Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

[mddubya]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

We need pics, and more importantly, does it match your boat?

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

Well, I orginally planned on either a ford or chevy. However I wanted a close to mint condition fully loaded 1500 4 door with under 75k and a tow package for under 13k. After doing extensive research i found that , that kind of situation does not exsist. So i raised my limit to 15k and all that i found was a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 with a hemi. It needed new tires, so i haggled that into the price. I got it out the door for 13k and financed it through my credit union for 6.3 percent. It is a gold color fully loaded, mint condition and has a tow package. With new tires there is no doubt that , that truck can pull my boat. Granted i did come across some base line models with plastic floors, but the bodies had been dinged and scratched etc <--- those were the fords and chevys. I feel pretty good about my purchase. The reason i was hesitant about Dodge was becasue of the rumors about the transmissions that suck. After doing some research on that i found that. that is typical with their minivans currently and was a problem with most dodge/chrysler vehicles back in the 80's and 90's. The Rams made after 2000 seemed to not have significant tranny probs. Thanks for all your inputs and advice.

2002+ rams have the newer 545re trannsmission in them. thats the good one. the 46/47 trans are the ones that go out. I also have the 04 hemi, love it. mileage is not that great, but it has all the power in the world for what i need. I added a Superchips tuner and a K&N intake, that helped out quite a bit also. its easy to get those hemis pushing out close to 400 hp.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

I think that half and three quarter ton nomenclature is really outdated, as you can buy GM 1500 Trucks (half ton right ?) with the HD option and the 1500 is a 3/4 ton with 8 lug axles so whats that all about ?
And motors well they all have 300hp now-em-days, congrats on that 403hp 1500 IVAZ sounds pretty hot.

I think maybe truck series numbers should be like towing capacity instead of outdated 150, 2500, 550 ? Instead of 1500 make it a 7500 if it can tow 7500 #'s. A super duty F550, what does 550 mean ? Call it a F-17,000. LOL Seriously tho I think a little Tundra of F150 can safely tow 10g's with the right options.

I know alot of stuff is not built like it use to be but when I look at the springs and frames on these new trucks compared to the old trucks with small C channel frames with flimsy sheetmetal spring hangers and shackles I think the old trucks don't hold a candle to today's trucks.
Die cast wishbones on front of some 4x4 trucks do not look especially beefy but not all trucks are bigtime offroaders.

Good luck in your search, lot of good trucks out there.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

Well, I orginally planned on either a ford or chevy. However I wanted a close to mint condition fully loaded 1500 4 door with under 75k and a tow package for under 13k. After doing extensive research i found that , that kind of situation does not exsist. So i raised my limit to 15k and all that i found was a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 with a hemi. It needed new tires, so i haggled that into the price. I got it out the door for 13k and financed it through my credit union for 6.3 percent. It is a gold color fully loaded, mint condition and has a tow package. With new tires there is no doubt that , that truck can pull my boat. Granted i did come across some base line models with plastic floors, but the bodies had been dinged and scratched etc <--- those were the fords and chevys. I feel pretty good about my purchase. The reason i was hesitant about Dodge was becasue of the rumors about the transmissions that suck. After doing some research on that i found that. that is typical with their minivans currently and was a problem with most dodge/chrysler vehicles back in the 80's and 90's. The Rams made after 2000 seemed to not have significant tranny probs. Thanks for all your inputs and advice.

Congrats on your Dodge RAM 1500 purchase! I've owned 3, '01, '05 and my current '07. I've never had tranny problems. They're all 3/4 tons only because I do residential/commercial snowplowing. I used to also tow a tractor around. The '05/'07 had hemi's too. You'll like the power. Bet it looks something like this......

 

[marineguy]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

I'm in the market for a 27-29' cruiser, and I'm wondering how far I can push the weight limits. I have a 2004 Yukon XL 4x4, 3.73 with towing package. I replaced the P265/70R17s with some LT265/70R17 C tires (BFG all-terrain), and added Air-Lift airbags to the coils just to firm up the rear end on those long trips from NC to PA with the whole family plus luggage. I guess the stock rating was 7200 lbs, but I don't know if my suspension and tire upgrades could boost it a little. It has disc brakes all around, and 295 hp. I can't really think of what little things I can do but swap the rear diff cover with a finned high-capacity replacement, and maybe upgrade the shocks. Of course I'm planning on getting a trailer with brakes, probably surge.
I live 20 miles from the ramp I'll be launching from, traveling on completely flat coastal roads. Maybe someday we might tow it on a 6 hour trip down 95 to Hilton Head, but for the most part, it will just go from my driveway to the ramp. Would it be insane to hook up 9500 lbs of boat, trailer, fuel and water to my 1/2 ton truck, even for a short haul? I'm not concerned about pulling it out of the water, with 4-low a button-push away.

