What Size Trailer

wkpoor · Jan 31, 2009

When making a purchase decision I know you have to pretty much go on the factory ratings but I have a scenario that kinda goes against the grain. Both my brothers 1/2 ton PU and my 1 ton van are both rated at 10K towing. So we hooked to the same load and both drove each others truck to see how they felt. Well I can tell you the 10K rating on the 1/2 ton is bogus. And the same rating on the 1 ton is bogus. His truck feels taxed at that level and mine feels like give me more. Both have same 3.73 gears. He has the 5.3 and me the 5.7. Oh and the 5.3 supposedly has more power. Another bogus figure.

Bruce-4310TX · Feb 1, 2009

Its not about horsepower its the torque that does the hauling, i agree my new ford 2008 f-150 is rated at 9800lbs no way would i do it, a panic stop and the trailer brakes go out etc etc and its over that weight is for the 1 ton and up trucks.

kevinj · Feb 1, 2009

jd2320 said:
Does anyone know where I can find the correct towing capacity for my Dakota...It's a Quad cab 4wd with the v8 it says 3.55 axle as standard but it also has the factory tow package so I don't know if that changes the axle ratio or not..oh it's a 2007..

Doesn,t Dodge put a towing section in the owners manual?? GM has a multi page chart showing the tow ratings for various packages.

LBrown59 · Feb 1, 2009

kevinj said:
1*You simply have to look at the GVW & GCWR and see what the maximum towing & hauling capacity is.

1*Pretty simple if you are going new.
Simply go to a dealer and spec out a 1/2 3/4 and 1 ton for what you are wanting to haul and tow.
Then compare and chose.

Buying used is another matter :
Where do you find 3 trucks to compare . I.E. A 1/2 3/4 and 1 tone all with the same specs that you can compare with each other.?
===========================
This is what has me confused / puzzled.

kevinj · Feb 1, 2009

LBrown59 said:
1*Pretty simple if you are going new.
Simply go to a dealer and spec out a 1/2 3/4 and 1 ton for what you are wanting to haul and tow.
Then compare and chose.

Buying used is another matter :
Where do you find 3 trucks to compare . I.E. A 1/2 3/4 and 1 tone all with the same specs that you can compare with each other.?
===========================
This is what has me confused / puzzled.

The same applies to used. The specs are on the door plate and/or in the manuals. If a used vehicle has the capacity for your needs I do not see why there would be any confusion. It is either rated for the need or it is not. I have had several used ones and never had any issues getting the tow/haul specs. Seems pretty simple to me.

Have you truly defined your towing needs???? This is the first step.

jd2320 · Feb 1, 2009

kevinj said:
Doesn,t Dodge put a towing section in the owners manual?? GM has a multi page chart showing the tow ratings for various packages.

I found the section about towing but didn't see a chart maybe I have a sticker under the hood that tells the axle ratio I have..?

Diamondpilot · Feb 1, 2009

Best thing to do is crawl under the truck. If 3.55 or 3.92 is the only available look for something with those numbers in it on the axle. It may say only say 55 or 92 but you will figure it out.

Chris

kevinj · Feb 1, 2009

jd2320 said:
I found the section about towing but didn't see a chart maybe I have a sticker under the hood that tells the axle ratio I have..?

Worst case, have your dealer run the VIN or axle code. If you bought it new it is proabably the standard ratio and tire size. A lot of people around here put over size tires on when they replace which alters the final ratio and reduces power. Tire size can easily make up one gear ratio change.

crbr · Feb 1, 2009

jd2320 said:
I'm in the market for a trailer to haul my B7510 with FEL and Back Hoe I was thinking a 16' would work fine any suggestions I'm limited as I only have a Dakota with the v8 to pull with??

I trailer a B7800 with a mid-mount mower or a loader, on a 16' tandem axle (2-3500s). No problems. It fits the application quite well. The V-8 will do the job.

crbr · Feb 1, 2009

jd2320 said:
Does anyone know where I can find the correct towing capacity for my Dakota...It's a Quad cab 4wd with the v8 it says 3.55 axle as standard but it also has the factory tow package so I don't know if that changes the axle ratio or not..oh it's a 2007..

Tow package does not change gear ratio. It adds a tranny cooler and an extra bearing.

The 3.55:1 will serve you well within the truck's capacity range as a 1/2T.

Check your driver door or glovebox for specs posting, or the manual.