4, but I'm just simple folk......couldnt swing the $58,000 or so......but they are SWEET!!!!