 

[rbh]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

sorry there guys.
to the person that wants to haul the big boats, you will thank yourself if you find a 4x4 duelly pickup.
rob

 

[steddy]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

I'm in the market for a 27-29' cruiser, and I'm wondering how far I can push the weight limits. I have a 2004 Yukon XL 4x4, 3.73 with towing package. I replaced the P265/70R17s with some LT265/70R17 C tires (BFG all-terrain), and added Air-Lift airbags to the coils just to firm up the rear end on those long trips from NC to PA with the whole family plus luggage. I guess the stock rating was 7200 lbs, but I don't know if my suspension and tire upgrades could boost it a little. It has disc brakes all around, and 295 hp. I can't really think of what little things I can do but swap the rear diff cover with a finned high-capacity replacement, and maybe upgrade the shocks. Of course I'm planning on getting a trailer with brakes, probably surge.

I live 20 miles from the ramp I'll be launching from, traveling on completely flat coastal roads. Maybe someday we might tow it on a 6 hour trip down 95 to Hilton Head, but for the most part, it will just go from my driveway to the ramp. Would it be insane to hook up 9500 lbs of boat, trailer, fuel and water to my 1/2 ton truck, even for a short haul? I'm not concerned about pulling it out of the water, with 4-low a button-push away.

Hate to burst your bubble, but adding air bags and extra leaf springs WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR TOWING CAPACITY!!!!

It doesn't matter if you add 10 leafs or any amount of airbags to your rear axle - the axle itself, the trans, the frame, and the engine (we'll leave the hitch and ball to another discussion) are only rated to tow so much. Extra leafs and air bags will make your truck ride better when you are exceeding your tow rating, but not much else.

Invest in another transmission or oil cooler instead of extra suspension unless you want to ride in comfort while your truck is beating itself to death pulling too much weight.

 

[marineguy]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

Hate to burst your bubble, but adding air bags and extra leaf springs WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR TOWING CAPACITY!!!!

It doesn't matter if you add 10 leafs or any amount of airbags to your rear axle - the axle itself, the trans, the frame, and the engine (we'll leave the hitch and ball to another discussion) are only rated to tow so much. Extra leafs and air bags will make your truck ride better when you are exceeding your tow rating, but not much else.

Invest in another transmission or oil cooler instead of extra suspension unless you want to ride in comfort while your truck is beating itself to death pulling too much weight.

Steddy,
Thanks for your response. Don't worry about bursting my bubble; my wife does it all the time, and it always re-emerges.
Obviously a tow rating is a function of a number of factors, including but not limited to: engine (295hp), transmission (4L60E with tow package cooler), suspension (torsion front, coil rear with airbag helpers), rear end (GM 10 bolt), hitch (class III--needs upgraded), frame (hydroformed ladder type), and brakes (vented disc front and rear). I assume when a mfr assigns a random tow rating, it assumes that the vehicle may safely tow said rated load from NY to CA with no hesitations. I'm talking about towing for 20 minutes across flat land. Do I really need to trade my 1500 for a 2500? We're talking about really expensive vehicles here. Will I actually twist my frame towing a 9,000 lb boat/trailer combo down HWY 24? I once towed a 12,000 lb collapsible bleachers for a mile and my doors still close just fine. Though the extra weight is a disadvantage, I would think the SUV body adds a bit of rigidity over the pickup counterparts, no?

 

[belleview3]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

Congrats on the Ram. I have the 08 Ram 1500 quad with the hemi & 9k pound tow capacity. I pull close to that with my 27' cuddy & trailer & it pulls like a dream - plenty of power & stability at 9 mpg. I pulled mine from Miami Beach to Oklahoma. As previously posted, trailer brakes are a must. You try stopping that much weight with just your 4 disks & you'll warp em for sure, not to mention the safety risks involved. Also, don't expect economy from your hemi whether loaded on not. Dodge doesn't give a **** about fuel ecomony, only power. Don't worry about the $$$, being on the water & rafting up with your buds is worth it.

