how big of a truck is needed

[artgpo]

For those thinking about a 3/4 ton truck, Consumer Reports did a quick report on the Silverado, Super Duty and Ram. According to CR, the Chevy is tops in performance, handling, towing and braking.

2012 is the last year for the current Chevys. The 2013 model will be all new and more fuel efficient.

Edited by: artgpo

[scott]

Spoken like a true Chevy owner!!! Not to start any truck wars or anything!

For anyone with the History Channel, the show Top Gear did an episode with the big 3 and diesel dullies. They did some interesting tests like pulling down telephone pulls, pulling a locomotive and coal car and pulling down an old house. Ididn't getto see who was crowned champion so hopefully they will replay the episode.

[gsxr]

The new F150 with ecoboost engine (diesellike torque curve) and max tow package is an incredible towing machine with tow limits of 11300 lbs and the 2012 model crew cab has a new payload max of around 2400 lbs (heavier frame, brakes,radiator, trans cooler) so this could be the truck for people on the borderline of wanting a 3/4 ton truck but dont need it for everyday driving

[jererp]

I have a friend who just leased a F150 with the ecoboost engine, towing a 30ft trailer, and he is very happy with it. Plenty of power to do the job, at least here in the flat lands. Fuel economy is not great towing, but then most of his trips are local weekend stuff, and he gets the better milage when not towing.

[artgpo]

Just read where the 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD is about to be the towing champ. Of course that is until Ford and Ram tweak their diesels.

[artgpo]

It never amazes me that we frequently hear these claims of "so and so is towing a 150 car coal train with his 1952 Ford 1/4 ton". Ok, so I exaggerate but this is close to the truth. What we should be hearing is that "so and soWOULD NEVER tow more that the factory spec'd weight limit". The number of morons passing meat 75 mph with their overloaded, "D" rated tire equipped RVs is disgusting.

[jererp]

I was just agreeing with gsxr on the new F150 eccoboost as being a good tow vehicle, based on my friends experience. That 30 ft trailer I mentionedis around 7400#, well underthe max tow value of 11,300#.