1 ton vs 3/4 ton

[HitIt]

Question is, will a 1 ton be terrible on a few 1 hour trips per week if I drive it unloaded? For those that have purchased a 3/4 ton, do you wish you had gone 1 ton? For those that have purchased 1 ton, do you regret it?

and more background....

The new overpriced truck thread got me shopping. Considering a diesel, 4x4, crew cab 2016 Dodge or maybe waiting for the new 2017 Chevy's. I am going to be upgrading from a mid 2000's Silverado 1500. I have a 23' boat and (currently) a 25' travel trailer. I trailer upgrade is in store in the future. Probably get some a 36ish foot 5th wheel. I noticed that unless you get the dually, the towing capacity doesn't change between the 3/4 and 1 ton but the payload difference is huge (like 1700 lbs).

So I absolutely hate having to worry about overloading the truck which got be thinking about the 1 ton which I had never really considered before. I would probably never *need* a 1 ton but the extra capacity would be nice. I have driven the 3/4 ton and 1 ton but have never spent a ton of time in the 1 ton. I will probably be driving the truck every week on around 2-4 1 hour drives unloaded.

 

[Big B Hova]

You need a ford Ranger. I see guys overload those trucks on a daily basis... And there's still a ton on the road.

 

[yz450mm]

2015 2500hd diesel, wish I had the 3500hd SRW. I don't think ride unloaded is different, I think it's under heavy load that the secondary Springs kick in.

 

[HitIt]

You need a ford Ranger.

Thank you for your insight. I googled the capabilities of the Ranger and came up with this. Seems reasonable and way cheaper.

 

[pronstar]

2015 2500hd diesel, wish I had the 3500hd SRW. I don't think ride unloaded is different, I think it's under heavy load that the secondary Springs kick in.

3rd Gen Rams were like that...an overload spring was the difference, and OEM tire load ratings.
Everything else was identical.

I couldn't handle the unlaoded ride in my Ram when stock...went with Carli suspension and never looked back :thumbsup

 

[yz450mm]

Thank you for your insight. I googled the capabilities of the Ranger and came up with this. Seems reasonable and way cheaper.

View attachment 514330

I'm sure he's fine, probably has a set of these professionally installed.

 

[mjc]

I have a chevy 3500 dually and the back is very stiff. never had a 2500 but my friends dodge 2500 isn't that much better. Yes you can carry alot I have had 4800 lbs of flagstone in mine at one time.

 

[yz450mm]

3rd Gen Rams were like that...an overload spring was the difference, and OEM tire load ratings.
Everything else was identical.

I couldn't handle the unlaoded ride in my Ram when stock...went with Carli suspension and never looked back :thumbsup

3/4 to 1 ton is only like an 800 difference, I can't imagine anything other than the springs and tires are different. Could be wrong though, just guessing.

 

[Your ad here]

If its a single rear wheel 3/4 ton vs. Single rear wheel 1 ton go with the 1 ton. They are the same truck except the spring rate and the GVRW.

 

[HitIt]

3/4 to 1 ton is only like an 800 difference, I can't imagine anything other than the springs and tires are different. Could be wrong though, just guessing.

That is exactly what I thought this morning before I looked it up. It is a huge difference. That is what really got me thinking about the 1 ton. Right from the Ram site:

 

[Go-Fly]

I used to buy trucks, six at a time. Bought 3/4 tons and put Firestone air bags on them. If the salesmen needed to carry a load of steel they pumped up the air bags until the truck was level. You can run softer shocks and let air out of the tires for a better ride when not loaded.

 

[rivrrts429]

If you're going to be buying a 36' 5th wheel buy the one ton. If it's a maybe type deal go with the 3/4 ton.

I've only owned 1/2 tons and 1 tons but they were bought for a specific need. My 15' is a dually. Unloaded it's fine except for a few places along the 10 & 60 freeways where the freeway sux ass juice with the hippity hop. I wouldn't want that shit for a daily driver.

Before the dually I had an 04' SRW 1 ton and the dually is night and day better from the 04' SRW. Never woulda thought that to be the case but I think all the brands have better rides nowadays.

