Towing - what size vehicle?

[hampstead38]

The problem with anecdotal experience is that is highly subjective and generally based on a limited range of experiences. Most folks own a relatively small number of tow vehicles and a small number of travel trailers over the course of lifetime. Another issue is the "apples-to-apples" problem. As I noted before, there's a huge difference between towing a vintage 25' Airstream weighing in at under 4000 pounds dry and a modern 30' Airestream (with slide-out) tipping the scales at 8000 pounds. Before we can have intelligent conservation about a towing vehicle, we really should know exactly what is being towed.

I run across this same dynamic in firearms. There are guys in the "magnum" crowd who argue bigger is always better. They would say you should have at least 3/4 ton diesel to pull a '19 Bambi and you should hunt rabbits with a .300 Winchester Magnum. Other guys will hunt Cape Buffalo with a primitive bow and arrow.

I know some people will feel more comfortable in a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. This said, there are some 1/2 ton trucks that will do a perfectly competent job towing some travel trailers, i.e., under 25' and under 5000 pounds. Once you get to the 7000 pound/27' range, I think there's room for a much better discussion about the relative merits of the 1/2 ton versus the 3/4 ton TV. Is bigger always better? Maybe. Is bigger always necessary? I don't think so.

[mustang]

I would agree with that hampstead. I have towed for about 25 years or so, have driven over size loads on the freeway with a escort. I have had my share of maiden voyages.Boats Campers and semis, I just had that gun conversation with my son, and the NRA instructor.

[finalcutjoe]

Originally Posted by hampstead38

The problem with anecdotal experience is that is highly subjective and generally based on a limited range of experiences. Most folks own a relatively small number of tow vehicles and a small number of travel trailers over the course of lifetime. Another issue is the "apples-to-apples" problem. As I noted before, there's a huge difference between towing a vintage 25' Airstream weighing in at under 4000 pounds dry and a modern 30' Airestream (with slide-out) tipping the scales at 8000 pounds. Before we can have intelligent conservation about a towing vehicle, we really should know exactly what is being towed.

I run across this same dynamic in firearms. There are guys in the "magnum" crowd who argue bigger is always better. They would say you should have at least 3/4 ton diesel to pull a '19 Bambi and you should hunt rabbits with a .300 Winchester Magnum. Other guys will hunt Cape Buffalo with a primitive bow and arrow.

I know some people will feel more comfortable in a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. This said, there are some 1/2 ton trucks that will do a perfectly competent job towing some travel trailers, i.e., under 25' and under 5000 pounds. Once you get to the 7000 pound/27' range, I think there's room for a much better discussion about the relative merits of the 1/2 ton versus the 3/4 ton TV. Is bigger always better? Maybe. Is bigger always necessary? I don't think so.

well said, nice analogy... I'm a big fan of the .45-70... and I don't know any good japanese firearm manufacturers

[szimmerer]

Just returned from a Labor Day weekend trip (about 400 miles) towing a 2008 25A Lounge (UBW 5065 lbs). Truck has the 5.3 V-8 with HD Tow Package. Towed on Interstate 55 which is mostly flat but some hills and long grades in north Mississippi. Used the tow haul mode and cruise control set at about 63 MPH for most of the drive. Averaged 11.5 MPG for the whole trip. Encountered some moderate/stiff wind gust and moderate rain on the way home (side bans from hurricane Gustav). The TV, weight distribution and sway control set up (Curt) worked very well and 25 ft trailer towed beautifully. I am a newbie and this was only my second extended trip but I felt in control and confident the whole way. The GMC 1/2 ton does a good job and I do not regret my decision to stay with the 1/2 ton.

Had a great time camping with alot of Louisiana and Texas hurricane evacuees. What a great bunch of folks. I wish them well and a safe return home. Our prayers are with them!