Tow rigs?

[89cherokee]

Hey guys im looking at trading my magnum RT for a truck so i can keep out of trouble and get my rig out to the trails on the trailer. Just wondering what you guys are using as tow rigs?
Ive had lots of offers on 1/2 tons, but im not quite sure thats enough for my setup. (hitch is only rated to 5000 lbs)
this is the trailer with the job box and the jeep that will be on it usually

do you guys think i can get away with a 1/2 ton or should i look at something more capable? i didnt get a good feel towing it home as it was a short trip and i was taking it easy with the borrowed ram 1500 in the picture

[AV.NINE]

I chose a 24 valve cummins 2500. Why?

I drive 10,000kms usually every 3 weeks/per month.

Just rolled over 400,000kms (only replace ball joints, lift pump, and brake the last 100,000kms)

872km per tank (90l tank)

And diesels cheaper than gas

I'm sure spinal guy will agree. Except I chose 24 valve so I can switch the program from towing to fuel economy easily.

Oh and I only paid $10k for my truck last year.

[WagoneerXJ]

Go with a 3/4 ton. Won't regret it. My dad and I towed jeeps/mustangs for years with his halfton ford. It works, but we used a friend's F250 one time....and it's a whole different ballgame. So much easier and safer with the larger brakes, load capacity and extra power. We're on the hunt for an F250 as we speak!

[cLAY]

There are a lot of things to factor in.

Are you going to drive it daily? How far? Can you plug it in during winter?

How much are you towing and how often?  How much do you think you will tow in the future?

Will you ever put a camper on it?

Based on my personal experience:

Under 7000# -1/2ton

7000#-10,000# -occasional-1/2ton
                               -a lot          - 3/4ton gas or diesel

Over 10,000#-diesel 3/4ton

If you add a camper into any of that go staight to a 3/4ton diesel, consider a dually.

Gas vs diesel. If you just tow with it then go for a diesel. If you plan to daily drive it then consider that most people's commute to work is not long enough to allow a diesel to get a good work out. Diesels, in particular the new ones with DEF and DPF systems, do NOT take well to short drives and need to be worked hard regularly. Otherwise the emissions systems start to act up and cause you grief. This combined with the cold starting issues that can happen in winter would make a gas truck a better daily driver. Gas and diesel prices jump all over, one week I'm paying less for diesel and the next week its more. 

Based on the trailer in your pic you are pulling around 7000# and the fact that you are trading in your car that you plan to spend a fair amount on it and daily drive it I suggest either a gas 3/4ton or keep the car and buy an older diesel that you use just for towing and a 2nd vehicle.

[cLAY]

Oh and never mind what the hitch says. Most trucks come with a hitch thats undersized for the truck and need to be upgraded anyway.

My 2001 3500 dually had the exact same hitch on it from the dealer as my sister's 2001 1500. Both rated for 7000#. I replaced mine shortly after getting the truck.

Also if you do get a 1/2ton add some rear air bags to it. Made a huge difference on my sister's 1500.

[WK2008]

I would agree with clay. The other thing to consider is diesel vs gas. The power in anything 2000 and newer in a 3/4 ton gas has more than enough juice to pull 10 to 15 thousand pounds. Yes you will be able to handle hills at a higher speed and you fuel economy will be better but the premium for a diesel is high. Take a look at gas 3/4 tons vs diesels in the used market and you will have to drive it a lot to pay for the additional initial cost plus the higher maintenance. If you lose an injector or turbo that's 5K plus. When it's -30 you will also love your gas truck when your toes are not frozen on the side of the road when your diesel gels up.

I've had both and don't get me wrong, in the case of AV Nine and his mileage I would take the occasional cold mornings and possible freeze ups for the longevity of a cummins. I drive a 2011 F150 and haul 6 to 7 thousand with no issues but I have also pulled a 24' car hauler with just shy of 10K total weight and I would have given my left arm for a 3/4 or 1 ton suspension and brakes.

[big black dodge]

those 6L chevy 3/4 are a good truck.  hard on fuel but you cannot kill them - and the resale on diesels is so high.  stay away from the ford 5.4 gassers (like to shoot spark plugs out) and ford 6L and 6.4L diesels (tow truck drivers love them - they pay for their morgages)

[.:.Dingman.:.]

those 6L chevy 3/4 are a good truck.  hard on fuel but you cannot kill them - and the resale on diesels is so high.  stay away from the ford 5.4 gassers (like to shoot spark plugs out) and ford 6L and 6.4L diesels (tow truck drivers love them - they pay for their morgages)

What's so bad about 6l and 6.4 fords?

Dingman

[hps4evr]

What's so bad about 6l and 6.4 fords?

Dingman

The 6.0L ford diesel has head issues, hi pressure oil pump, injector issues. If heads or gaskets need replacing you're pulling the cab off. It can be done without pulling the cab but it's more of a pain. 6.4L seems to be much nicer then the 6.0L, but any major engine work still needs the cab to be removed.
If diesel is your route then the cummins is the easiest to work on.

[89cherokee]

It will be my daily driver and the only workout it will see is towing the jeep around. Oddly enough someone wants to trade me an 08 chevy 2500hd with the 6 litre gas. Think ill go for that.

[WK2008]

That 6.0 gas is a great motor. It should be a great hauler and not horrible on fuel as long as you stay off the floor all the time lol

[89cherokee]

That 6.0 gas is a great motor. It should be a great hauler and not horrible on fuel as long as you stay off the floor all the time lol

Good to hear. Ill set something up than. Gonna be a sad day seeing my car but i wont miss the tickets and insurance and lawyer fees lol.

[THE GOLD DIIGGER]

If you want to haul any thing don't use gas it cost way to much in fuel. Gas is for daily driving and getting grocery and if a ford well that is another story!!!!!

[big black dodge]

It will be my daily driver and the only workout it will see is towing the jeep around. Oddly enough someone wants to trade me an 08 chevy 2500hd with the 6 litre gas. Think ill go for that.

my brother is a gm mechanic and swears by the 6L.  Just be prepared for the fuel economy - 14 mpg empty is the usual.  I think he saw 17 once but must have been drafting my truck lol.  He has no problem towing his 7000 lbs empty toy hauler.

[cuzican]

I towed TJ to Moab a few years ago with 2003 GM 2500 with 6.0 5 spd - got 10-11 mpg.

Another guy with me had a new 2500 with 6.0 auto and did about 8-9 mpg hauling a fifth wheel.

We both bought diesels when we got back.