At some point in the future, I imagine there is the possibility we will want a bigger TT, which will require a bigger TV. I've made up my mind that my current TV, which is a 1/2 ton, is at its max.
So, when upgrading from a 1/2 ton why even consider 3/4 ton? Why not just jump straight to a 1 ton?
I see F250's and F350's and GM 2500's and 3500's on the road every day and they look to be about the same size.
Is there a significant difference in fuel economy or maintenance?
I figure why not just "go big" w/ a 1 ton and eliminate the risk of running out of truck w/ a 3/4 ton.
At least with Dodge, a 1T srw is a 3/4T with OL springs, since 2003. I think they've all done that. Might as well get a 1T to get the door sticker. Craig
03Dodge QC HO CTD Dually NV5600 4.10 Rear/WD A2K turbo, TST/PMCR, 4" exh, PRXB Pacbrake, Rancho 9000s, FS Airbags, Onboard air/in-cab controls, Custom hauler bed. 98 Sunnybrook 30RLFS 5er WHOEVER INVENTED WORK DIDN'T HAVE AN RV!
If buying new, go for 1 ton. It's only about $1k more. I made the mistake of going with 3/4 ton truck when I upgraded my TT, then bought a fiver a year later. I was then at the max of the 3/4 ton. Now I have a 1 ton and all is well.
Not sure if you are going diesel or not. If going gas, make sure and get the 4:10 or 4:30 axle. It makes a noticeable improvement on hills for trailers over 10k.
Steve Rinker
Rochester, NY
2013 Keystone Sydney 340FBH 5'er
2012 Silverado 3500HD, SRW,LTZ,4x4, Z71, Crew, 6.0 Gasser, 4:10 Gears, Standard bed
"These days, I have problems in areas that I used to not have areas", so life is good.
Well I know of the advantages of the 1 ton truck, however for the weight that I carry a 3/4 ton is all that I need. Now if I were to be full timing in 20 years then I could see the 1 ton daully being the truck for me. So really all depends on what your towing in my opinion.
Payload is one of the few differences. Gear ratio is a big one. For Ford you are looking at a difference (at least in my 2000 F-250) of 3:73 to 4:10 (F-350). With the appropriate trailer, a 3/4 ton can be more fuel efficient than a 1 ton.
That being said, we could continue on up to F-450's....etc.
With Chevy the only difference is payload and that is because the 1 ton has an extra spring. I got the 3/4 because I got a terrific deal. I could still sell it four years later for what I bought it for. I knew I could add the extra spring or air springs for minimal $$ if I needed to. But with my rig I have never felt the need--60,000 miles later the Arctic Fox pulls like a dream.
2007 Northwoods Arctic Fox 32 5S Fifth Wheel-for sale now that we are not full-timing
2011 Keystone 23rks Hideout to poke around the smaller parks in the great Southwest
2007 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Diesel
Prodigy brake control
Earl E wrote: With Chevy the only difference is payload and that is because the 1 ton has an extra spring. I got the 3/4 because I got a terrific deal. I could still sell it four years later for what I bought it for. I knew I could add the extra spring or air springs for minimal $$ if I needed to. But with my rig I have never felt the need--60,000 miles later the Arctic Fox pulls like a dream.
Sorry, but that isn't true. I did my research before I bought. The GM 1 ton gasser has heavier axle/rear end, larger brakes and heavier drive shaft than 3/4 ton gasser. Check it out.
I compared the two side by side before I bought. I am referring to gassers. DMAX however is all the same except heavier springs.
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