3/4 ton SRW vs. One ton DRW...a question/survey. - RV-Dreams Community Forum

VanMar · RV-Dreams Family Member

3/4 ton SRW vs. One ton DRW...a question/survey.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Vance,

I wouldn't even worry about the issue of 3/4 ton or 1 ton. Instead, you want to look at both categories IN ALL BRANDS and actually look at the weight capacities of each individual truck.

Example: We have a 2008 Ford F450 with the 4:88 rear differential ratio. It has a GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicular Weight) of 33,000 lbs. The same truck with a 4:30 rear differential ratio would only be 30,000 lbs.

One also needs to look at the differences between trucks with single rear wheels and those with dual rear wheels.

So, a generic "X" size trailer for a generic "Y" size truck is way too oversimplified. Back in 2008, I was looking at the Ford F450, the GMC 4500, and Dodge 4500. Neither GM nor Dodge could match the Ford's at the time. If I remember right, Dodge was about 4000 to 5000 lbs less than the F450.

Also, from my research back in 2008 and 2009, GM and Dodge didn't have brochures (at least that I could find) online, so I had to literally check at dealerships and actually see the figures in their books.

Too often, a salesman/dealer will only want to tell a customer what the "tow weight" rating is for a particular truck. But, one can be under on "tow weight" but be over on GCVW. So always insist on being informed of the GCVW.

Terry

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

VanMar wrote:
My question, for all who have opined on this subject, is this; What is the maximum weight and/or length you would pull with a 3/4 ton?
My choice of fifth wheel and tow vehicle, as well as the choices of countless others, may depend on the wisdom and experience posted here! No pressure.
Vance

Vance:

This is an excellent question that should be turned around so say; it has little to do with the “¾ ton” or “1-ton” designations. Those are totally obsolete and misleading. They come from a time when that was more or less what the truck could carry in the bed and don’t really mean much and haven’t for a long time. Moreover, you could have; for example, a 2012 3500HD / F-350 truck with single rear wheels and it have more towing capacity than an earlier year F-350 dual rear wheel truck. It really does depend on the specific truck.

It is necessary to research the specific model year of the truck you are considering and use those capacity numbers vs. the proposed trailer weight and type – tag trailer or 5^th wheel. Now, under virtually all circumstances a DRW truck will be more stable, much more stable and safe, than a SRW truck. But you still must check the specs that cover everything.

As a final example, some is said about the rear axle ratio. Well, it depends on the rest of the trucks gearing as to what rear axle ratio is required to determine the trailer weight towing specification. Different manufactures have different setups from the engine to the transmission to the tires and there are numerous ways to get power to the rear wheels using different combinations of gearing ratios which includes tire size. You should compare the towing specifications from one brand to another from specific model years. This can be said even within brands. For example, due to changes in model years, all Ford, Dodge and GM trucks increased their capacities in more or less 2011. However, the “1-ton” designations didn’t change. Ford also had many different towing capacity specifications in many previous years. GM didn’t change much at all until 2011. It depends on the year of manufacture and the way the truck was equipped even thought it may have had an “F-350” banner on the side.

Finally, trailer length is not the specific determining factor. A 34’ Airstream is “less trailer,” than most 32’ 5^th wheels for a lot of reasons. So, again, it depends on the specific utilization of the truck.

What I have attempted to present is: “It depends” and you have to compare specific truck specifications and not be swayed by ¾ or 1-ton thinking. All that said, 99% of the time a dual rear wheel truck is safer and much more stable than a single rear wheel truck for the type of trucks we purchase. I.e. “pickups”

This may not be the exact answer you were looking for, but it is the safest path toward a good decision.

Bill

-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Monday 9th of July 2012 07:35:19 AM

Rob_Fla · RV-Dreams Family Member

Vance, we will make our first trip with our new 3500HD Dually this coming Friday.

We have been pulling our 40 Ft Jayco Pinnacle 5th Wheel with a 3/4 Ton SRW Chevy for about 8 months now. Yep the truck "Pulled" the weight just fine but we knew we bought more trailer than we had truck.

After getting weighted at the RV Dreams Spring Rally in Texas and seeing the actual weight numbers we have been talking about our next Tow Vehicle.

We made the move about two weeks ago and traded our 07 2500HD for a 12 3500HD. Our new 3500HD is a Beast and towing our 5th Wheel with it should be a big improvement.

I will reply to this post again after towing this weekend with our 3500HD DRW.

makntracks · RV-Dreams Family Member

I prefer DRW for stability for those big 5er's especially if you're going to be pulling out West in that wind. Heck, even around here when a big semi comes past my trailer I hardly feel it with my 3500 DRW truck. But with my 2500 SRW, whew...I better be holding that steering wheel!!!

I would always choose a little more truck than just barely getting by. It doesn't wear you out as much when your driving and less wear and tear on a truck that is not maxed out on it's "tow capacities" and etc...

Good luck on your decision.

VanMar · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks to all who replied.

After posting the question and reading more, I came up with a sort-of philosophy. Someone here once said that he only loaded his TV to 80% capacity whether GVW, towed weight, or GCW. I like overkill so I liked this plan. With this in mind, I crunched the numbers and realized a TV with 17400 tow capacity, 3350 payload, and 24500 GCW fit this plan for a 14000 GVW FW.

Here's the philosophy. This vehicle, which is badged '3/4 ton', is adequate. But for what? Short trips to nearby camping?

I have been thinking 'full timing'. Most people with a TV and fiver (I'm keeping in mind Technomadia who full-timed with a teardrop and a Mini Cooper) full-time in 34-42' rigs(assumption here). And, rigs suitable and designed for full-timing and four seasons capable, are naturally heavier than ones that are not.

We are planning on a 38' give or take a foot with the 14k GVW. So, with the knowledge I've gained from this website, it is a "1 ton" DRW for us for the purposes of stability and safety. I guess the reason I asked this question in the first place is I thought the 3/4 ton has to be good for something!

Vance

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

Vance,

Good choice, when we were shopping for 5er and truck we were going to go with a 450. Like you said I would rather have to much truck than not enough. But for us it's a mute issue since we went with a MH.