Which is the Better Tow Truck?

[JDgreen227]

You do realize GCWR is basically GVWR + GVWR, right? :rollseyes:
Get the wrong GVWR setup and you'll be dragging bumper with even moderate tongue weight. Kind of a downfall to so many options.
Lower GVWR = lower GCWR

"GCWR is basically GVWR + GVWR, right?"

Looking at a recent spec chart for towing with a GM 3/4 ton truck with 4:10 gears:

6.0 V8, GVWR=8600 pounds, GCWR=16000 pounds

8.1 V8, GVWR=8600 pounds, GCWR=19000 pounds

2X GVWR for the latter model would be 17,200 pounds, the GCWR rating is almost one ton higher.

GCWR is basically GVWR+GVWR huh? Many factors determine GCWR, among them engine size and axle ratio, etc.

 

[Dmace]

So if GCWR is so important, why is it not listed anywhere on the truck or registration...?
When you get pulled over by highway patrol, why don't they ask you what your GCWR is...? That number is only important when over 26,001 lbs for CDL requirements. Under that, GVWR and axle ratings are all that matters.

 

[JDgreen227]

I used to hold a Class "B" CDL...and am aware of the weight limit for CDL requirements. But I don't know why that has anything to do with the thread here.

The OP was talking about comparing two brands of trucks. I advised him that for towing purposes, I would choose the truck with a higher GCWR. Sorry if you disagree.

 

[RobertN]

400HP! How about 250hp and give me some significant gas mileage in the overall package? If you want that power you might as well look at a Hemi too.

The hard part about a diesel now, is fuel is stupid expensive, as is the diesel option. I have a diesel, but would be hard pressed to justify it now, unless I was really towing often. Or just wanted to blow money on something. I really like the diesel, but...

Forget them both and get yourself a Tundra. 400hp, and 390 ft/lbs of torque, it's a match for anything up to 11,000 lbs.
If your going to do a lot of serious towing you need to consider a diesel.

 

[Dmace]

I used to hold a Class "B" CDL...and am aware of the weight limit for CDL requirements. But I don't know why that has anything to do with the thread here.

The OP was talking about comparing two brands of trucks. I advised him that for towing purposes, I would choose the truck with a higher GCWR. Sorry if you disagree.

GCWR has as little to do with this thread as CDL requirements do. He's looking to tow light (1/2 ton capacity), at that weight the GVWR makes more sense to watch for than GCWR. I've seen diesel trucks rated to hold less tongue weight then their gas powered counterparts due to the engine weight alone.

 

[JoeBuyer]

When towing I worry more about stopping the trailer and how stable the truck is in a panic stop. You can always get up to speed, but stopping under control is more important to me. You just don't know what the other drivers are going to do.

 

[JJZ 109]

Kind of a side note no matter which you choose:
When I last towed a fairly heavy trailer on a regular basis with a 2010 F150 FX4 I was concerned about the springs getting fatigued over the years. I bought a set of Timbrens for the truck and was very happy with them. They took pressure off of the springs when under load but when there was no load the ride returned to box stock.
Not as pricey as reworking or adding springs, a very simple install and did a good job for me. Just a little something to think about if you'll be pulling a heavy trailer frequently no matter which truck you decide on.

 

[Duffster]

GCWR has as little to do with this thread as CDL requirements do. He's looking to tow light (1/2 ton capacity), at that weight the GVWR makes more sense to watch for than GCWR. I've seen diesel trucks rated to hold less tongue weight then their gas powered counterparts due to the engine weight alone.

You are talking aboot a different GCWR.

 

[bdeboer]

Both trucks are crew cab 4x4. One is a 2010 Ford F150 with the 5.4L, 6 speed automatic, and 3.73 rear axle. Tires measure 31.9".

Other is 2012 Silverado 5.3L, 6 speed automatic, and 3.42 axle ratio. Tires 31.6".

I am wondering how these 2 trucks would compare in towing.


TIA!!

What are you planning on towing? If not near the top of spec's they both will do fine. I don't think gears will matter much with the 6 speed auto's.

Also I haven't had oil comsumption issues with the 2005 5.3L chevy I have now or the previous one.

Buy the one that fits you best.

 

[rutwad]

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. What I am towing is not at the limit of any truck listed. I towed a trailer (Guesstimated @ 6000 lbs) with my 2008 Silverado 5.3L with the 4-speed automatic. It seemed like a harder tow than I expected, and with only 4 gears downshifting would really make the rpm's climb. The truck has 100k miles, so I didn't want to labor it too hard. The truck got good MPG's empty, so I really thought it had a higher rear axle than I later found out to be which is 3.73.

My option was to tow it with my Ford 5.4L with 6-speed automatic. It has 3.73 gears and is rated as having more torque (but that is based on Flexfuel ratings- regular gas lowers the power). I was convinced the Ford would tow it better.

Those were both trucks I owned. So to downsize, I was thinking of selling my 2008 Silverado and keeping the newer Ford. BUT, I don't tow frequently and the Ford gets about 3 less MPG.

So then I thought instead of losing 3 mpg on a daily basis for an occassional tow, maybe I should look into the new Silverado with the 6 speed. It has available 3.42 gears (still thought my '08 must be running 3.08 or 3.42). NOT CORRECT BUT THINKING BEFORE I KNEW ( instead of somebody saying not available, etc) I figured the new 6 speed tranny in the Silv. should tow better than the 4 speed even if geared the same. So I was almost convinced to sell both the Ford and older Silverado for a newer Silverado.

Then I found my 08 Silv. had 3.73 gears. So I then became concerned that the 6-speed Silverado may not tow any better since it offerred 3.42's as the lowest gears. So 4 speed 3.73, or 6 speed 3.42???

Seems obvious on paper the Ford should win this fight, since it has the 6 speed and 3.73 gears. But since I am not towing at limits and only occassionally, should I even worry about which tows better. But that throws me back to lower MPG's daily. Plus the fact the Silverado (IMO) is more comfortable.

Other factors came into my mind as well, but I did end up selling the Ford and older Silverado and purchasing a Silverado with the 6 speed.

Hopefully it will last a long time, and thanks to all for your input. So far I am happy!!

:thumbsup: