Opinions Needed - 1/2 or 3/4 ton Truck?

[05satinGT]

Within the next 12 months, I really want to get a new truck. I've been doing a ton of research on whether to go with a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton truck. These new 1/2 ton trucks are pretty capable nowadays so it's a tough decision.

Uses for the truck:
-Tow my car (and by tow my car, I mean maybe 5-6 times a year to the track, roughly 8500 lbs with the trailer)
-Tow snowmobiles in the winter, quads in the summer.
-Other misc. truck tasks.
-I couldn't see myself driving the truck more than 3,000-5,000 miles a year.

I want to buy new. I plan on keeping the truck 10-15+ years so I would rather buy new with a warrantee, plus, used trucks are just ridiculous money right now.

Gas engines only. For how often I tow, I don't want a diesel, it just isn't necessary, especially with the added cost of the truck. Also, I am in VT a lot in the winter and don't want to have to plug the truck in. I know the 1/2 ton trucks ride much nicer than HD trucks. Also, it almost seems like the 1/2 ton trucks are more expensive then the 3/4 ton trucks.

I am 90% the truck will be a Chevy or GMC. If it was a 1/2 ton I would only go with the 6.2, and if a 3/4 ton it would be the 6.6 Gas. They just did a midcycle refresh on the 1/2 ton Chevy/GMC and it's a huge upgrade (interior wise). Not sure when they will update the HD's. From what I read, they were suppose to for this year but you know....covid...chip shortage...etc....

Short version...new 1/2 ton trucks are very capable, is it worth the HD truck or not?

 

[SSCOBRA03]

For the past 17 years, I have only owned Chevy 1/2 ton trucks. I bought a 2021 f250 with a 7.3 gas last year and could not be happier. Since June 2021, I have only put 3350 miles on it.

 

[13COBRA]

For your situation, absolutely not worth it.

 

[01yellercobra]

I'd say get the 3/4 just because you're planning on holding on to it for so long. You never know what the future holds.

I've towed my stuff (car and boat) with half tons. I like my 3/4 ton a lot more. Granted I have a diesel so that changes things.

@HuntFishCobra might be good to weigh in on this.

 

[HuntFishCobra]

You’re right on the cusp of needing a 3/4 imo. You’re towing relatively heavy but far more aerodynamic than a travel trailer/boat (my setup).

If your annual mileage is that low, go 3/4. You will love the following items over a 1/2 ton:
-Longer bed (unless you go with the longer bed on the half ton)
-Bigger brakes
-Ride height
-Truck weight, so the tail doesn’t wag the dog.
-Tighter steering
-heavier duty trans, axles, and rear springs to reduce squat

IF you go 1/2 ton, you will likely want Load Range E tires and air bags. Factor that into your purchase price.

If a certain administration wasn’t so damn arrogant and stupid you wouldn’t be too concerned with the difference in gas mileage with prices where they’re at. My 7.3 Godzilla is getting better mileage as of late, and we will switch off winter blend fuel here soon so hoping for even more improvement. Unloaded our EB has been amazing on gas.

For 2021 and up, the cost of a F150 vs 250 is nearly identical. Keeps my family safer while towing so that’s worth it to me.

 

[365 Saleen]

I would get the F250 with the Godzilla engine and 4.30 rear gears with the 10 speed.
I work at a Chevrolet Dealership and work on the new Silverado's all the time. You could not get me to buy one of those shit boxes.

 

[HuntFishCobra]

I really wish ford did a 3.73 in the 250 with 7.3. I have thought a few times 3.55 is ever so slightly low. Getting used to it.

@13COBRA still need to come up for a quick service visit, time has been hell to find lately haha

 

[13COBRA]

I really wish ford did a 3.73 in the 250 with 7.3. I have thought a few times 3.55 is ever so slightly low. Getting used to it.

@13COBRA still need to come up for a quick service visit, time has been hell to find lately haha

I completely agree.

Sounds good!

Sent from my Potato

 

[Blk04L]

4fiddy platinum lifted on 24s.

At 8,500lb it’s doable in a 1/2 truck but I’ve done 6-7k in a few and I didn’t care for highway driving.