Buy whatever is a realistic goal down the road. No sense in a stiffer ride if reality says the big trailer probably isn't going to happen.

 

[TX Foilhead]

I have 15 F350 long bed crew for my daily driver at work, it's like a caddy compared to the 99 F350 crew it replaced. The only thing different I would do now that I know what they are capable of would be to lower the rear end to a 3.73 for a better tow rating. I've never had a truck that could tow things as effortlessly above it's rating, a little higher limit would allow me to get rid of my Bob Tail and my CDL.

 

[Cray Paper]

On the GM trucks the difference between 3/4 and 1 ton isn't much, or at least didn't used to be for SRW. Maybe things have changed recently, but if your looking for a crew cab short bed, it only comes in 3/4 ton. IIRC, 3/4 tons with a duramax have 3.73 diff gears and the 1 tons have 4.11's and the helper springs and E rated tires? No need for the 4.11's with the 6 speed Allison as it hurts unloaded fuel economy.

 

[NicPaus]

On the GM trucks the difference between 3/4 and 1 ton isn't much, or at least didn't used to be for SRW. Maybe things have changed recently, but if your looking for a crew cab short bed, it only comes in 3/4 ton. IIRC, 3/4 tons with a duramax have 3.73 diff gears and the 1 tons have 4.11's and the helper springs and E rated tires? No need for the 4.11's with the 6 speed Allison as it hurts unloaded fuel economy.

No even the 1 tons have 373, 411 was not a option. I have 2 1 ton duallys and 1 3/4 ton. Next truck I add to the fleet will be a long bed 3500 non dually.

 

[rush1]

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...[CHEV[CHEVSUB[]][]]&listingId=425399008&Log=0
This is a bad ass tow vehicle for sure

 

[Jefftowz]

1 ton all the way, I drive my F350 everywhere with no trailer and it's fine.

 

[Melloyellovector]

Iv got a 16 ram 2500 crew cab long bed 4x4 cummins, it's a beast. Suspension changed to BDS lift though
Iv had 4000+ lbs of dirt, gravel, and cement in the bed and it handles it.
Ride is fine unloaded. Choppy roads it can feel a bit hoppy, but pretty rare.
1ton same everything my FIL has beat the hell out of him, but he lives down 5 miles of dirt mountain roads in Montana. He recently did full icon suspension and much smoother.

 

[spectra3279]

My 1 ton is my daily driver. It's an 03 dodge dually 4x4 6 speed manual 4door. It's smother riding than my 1995 dodge 2500 I had and smother than some of my friends chebies.

I was driving an hour and a half to go to work. It was comfortable, spacious and dependable. I've had it for 5 year. I've only had to replace upper ball joints, drive shaft center bearing, an altenator and idler pully. I would not trade it for anything. I have also upgraded the steering to the newer factory setup.

 

[prosthogod]

I used to buy trucks, six at a time. Bought 3/4 tons and put Firestone air bags on them. If the salesmen needed to carry a load of steel they pumped up the air bags until the truck was level. You can run softer shocks and let air out of the tires for a better ride when not loaded.

BINGO, I have bought 3/4 ton f-250s all the time. I put a 4 inch lift which replaces the front springs anyway, and airbags in the rear. I tow a 10,000 lb boat and a 40ft 5th wheel. The ride difference from a F 250-350 is very noticable , especially in the rear.

For Gods sake don't consider a Cheby if you are going to tow anything.

 

[lf2]

You can always go with the 1 ton ram with the factory air bag suspension, haven't driven one but I would assume they ride better than the coils.

 

[rivermobster]

Question is, will a 1 ton be terrible on a few 1 hour trips per week if I drive it unloaded? For those that have purchased a 3/4 ton, do you wish you had gone 1 ton? For those that have purchased 1 ton, do you regret it?

and more background....

The new overpriced truck thread got me shopping. Considering a diesel, 4x4, crew cab 2016 Dodge or maybe waiting for the new 2017 Chevy's. I am going to be upgrading from a mid 2000's Silverado 1500. I have a 23' boat and (currently) a 25' travel trailer. I trailer upgrade is in store in the future. Probably get some a 36ish foot 5th wheel. I noticed that unless you get the dually, the towing capacity doesn't change between the 3/4 and 1 ton but the payload difference is huge (like 1700 lbs).

