3/4 ton or 1 ton

[Michaela521]

Hi I was hoping that you could help me choose the right size vehicle. I do do alot of work with my pickup of which involves carring loads of dirt/gravel and also I will be pulling a 4 horse horse trailers. What do you recommend I get. I'll be pulling a 4 horse trailer with 4 horses inside and about 4 passengers and a load that includes saddles, and other similar supplies to ride. 3/4 or 1 ton in your opinion. Thanks

[MT-2500]

A one ton is a lot more truck than a 3/4
Check the gvw ratings on both and deside from there.
For them rear end heavy loads the dual rear wheels are nice option.
MT

[Michaela521]

I don't know alot about all of these numbers so mayby you all can just look at them and know exactly what to get. If I will be pulling a horse trailer with a GTW of 12,500 lbs and a tongue load at bail of 1,875 lbs what truck strength would you recommend. Naturally that number doesn't include 4 people seated in the front seat at 175 lb per person and some more cargo in the long box that could reach 500lbs while I am pulling that trailer. I would also like a gasoline powered truck with an extended cab, long box, and automatic transmission. Which size vehicle would you recommend with the size of engine in it also? I also carry loads of sand/gravel and that can reach as much as 4500 lbs but there is usually only one person in the cab when I am carrying that load. I think that is all I can think of. Thanks

[ZR800]

You are willing to spend the money on a one ton, but not a Duramax? If you spend so much time towing and hauling, you would be crazy not to consider the Duramax. 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax is rated to tow 14,000 lbs with the 5th wheel set up. Also, the one ton comes in single rear wheel now.

[twomorestrokes]

Normally the 2500HD is plenty big enough for most loads at 9,200 GVWR. It should actually be classified as a 1 ton. It's way more truck than I need, but rides nicer than you'd expect when unloaded.

However, for hauling loads as you indicate, especially the horse trailer, I'd recommend the 3500 dually. The dual rear wheel setup increases the GVWR in itself. I deal in air suspension, and a lot of horse hauling 1 tons use our air bags on top of the already stout setup. Horse trailers are generally much higher tongue weight because the axle is usually mounted further rearward. I'm a firm believer in buying something that may be more than you need, because you're a whole lot worse off if you end up buying something that is a little less than what you need. The latter is very common, but that's what sells air springs. However, the air springs level the vehicle, but there's a whole lot more to GVWR than just rear springs.

Although I love my 6.0 for what I use it for, I'd go for the Duramax for your use.

[Michaela521]

I quess I should've specified better in my ealier posts but I won't be pulling the horse trailer that much. Probably no more than one to two times a year. Carrying those loads of sand/dirt etc. are done more often because it is for work use rather home use like the horse trailer is. I do pull stuff during work but nothing as much as that horse trailer. What say yall about the Vortec 8100 V8 engine. Pros cons. On the chevrolet website it says that it can pull that weight fine. If I am pulling that horse trailer only that much shouldn't the Vortec 6000 V8 engine suffice. Mayby not. I probably should go for the 3500 though. http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado/specifications/

[BlenderWizard]

My vote still goes for a diesel.

[twomorestrokes]

Originally Posted by BlenderWizard

My vote still goes for a diesel.

Me too. If you think you may need more than the 6.0, why fool around?

[BlenderWizard]

"It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it." that's my motto