I would look at the 3/4 but consider the 7.3l.
6.2l is dependable but is a dog(Ford engine not Chevy).

 

[Fastback]

3/4, it's also better with the extra weight. Both taking off and braking. 1/2 ton are good these days, but seems like they will get pushed around by a heavy load. That's been my experience.

 

[Tractorman]

GM truck: 3/4 ton
Ford: Half ton is ok.

 

[kazman]

Better too much truck than not enough.

 

[bssmith1220]

Having gone from a 1/2 ton truck to a 3/4 ton truck and then back to a 1/2 ton…..I say 1/2 Ton for what you are doing. It’s very true that the 3/4 ton pulls so much better on the Highway and doesn’t get pushed around but it’s just not worth it at your level of towing. I miss my 3/4 ton the 5 times a year I tow, but I love the 1/2 ton every other day of the year that I drive it.

 

[kevinatfms]

My 21 F150 tows our Elantra or Fiesta around on heavy uhaul trailers or a friends spec miata style trailer and its quite stable at highway speeds.
When loaded its not 8500lbs but it will tip 5000+ with all the tools, extra wheels/tires and other gear stuffed into the back of the car. Never felt uncomfortable while towing and gets great mileage(last trip to VIR was 18.2mpg) with a load on the back.

One thing i truly hate is the stupid auto start/stop function. If i could change one thing about my truck is just shut it off or remove it for good.

 

[My94GT]

Half ton, your tow needs simply don’t justify the larger truck and if your mileage is limited to begin with why go up more in price.

I’ve done plenty of 8k tows with my ram and while sure it would have been better in a 3/4 ton set up, I also have a much friendlier truck around town. Besides for me what matters is cab space and there seems to no longer be a benefit from the 3/4 in that department

 

[03cobra#694]

My 21 F150 tows our Elantra or Fiesta around on heavy uhaul trailers or a friends spec miata style trailer and its quite stable at highway speeds.
When loaded its not 8500lbs but it will tip 5000+ with all the tools, extra wheels/tires and other gear stuffed into the back of the car. Never felt uncomfortable while towing and gets great mileage(last trip to VIR was 18.2mpg) with a load on the back.

One thing i truly hate is the stupid auto start/stop function. If i could change one thing about my truck is just shut it off or remove it for good.

Just disable it in the menu when you start the truck.

 

[ur bittn]

Within the next 12 months, I really want to get a new truck. I've been doing a ton of research on whether to go with a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton truck. These new 1/2 ton trucks are pretty capable nowadays so it's a tough decision.

Uses for the truck:
-Tow my car (and by tow my car, I mean maybe 5-6 times a year to the track, roughly 8500 lbs with the trailer)
-Tow snowmobiles in the winter, quads in the summer.
-Other misc. truck tasks.
-I couldn't see myself driving the truck more than 3,000-5,000 miles a year.

I want to buy new. I plan on keeping the truck 10-15+ years so I would rather buy new with a warrantee, plus, used trucks are just ridiculous money right now.

Gas engines only. For how often I tow, I don't want a diesel, it just isn't necessary, especially with the added cost of the truck. Also, I am in VT a lot in the winter and don't want to have to plug the truck in. I know the 1/2 ton trucks ride much nicer than HD trucks. Also, it almost seems like the 1/2 ton trucks are more expensive then the 3/4 ton trucks.

I am 90% the truck will be a Chevy or GMC. If it was a 1/2 ton I would only go with the 6.2, and if a 3/4 ton it would be the 6.6 Gas. They just did a midcycle refresh on the 1/2 ton Chevy/GMC and it's a huge upgrade (interior wise). Not sure when they will update the HD's. From what I read, they were suppose to for this year but you know....covid...chip shortage...etc....

Short version...new 1/2 ton trucks are very capable, is it worth the HD truck or not?

What truck do you currently own?

 

[7998]

1/2 Ton is more than enough for what you need to do. 3/4 Ton is just a waste of gas, waste of money, and miserable to drive on those NE roads.

 

[kevinatfms]

Just disable it in the menu when you start the truck.

Button only unless you can tell me where in the menu screen it is?

 

[4.698gt]

This seems like one of those, if you got to ask questions but I don't tow