So I absolutely hate having to worry about overloading the truck which got be thinking about the 1 ton which I had never really considered before. I would probably never *need* a 1 ton but the extra capacity would be nice. I have driven the 3/4 ton and 1 ton but have never spent a ton of time in the 1 ton. I will probably be driving the truck every week on around 2-4 1 hour drives unloaded.

I did some homework on this awhile back....

The Only difference between the two trucks is the gear ratio.

They are basically identical trucks. Adjust the tire pressure and be happy. [emoji4]

 

[Your ad here]

The 1 ton will have the higher axle weight rating and gvrw even though it is the same truck as a 3/4 ton. Difference is the spring rate and that gvrw number. That number is important if your going to be pulling a 5th wheel. 3/4 tons can easily be overloaded by the weight number. Not the capabilities of the truck. 1 tons give you a little more weight capacity but its just a number. Now were this is important is if you are involved in an accident. You could have a headache if your truck was overloaded by that weight number (gvrw). Airbags on the rear are meant for better load control. Not to increase capacity. When you get that 5th wheel make sure the hitch is rated for the gvwr of the trailer and you have the proper drivers license to pull the trailer (non commercial A or trailer endorsement)

 

[Dansblown73Nordic]

I would go with the Diesel Hands down....WAY MORE TORQUE...MPG is always better. I have had 3/4 and 1 Tons and both rode decent.

 

[Quicksilver]

Get the 1 ton if you are going to get the fifth wheel.

 

[Havaduner]

Somebody put it to me this way years back, and I'm sure I've screwed it up some....

"if your're gonna tow stuff, get the one ton.. if you're going to home depot, get the 3/4 ton. If you're going to the grocery store, get the half ton"


better off buying more truck now, than not having enough when you need it.

 

[HitIt]

Thanks for the input guys. I am actually surprised to see so many recommendations for the 1 ton given how many 3/4 tons I seem to see in pics on this site. As far as the 5th wheel, it is definitely in the works and going to happen while I own the truck. We are considering 32 - 36 footers.

Now I trying to decide between standard and long beds.

A few months ago, I was looking at replacing my current half ton with a new half ton. Now I am looking at 1 ton, long bed, 4x4, diesels. Fuck.

 

[prosthogod]

Somebody put it to me this way years back, and I'm sure I've screwed it up some....

"if your're gonna tow stuff, get the one ton.. if you're going to home depot, get the 3/4 ton. If you're going to the grocery store, get the half ton"


better off buying more truck now, than not having enough when you need it.

If you are going by that philosophy, then if you tow you should be buying a duelley.

 

[Dylan]

I see you're looking at a Ram. Be aware that the suspension in the 2500 is coil spring, and on the 3500 is traditional leaf. Drive them both as they definitely drive differently. Other things to note is the Aisin trans is optional on the 3500, and not on the 2500. Further, I believe the 3500 has the limited slip rear end standard and the 2500 it is optional.

I just went through the truck buying process so I'm really familiar with them. Short bed and 5th wheel, you will want a slider hitch if you want a 5th wheel. I chose a short bed. Most 3/4 tons are short bed, and 3500 long bed. Good luck.

 

[mesquito_creek]

Now I trying to decide between standard and long beds.

This is a no brainer... If you have an 8 inch dick would you cut 2 inches off of it?

 

[TrojanDan]

I have a 2005 1-ton SRW Silverado 4x4 Diesel. It has around 80k miles so it's not a daily driver. In my opinion. It's the E-Rated 10 ply tires that give the crappy ride. I have Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks and air bags and it still drove rough unloaded. I use to carry a truck camper that weighed near 4000 lbs loaded. I was always uneasy with carrying so much weight with a SRW and being over my weight rating. If I had a dually, I'd still have my camper. Sold the camper, got rid of the crappy Toyo E-rated tires (3750 lb rating) and went to Michelin D-rated (3200 lb) and it drives much better and comfortable.

