New 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton (Page 1 of 3)

My mind tells me this is true...maybe I just need to intentionally test drive a 3/4 ton on one of my know-terrible roads.  That might just seal the answer.  No way it is worse than the current truck with air shocks.

3/4 ton and done.

I'm really happy with my GMC Sierra 1500, got a real good deal on it last year. It's the twin cab, a little cramped in the back but not horrible. I added airbags and it tows my enclosed trailer fine. It's just the little 5.3 but with the six speed has plenty of power. I brought this new after 6 months trying to find a good used 2500HD.

Not seen the designation in years...

Since I bought my first 3/4 ton, I swear by them.  So much more useful than my old half tons.  I've never broken a 3/4 ton by overloading.  I have broken 1/2 tons.  That said, if you go brand new, it seems like all the new 1/2 tons have 3/4 ton capabilities.  The 8' bed is a problem. I only buy 8' bed trucks.  I don't understand short beds.  But that's just me, I think a truck should be used for, you know, work.

Personally, I have a 7.3 PSD F350.  I use it so little now it seems stupid to me to keep it.  My plan is to sell it and buy the nicest crew cab 460 powered truck I can find, and pocket probably 10k.  That's what I'd recommend for you.  The 460 is a stump puller.

This is part where I start to get a bit confused and concerned (aka skeptical):

1995 C2500 single cab 5.7L curb wieght 4200 #, 210 hp, 300 ftlb
2014 Silverado 1500 double cab 5.3L curb weight 4960  #,  355 HP, 383 ftlb.

GVCW  is better on the modern 1500 as well and when you get down to it, I would be happy with about another 50 hp and 50lbft over what I have.  So the modern truck has more weight, about the same wheelbase but more track.  So at that point, it comes down to the quality of the suspension and axle.  I have to believe the former is a given though the latter may be an issue.  I really have a hard time understanding how it is going to be inadequate.

I have just had the epiphany I needed though, the real issue is the added strain of 3 extra PEOPLE in the truck than I would normally have running the old Chevy.  At that point, my added "cargo" of meat is taking away my available tongue weight and generally making me uncomfortable.  Stupid people limiting my options...maybe I should put them in the trailer.

I have ended up towing this 6 months of enclosed trailer ownership...a lot.  As in I towed more miles in 6 months than I drove the truck the prior 12.

The estimated weight with racevan, spare sub frame, paddock sectional, tools and coolers is about 8500-9000# with a tongue weight about 950#.  Assuming normal adult males and their crap, we have 800# for meat payload in the truck proper.  When the difference in cost from 1/2-3/4 is $1500 or less, the 3/4 ton makes more sense.  Of course it make just as much sense to just swap a lower geared axle in what I already have and upgrade from air shock to real air bags...then make the other guys bring a second car.

Your Tacoma in either trim level I would even consider only comes in 4wd with an 8' bed an double cab (this may be Toyota's "regional" package strategy, though).  Already a looser.

P.S.  I am mostly a less with more type of guy so I do not really have the "'murica...  HD.. .  Deezul" urge.  Hence ther reason I said to ignore diesel in this discussion because the payoff would be a gazzillion years.

From what I have seen, 3/4 trucks seem to hold their value better than half tons.  I think it's because 1/2 ton trucks are viewed partially as cars, whereas 3/4 ton (and heavier) trucks are seen as equipment, and as long as you keep your equipment well maintained, it holds its value.  So, yes, you may not _need_ a 3/4 ton, but it may actually end up being a more economically advantageous choice.  And you end up with more truck as a bonus.

If you can swing the 3/4 ton and can live with the mileage penalty, go for it.  6.0/6.2 LS is a beast.

I think Furd sells a Quad cab 8' bed F 150, BTW.

For the record, my 2013 Sierra Quad cab w/ the 5.3 tows great. I did install the rubber helper springs and haven't had to use the load levelers that came with my trailer.  I've hauled the Galaxie w/ 8 spares on the tire rack, small roller tool box, bikes, BBQ (all on the trailer) with no problems whatsoever.

If you're looking a little outside the box, my partner in crime has a 1984 Suburban 454/T400 2wd he purchased from California.  Now has < 80K miles on it.  Brand new load range E tires, A/C needs service.  1000.00 

If he doesn't sell, might make a great "racebrick".

A small part of me always wanted to see how hard putting my NV4500 in one of the C2500 suburbans would be.  That said, I do need a bed since I have an enclosed trailer. 

When I started this journey about two years ago the combo options were 3/4 Suburban/Excursion with and open "combo" trailer with stake pockets or a 3/4 pick-up with a later purchase of the enclosed trailer.  I made the right decision but at the time we had a light car with light spares for 7500# max trailer was plenty.  The racevan has changed that equation.

I can find the prior gen with 454 all day long for $1000-3000.  When you get 10 mpg in the city, they do not have much value.

I can find the occasional 150K 6.0 Suburban/Yukon XL for about $6K around here as well.  The issue I have found is the interiors are just beat/trashed.  V10 Excursion run about the same, maybe a little more, but seem to have fared better.