 

[grahamh]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

Short answer?

Yes you can.

There are always what ifs, etc, but with the right trailer brake setup its fine.

 

[Tea Bag]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

Thanks for all your responces, the gas mileage is a bummer but considering the power it provides is worth it. When i test drove it i was amazed at how quick it can get up an move! The thing is a beast. I inspected the tow hitch and it looks new so my guess is that, that truck did not do to much hauling which is good. I did have a scrare, yesterday my check engine light came on. So i took it to autozone and they shot the code. It said there was an airflow problem. The previous night i replaced the airfilter and did not interlock the locking mechanism on the filter housing so there was a 1/2" gap sucking in raw air. I was relieved and corrected the problem. Then i took off the negative battery cable to reset the code. I now know my monitoring system is working When i pull my boat out of the water i will take pics. My lake is currently flooded 12' over pool. So i have to wait until the water level goes down. The parking lot and all the bridges that connect the slip are under water. Luckily my marina has a ferry boat that takes you out to your slip.

 

[Tea Bag]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

2002+ rams have the newer 545re trannsmission in them. thats the good one. the 46/47 trans are the ones that go out. I also have the 04 hemi, love it. mileage is not that great, but it has all the power in the world for what i need. I added a Superchips tuner and a K&N intake, that helped out quite a bit also. its easy to get those hemis pushing out close to 400 hp.

4x4 can you provide a link to a superchips tuner and what does it do? Is your K and N just the filter element or is it a "coned" cold air intake?

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

Steddy,
Thanks for your response. Don't worry about bursting my bubble; my wife does it all the time, and it always re-emerges.
Obviously a tow rating is a function of a number of factors, including but not limited to: engine (295hp), transmission (4L60E with tow package cooler), suspension (torsion front, coil rear with airbag helpers), rear end (GM 10 bolt), hitch (class III--needs upgraded), frame (hydroformed ladder type), and brakes (vented disc front and rear). I assume when a mfr assigns a random tow rating, it assumes that the vehicle may safely tow said rated load from NY to CA with no hesitations. I'm talking about towing for 20 minutes across flat land. Do I really need to trade my 1500 for a 2500? We're talking about really expensive vehicles here. Will I actually twist my frame towing a 9,000 lb boat/trailer combo down HWY 24? I once towed a 12,000 lb collapsible bleachers for a mile and my doors still close just fine. Though the extra weight is a disadvantage, I would think the SUV body adds a bit of rigidity over the pickup counterparts, no?

In your case, "Can the truck pull the load?". The answer to me (IMHO) is yes. Would I do it? NO!!! You ask me why and base it on weight, and I will say not, not just about the weight. Yukon is about a 6000 lb vehicle and has a short wheelbase... You are talking of towing 30% more than your truck weight and close to twice the length. There is the issue, weight plus length.. If you have ever seen a Jeep Wrangler towing a 20' boat on the interstate and then get in a wreck from fishtailing, you will understand exactly what I mean by length also being a factor compared to tow vehicle.

I tow a 24' Enclosed trailer for my business, I also tow my 18' boat and a 31' travel trailer. I own a 4 door Chevy 1500HD and a Ford Excursion Deisel. I have the power, the capacity and the wheelbase to safley tow everything I have.

I really think you need to think about the what ifs that can happen. Yes your Yukon is expensive, Yes, my Excursion is expensive... How expensive is your life, your families life or someone elses...

Can you tow that boat with that truck, I am sure you can. Will it handle well, maybe, but not as well as it could should. Given that, can you do it safely, maybe... Is it worth it? Only you can decide... Peace of mind goes a long way. My recommendation would be something with a longer wheelbase and the addition of trailer brakes of some kind...

 

[marineguy]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

In your case, "Can the truck pull the load?". The answer to me (IMHO) is yes. Would I do it? NO!!! You ask me why and base it on weight, and I will say not, not just about the weight. Yukon is about a 6000 lb vehicle and has a short wheelbase... You are talking of towing 30% more than your truck weight and close to twice the length. There is the issue, weight plus length.. If you have ever seen a Jeep Wrangler towing a 20' boat on the interstate and then get in a wreck from fishtailing, you will understand exactly what I mean by length also being a factor compared to tow vehicle.

