HELP ME CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRUCK PLEASE!!!

[HammerDownProductions]

Ok Im looking to get another truck here in the next few months. The most I will be pulling is a 18ft or 16ft enclosed V-nose trailer with a polaris xp4 1000 4 seater inside and some totes with apparel. Or at the least I'll be towing a 16ft dove car hauler with a Polaris RZR XP4 1000. Now I will be using this almost every weekend traveling from KY to all 7 of our surrounding states including Alabama, Georgia and North Carlina. Again this will be Almost every weekend of the spring, summer and fall months. Id like to look at a 2014 or newer used half ton crew cab 4wd or a 2006 or newer duramax crew cab 4wd. Which one is gonna be more cost efficient overall? I know a half ton will pull this but will it kill the truck and is a 3/4 diesel overkill and cost more in fuel? Please help me on this one.

['01LS1]

Not sure there is a technically correct response.

 

The weight would seemingly be fine behind either truck & either would pull it fine. Guessing trailer/razr/totes at 5,000 lbs or so?

 

The 2006-2007 LBZ diesel would be great particularly with regard to the Allison Transmission & more than adequate braking ability.

But pre DPF diesels still bring a premium & the rest of the truck is pushing 8 or 9 years old. Then the question becomes what is your

mechanical ability to maintain most items?

 

Score a deal on a 14/15 half ton & you for the most part would be covered with a factory warranty.

 

Guess for me crossing the mountains running east in to NC &/or GA I would start considering the 2500 diesel option if you think you will

be towing more than 7,000 lbs. I know half tons are rated for much more. But adjusting to varying roads conditions over mountains, other idiots on the road

& giving yourself plenty of breathing room for variables that happen in life. The 3/4 ton diesel may make more sense at the higher weights.

[pcf]

What's your current truck and is there anything you don't like about it?

 

How much does the trailer weigh when loaded? How much do your passengers and cargo in the truck weigh? Does the trailer have brakes? What kind? Is the trailer compatible with a weight distribution hitch? Are you planning on putting big tires on the truck?

 

Would you rather get punched in the kidney than have your transmission downshift on slight grades? Would you rather have toothpicks shoved under your fingernails than tow at high RPMs?

[doverarjim]

My story, had a 99 Silverado with the 6.0l pulled trailers all over loaded, empty. I know that the small block likes rpm's and I don't mind letting one see some every once in a while, but It can get old and tiring after a while. I pulled my 28 foot gooseneck from AR to Nc on I-40 and at times it just got old, both empty and loaded!!! Upgraded trucks to 11 6.6l and it is now like going on a Sunday drive, I have made the trip twice now with my Dmax and that is the only way to go for me. I am not saying that you should not look at a gas burner but for me it makes the trip a little easier to take and make. That's just my $0.02

[HammerDownProductions]

Not to worried about passengers and getting down to the exact pound but yeah I'm thinking with trailer loaded it's below 5000lbs. I'm pretty mechanically sound and changing injectors wouldn't be a problem for me at all. I pretty much do all my own mechanic work until it comes to internal engine specifics and thats just because I don't have the room in my garage.

Well I know that a 9 yr old truck with dmax motor is bringing a premium compared to buying a used 14 or 15 (if you could find one) and I hate to pay more for something ten yrs old than I would brand new. Should I rethink the open 16ft car hauler option and going half ton?

[Blue2500CC]

Passenger weight was mentioned as it all adds to GCWR of what the truck can haul and tow combined, as well as total truck weight including the load (including the tongue weight)- GVWR. Probably will still be ok with an open trailers tongue weight, or even the enclosed trailer tw.

 

As for the 16' car hauler, will you be needing to haul a car at times? A '14/'16 utility trailer may end up being a little lighter, though it may not be enough to matter a lot (500lbs or so?).

 

Just make sure if you go with a 1500 to check the gearing. At least the 3.42, if not 3.73's which will be tough to find. Is new out of the question? A 6.2/8spd/3.42 combo would be a pulling beast, and still decent mpg from what has been reported here for the 6.2/6spd/combos. IF you can control the right foot! Lol

[redwngr]

If I was pulling that size trailer that often in hilly/mountainous terrain I would get an 11 or newer duramax just to get the exhaust brake and the bigger service brakes. The chassis on the 15 HD's is the same package as the 11-14.