Community Forums

gearman · 01-21-2007, 05:56 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by paz:
Gearman,

Just curious - what kind of mileage are you getting on your Tahoe? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The best we have seen in the 15,000 miles driven is 15.0 MPG, most of the time 13.5 and the one time we towed with it, (jeep on car hauler trailer, approx 5000 lbs) we got under something like 9 MPG.

paz · 01-23-2007, 04:49 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by gearman:
The best we have seen in the 15,000 miles driven is 15.0 MPG, most of the time 13.5 and the one time we towed with it, (jeep on car hauler trailer, approx 5000 lbs) we got under something like 9 MPG. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sounds like the fuel management system really is just a lot of hype.

Armycamper · 01-23-2007, 09:39 AM

I figured I would give my2 cents worth on the MPG issue. I tow a 7500 lb camper with a Nissan Titan. When towing the camper, fully loaded (minus water and waste) and my truck loaded, I can get 12 MPG, without the trailer, 15 MPG. Also I have towed this camper over 3000 miles last summer and fall (picked it up in mid July) and never experienced any problems with the power of the truck. If you feel comfortable with a 1/2 ton then use it and stay within the weight limit,

cfd37buckeye · 01-23-2007, 06:03 PM

The new Silverado 1/2 ton Z71 2wd (yes thats right) 2wd with the 6.0l and the locking rear differential pulls 10k lbs, has 360 HP, and outperforms the 4wd. I want one!!!!!

apackof2 · 01-26-2007, 05:52 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by cfd37buckeye:
The new Silverado 1/2 ton Z71 2wd (yes thats right) 2wd with the 6.0l and the locking rear differential pulls 10k lbs, has 360 HP, and outperforms the 4wd. I want one!!!!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

purplehaze71676 · 02-06-2007, 10:19 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bobbyg123:
I may be new to RV'ing (shopping for our first), but I am FULLY aware that the 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton debate is a touchy one. I've done thorough searches on this great website, but many of the discussions are now over 3 years old. I'm curious to learn your thoughts on the new 1/2 ton trucks (SUV's) that have (or are about to) hit the road. The '07 Ford F-150, Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Silverado have all upgraded their engine torque and overall tow ratings considerably in the past several years. This is especially true in the case of the F-150 (9100lbs), Chevy Tahoe (7100lbs), and Ford Explorer (6750lbs).

My Dad is a retired flutter, vibration, and structures Boeing engineer. He understands physics better than any of us. His advice for me is to trust these numbers and load the trailer accordingly; allowing at least a 750lb variance. What do you guys think about this? You have to admit that 1/2 ton rigs today are equipped with far more powerful engines than they were 10 years ago. ****, check out the specs of a 1997 Ford Explorer vs. the 2007 model. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

TXiceman · 02-06-2007, 12:33 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by purplehaze71676:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bobbyg123:
You have to admit that 1/2 ton rigs today are equipped with far more powerful engines than they were 10 years ago. ****, check out the specs of a 1997 Ford Explorer vs. the 2007 model. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I agree that the newer trucks have larger engines and can pull more weight in theory. But you still need enough truck with a suitable chassis, suspension, tires and brakes to handle the load. Pulling a utility trailer with a load of bricks is a lot different than pulling an 8'wide box that is 28' long and 10' high. The larger box makes it presence know in a big way and you have to have the truck to control the trailer.

The 1/2 ton trucks are still light on suspension and chassis when compared to a 3/4 ton truck.

Ken

Randy the sly old fox · 02-06-2007, 07:32 PM

It is now common to see 1/2T PUs with 3000lb payload ratings, while 3/4T have 5000lb ratings. Both trucks weigh around 5000lbs. Aero does play into towabilty, the more frontal area you have the more HP it requires to move it down the road. There are other differences as well, including bigger brakes, full floating axles, and larger differential gears - all contribute to better load handling. Most half tons have smaller diffs, lighter trannys etc. GM made a step up with the MAX Tow package that has better diff, tranny, and engine.

Toyota now has an optional larger V8 and six speed tranny and just upped their tow rating to 10,800 lb.

Nissan touts larger diffs and a 5 speed.

Somehow I think the battle of the half tons is a war of made up numbers - the mfgs seem to change the GCWR and Tow ratings at whim - the GVWR does not seem to change.

TXiceman · 02-07-2007, 05:49 PM

The "payload" rating does not mean much as it is a MAXIMUM and based on a base model truck. The 3000# or 5000# payload rating is much lower as you have to deduct the add ons and passengers and hitch. My dually has a GVWR of 11,500# and loaded for a trip, full fuel, hitch, the critters, Ma and me, we are setting just under 8000#. This leaves me with a real world payload capacity for the pin weight of a bit over 3500#...not much more than the supposed payload of a 1/2 ton and considerably under a 3/4 ton.

You need to weigh the truck in towing configuration to know where you really are and don't believe the brochure numbers.

Ken

apackof2 · 02-08-2007, 04:25 AM

Aren't you towing your Artic Fox with a 1/2 ton?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Randy the sly old fox:
It is now common to see 1/2T PUs with 3000lb payload ratings, while 3/4T have 5000lb ratings. Both trucks weigh around 5000lbs. Aero does play into towabilty, the more frontal area you have the more HP it requires to move it down the road. There are other differences as well, including bigger brakes, full floating axles, and larger differential gears - all contribute to better load handling. Most half tons have smaller diffs, lighter trannys etc. GM made a step up with the MAX Tow package that has better diff, tranny, and engine.

Toyota now has an optional larger V8 and six speed tranny and just upped their tow rating to 10,800 lb.

Nissan touts larger diffs and a 5 speed.

Somehow I think the battle of the half tons is a war of made up numbers - the mfgs seem to change the GCWR and Tow ratings at whim - the GVWR does not seem to change. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Randy the sly old fox · 02-08-2007, 07:16 PM

I have a new 07 3/4T PU on order. I realized that the AF was pushing the Tahoe to the limits when I was using every bit of HP the old gal had to climb the hills between Portland and the coast. A trip up the Gorge was also interesting. I put heavier tires and shocks to help stablize the rear end. I also upgraded my hitch to 1000# bars. All of this helped to a degree - but I feel I need the 3/4T truck to be really comfortable and safe. I also stayed away from the new 1/2T even with the 10,500# tow ratings - even though I could have had one of them right now and not have to wait until the end of March.