I tow a 24' Enclosed trailer for my business, I also tow my 18' boat and a 31' travel trailer. I own a 4 door Chevy 1500HD and a Ford Excursion Deisel. I have the power, the capacity and the wheelbase to safley tow everything I have.

I really think you need to think about the what ifs that can happen. Yes your Yukon is expensive, Yes, my Excursion is expensive... How expensive is your life, your families life or someone elses...

Can you tow that boat with that truck, I am sure you can. Will it handle well, maybe, but not as well as it could should. Given that, can you do it safely, maybe... Is it worth it? Only you can decide... Peace of mind goes a long way. My recommendation would be something with a longer wheelbase and the addition of trailer brakes of some kind...

Knightgang,
Thanks for the reply. Sorry I guess I forgot to mention it's a Yukon XL, not the short body. It's no 4-door pickup with an 8' bed, but at 18' 4", it's not exactly what I'd call a short-wheelbase vehicle. Of course I'd never do anything to compromise the safety of my family or anyone else's family. I know a little about safety, which is relative to the individual, the equipment, and the activity. If you think boaters are conscious of wet/dry weight limitations, try computing whether you can pick up 24 combat loaded Marines from a 6,000' mountain peak on a 95 degree day, or if you need to come back after you burn off a couple thousand pounds of fuel...

A lot of these GCWRs seem a bit too arbitrary and I'd like to know from guys who tow big boats (not engineers who throw out numbers which will keep the lowest common denominator from getting into trouble). I'm not going to be screaming through the rockies at 80 mph on the way to some lakeside retreat; I'm going to be drifting down the road to the coastline at 45 mph. If I can make this a safe proposition by upgrading my brakes, gears, or even rear axle, that would be a lot more economical than buying a whole new truck. But as it stands, I think everything but the class III hitch would be up to the task. And I wouldn't think of towing a cabin cruiser without good trailer brakes.

 

[marineguy]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

In your case, "Can the truck pull the load?". The answer to me (IMHO) is yes. Would I do it? NO!!! You ask me why and base it on weight, and I will say not, not just about the weight. Yukon is about a 6000 lb vehicle and has a short wheelbase... You are talking of towing 30% more than your truck weight and close to twice the length. There is the issue, weight plus length.. If you have ever seen a Jeep Wrangler towing a 20' boat on the interstate and then get in a wreck from fishtailing, you will understand exactly what I mean by length also being a factor compared to tow vehicle.

I tow a 24' Enclosed trailer for my business, I also tow my 18' boat and a 31' travel trailer. I own a 4 door Chevy 1500HD and a Ford Excursion Deisel. I have the power, the capacity and the wheelbase to safley tow everything I have.

I really think you need to think about the what ifs that can happen. Yes your Yukon is expensive, Yes, my Excursion is expensive... How expensive is your life, your families life or someone elses...

Can you tow that boat with that truck, I am sure you can. Will it handle well, maybe, but not as well as it could should. Given that, can you do it safely, maybe... Is it worth it? Only you can decide... Peace of mind goes a long way. My recommendation would be something with a longer wheelbase and the addition of trailer brakes of some kind...

Knightgang,
Thanks for the reply. So you think a Yukon XL is a short wheelbase vehicle? I would tend to disagree with that. I wouldn't consider towing a heavy boat without good trailer brakes. You mention safety. What specifically would be unsafe about towing a 9,000 combination with this truck? If I blow up the transmission that's my problem; that won't hurt anyone. If I struggle a little getting up a steep grade with a mere 295 hp, also my problem. I don't think stopping will be an issue on a 6,000 lb vehicle with four wheel vented discs, ABS and a trailer with brakes (especially on flat coastal roads). The load range D (not C as I originally thought) BFGs can take the weight, as can the airbag assisted coils. I don't expect 900 lbs of tongue weight to snap an axle or bend the frame. I've already mentioned I'll need to upgrade to a class IV hitch, so what's the issue other than a conservative number selected by the manufacturer to keep them out of court? I won't limit myself by that.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

marineguy, i missed the XL on your vehicle description... your truck is as long as the two I have... Wheelbase plus weight was my biggest concern in your scenario, but I assumed short wheelbase since I missed the XL.. My mistake...

