TV 150/250 towing 7500?

[bord1niowa]

I am looking at a new tow vehicle to pull 7500 pounds GVW. I have my doubts about some of these trucks claiming 8000 an pound rating in a 150/250/1500/2500 on some. Any thoughts? Or do I just believe the ratings?

 

[BRDof3]

My Toyota Sequoia 1/2 ton is rated at 7500 GVWR, with a 4.7 liter and 4.2 gears. However, the GCVWR is 13,500 and the truck is 7,000 fully loaded. So, with that math I'll never be able to actually put 7500 on it, or I will go way over the combined weight rating.

The 5.7 liter version of the Sequoia is rated at 10,500 with a 16,500 GCVWR. I wouldn't want to tow that much on that frame and with that wheelbase, but I would tow 8,000 and not worry about it.

I'd say it would come down to the engine size and gear ratio.

 

[thegooftroopfla]

i am going through the same problem currently. If you have any other way to go do not go 1/2 ton. if you are buying a truck to tow go at least 3/4 ton. it might be possible but i would not advise it. from what i am learning through my own research, help from my fellow disers and personal experience is do not do it. I will work the engine to the max first off. not all 150 are created equal, not even close to equal. also as brd said when you do your weights add the passengers weight into the gcwr, all gear, water, propane, grey/black water, coolers bikes and everything else. most likely you will be way over that 7500 limit. I am learning some dealerships that sell you a camper take the shipping weight and the truck empty to get your approved gcwr by their dealership. also just a weight distribution hitch and tongs add alot of hitch weight. if you have the option upgrade. it will make it ten times easier. also if your trailer is overweight and you are in an accident i do not think your insurance will cover damage or lawsuits, but i would double check that

 

[LarryJ]

i am going through the same problem currently. If you have any other way to go do not go 1/2 ton. if you are buying a truck to tow go at least 3/4 ton. it might be possible but i would not advise it. from what i am learning through my own research, help from my fellow disers and personal experience is do not do it. I will work the engine to the max first off. not all 150 are created equal, not even close to equal. also as brd said when you do your weights add the passengers weight into the gcwr, all gear, water, propane, grey/black water, coolers bikes and everything else. most likely you will be way over that 7500 limit. I am learning some dealerships that sell you a camper take the shipping weight and the truck empty to get your approved gcwr by their dealership. also just a weight distribution hitch and tongs add alot of hitch weight. if you have the option upgrade. it will make it ten times easier. also if your trailer is overweight and you are in an accident i do not think your insurance will cover damage or lawsuits, but i would double check that

My hat is off to you for doing your research and not just following some blind uninformed or biased advise given to you on the internet.

Larry

 

[thegooftroopfla]

this board has given a ton of advice. still havent narrowed it down yet or found the right deal. still waiting but thanks for the info you have provided also larryj

 

[thegooftroopfla]

also youy can check out the thread need help on new truck purchase. that is where everyone on here is chimed in with tons of advice

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

My hat is off to you for doing your research and not just following some blind uninformed or biased advise given to you on the internet.

Larry

Any place in particular where the "blind uninformed or biased" advice is most prevalent ?

 

[disney4dan]

There are so many factors that go into it, including wheelbase, type of suspension, gear ratios, engine horsepower, breaking ability, type of hitch, even some of the seemingly mundane items like whether or not there are extendable tow mirrors, etc.

I chose my 5.7 liter Toyota Tundra based on the following:
1. Price ($25k +/-) vs. about $35k for most of the 3/4 tons;
2. Diesel was headed for $4.50/gallon or more in 2008
3. Wheelbase was longer with the 8 foot bed on the Double Cab vs. short bed on the crew max.
4. ability to put one of the smaller kids in the front seat between two adults in order to keep the bickering down (that is the bickering between the kids, and the bickering between the adults!)
5. Extendable tow mirrors (I like to see behind the trailer)
6. Fact that our trailer maximum weight is under 7500 pounds, typically around 6500.
7. The truck gets decent gas mileage when used as a daily driver
8. You never really know when you need to might need to use the uncontrolled accelerator excuse to avoid a ticket !

I hear ya on the whole decision, there is no perfect choice and I felt like I needed a shower after leaving the showroom, but we have a serviceable truck that can tow our trailer and fit the kids in. And it got me to the Fort and back with no fatalities. Very comfortable ride too.

 

[john59]

I had the truck and matched the RV to my truck.

Siverado 1500---Z71 OFF ROAD---5.3L---3.7 gears in the rear, 60,000 miles.

We bought a 5th wheel, 27ft, dry weight 7200 lbs. My max by 3 individuals. RV repair shop, RV dealer, and a Chev Dealer were all the same. Total trailer weight not to exceed 8,800 lbs.

I have had the trailer on a scale---My typical weight (not avg.) is 8,100 lbs that I tow.

I have weighed the individual trailer axles, kingpin weight and truck/trl combo. All weights are within limits.

Next time I go on the road, I will have all of the above re-done.

I just posted recently---Last October running I95 Penna. to Myrtle Beach then to Disney. Speed 70/75mph, avg. 7 mpg. Yikes I will go bankrupt. Another BOARD PEEEEEPLE replied speed equals $$$$, time is free.

I am now into 39 hours (driving time) down through the Keys and now in Pine Island (Ft Myers) keeping it 58/60mph---Mpg jumped to a tad below 11. That is a 25 + % increase.

I feel good about towing and the weight, but I am really happy for the tip on speed vs. mpg used.
john