That being said, I would say you are OK. I towed that 31' camper with a '95 suburban, 5.7 ltr engine. Flat land was great, hilly terrain was ok and mannaged itself about as I expected. I would not have attempted moutains, but otherwise, I think you are fine... Just watch your overall weight and be cautious all of the time...

Good luck...

 

[dingbat]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

marineguy, i missed the XL on your vehicle description... your truck is as long as the two I have... Wheelbase plus weight was my biggest concern in your scenario, but I assumed short wheelbase since I missed the XL.. My mistake...

That being said, I would say you are OK. I towed that 31' camper with a '95 suburban, 5.7 ltr engine. Flat land was great, hilly terrain was ok and mannaged itself about as I expected. I would not have attempted moutains, but otherwise, I think you are fine... Just watch your overall weight and be cautious all of the time...

Good luck...

Please explain the physics of the short verse long wheel base argument.

What is the proper length and weight ratios to follow?

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

Please explain the physics of the short verse long wheel base argument.

What is the proper length and weight ratios to follow?

I cannot remember the ratios off the top of my head, and if I actually put a number to it, someone here will slam me for it. So I will explain the best I can.

However, I like to tow with a long wheelbase (apprx. equal to that of a standard cab pickup with an 8' bed). The more weigh you add to the trailer along with the increase in length, you increase the chance of the load pushing the rear end of the tow vehicle out of the forward track in an emergency maneuver situation.

My camper is 31' long (35' including tounge) and my excursion is roughly 19', so my tow vehicle is almost a little more than 50% of the length of equipment being towed. His setup would have a 27-29' boat, plus tounge (that would put him at about 31 to 35' total) with a 15 foot truck (me not noticing the XL on the model) This would have had himas low as 43% tow vehicle length and up to, but still shy of, 50%. I am not saying that 50% is the rule, but it sure makes me feel safer...

I saw a Ford Explorer on I-75 North just above Macon, GA that had been pulling a 23'WA Cabin boat. It appeared he was running highway speed (60-70) while going around a slight right hand turn and slight downhill grade at the same time. The boat just pushed the rearend out from under the Explorer and caused it to rollover and totaled the enitre Rig. Had the Tow vehicle been a longer wheelbase, there would have been a bit more error room the correct the trailer push before causing a rollover.

Knowing that he has the extra wheelbase and the extra weight in the tow vehicle, I feel he is fine for the setup and towing he is describing....

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

If anyone wants to critique my statements above, feel free to. For the newer guys to boating that are not expereinced with trailering, it will be a beneficial read to learn about the forces and considerations when matching a tow vehicle with a load to be pulled. It is not all about engine power and suspension.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Can I tow 7000lbs with a 1/2 ton pickup?

Wish I hadn't stumbled onto this thread so late, but I'm going to respectfully disagree with both Tea Bag and Marineguy.

Tea Bag, you and I have exactly the same boat- make, year and model. He's right on target with the dry weight of boat and trailer coming in at 7,000 lbs., but add some fuel and gear... well, I upped the estimate to 8,000 and bought a 2003 Dodge 3/4 ton hemi pickup. I'm sure you'll be okay for an occasional short tow, but I was also concerned about a possible accident and legal consequences. The combination of GCWR and tow capacity on the half-tons just wasn't cutting it. With the 3.73 rear mine has a tow capacity of 8700 lbs. It also has a GCWR of 15,000 lbs, which (barely) covers the truck (6,000), the rig (8,000), couple of passengers, fuel and incidentals.

Marineguy, you're trying to talk yourself and everyone else into the position that a 1/2 ton will be okay to tow 9500 lbs. You;ve said that the mfr tow ratings are "arbitrary", they're for extreme towing (cross country), etc. Your arguments aren't based on fact- they're based on opinion and what you want to be true. Do what you want, but your Yukon will be grossly overloaded. I'm sure you'll be able to pull the load, but it isn't safe. Please don't be offended- but this is a teaching/learning forum and it's important to supply facts when you know 'em.

Have fun boating, guys