If you're going to buy a bigger trailer, do yourself a favor and buy a dually! :thumbsup :cool

 

[NicPaus]

The new 1 ton long be SRW tow a lot better than a older body style dually. A 36' is no problem with that rig and legal. Dually is not so fun around town. Driving my reg cab lb 3/4 today after a week in the dually.

 

[yz450mm]

Thanks for the input guys. I am actually surprised to see so many recommendations for the 1 ton given how many 3/4 tons I seem to see in pics on this site. As far as the 5th wheel, it is definitely in the works and going to happen while I own the truck. We are considering 32 - 36 footers.

Now I trying to decide between standard and long beds.

A few months ago, I was looking at replacing my current half ton with a new half ton. Now I am looking at 1 ton, long bed, 4x4, diesels. Fuck.

1 ton long bed all the way.

 

[lf2]

I went thru this when i bought my '14 Ram unless you are going to get the aisin trans the specs are so close between the two and if you think the 3/4 ton isnt going to be enough you should probably get a DRW. I looked at both and ended up with the 3/4 ton because they had that in the color i wanted.

 

[ToMorrow44]

I vote SRW 1 ton if you're gonna tow a 5th wheel. With a dually, you can't see the trailer tires going down the road. My dad had a tire blow out on a trailer years ago with a dually and towed it from Havasu back to Socal and never even knew. I like being able to see the trailer tires.

 

[Enen]

You posted pics of Ram 2500, and 3500. The Ram 2500 has a 5 link coil spring rear end, and the 3500 has a traditional leaf spring. Ram 2500 has an option for a rear air suspension instead of the coil springs. If you are planning on keeping your truck stock height, I'd go with this option for best ride and towing. Ram also has the Aisin transmission available in the 1 ton, and it isn't available in the 3/4 ton.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

I have a Ram 2500. I like the rear coils but the truck sags pretty easily once you hitch a trailer to it. My 7500 lb Toyhauler just about levels the truck out. Also, if you ever plan on putting a larger than stock spare tire the leaf spring trucks have quite a bit more room to fit one. Additionally, a decent sized 5th wheel will put you over on payload when it's fully loaded. I got a great deal on my 2500 so I can't complain, but if money was no object I would prefer a 3500 SRW with Aisin transmission and 900 ft-lb of torque.

Edit: My truck is a CCSB with the Rambox. I really like the rambox, it's a little smaller inside than you expect it to be but the storage is really useful and the cargo management/bed extender is great. I DD my truck so the length is an issue, and having a slightly shorter rig is useful when I'm traveling and unhook the toyhauler and am driving in unfamiliar areas or crowded cities. If I were going to get a longbed, I would spring for the Dually and option the 4.10 gears in addition to the Aisin trans.

 

[Cray Paper]

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...[CHEV[CHEVSUB[]][]]&listingId=425399008&Log=0
This is a bad ass tow vehicle for sure

Did GM sell those to the general public? I thought they stopped 3/4 and 1 ton Suburban production after the 2006ish model year?

 

[Cray Paper]

1 ton dually is the future proof silver bullet. But, if your wife is going to drive it in town regularly, or your going to spend more time commuting in city traffic than towing AND your not dead set on a gigantic 5th wheel, you need to set your priorities before making your choice. You have 3 options, and since the deciding factors are in your future, only you can narrow down the reality of your future to make the correct decision.

 

[HitIt]

1 ton dually is the future proof silver bullet. But, if your wife is going to drive it...

If I wanted to make sure my wife would never drive it, I would get a 1 ton dually

Been looking at pin weights for bigger 5th wheels. Seem like if the 5er is in the cards, a 1 ton long bed is a no brainer. Cant do the dually though. I dont drive a bunch but it will be my daily driver. I also dont want to rattle the shit of my family when we are making 5 hour drives only towing the boat. Maybe I will get a 3/4 ton and a larger bumper pull, like around 32' or so. I think my wife and I need to go trailer shopping before I can decide on a truck. She is already stressed about $$$ for the truck. That should really freak her out.

Thanks again for the insight and experiences.

 

[NicPaus]

The new Duallys actually ride great, friend has a new Denali we used a few trips back drove out empty handled my boat like it was not even there. Even with a 3/4 ton I would recommend 5th wheel over tag. They tow that much better once you get to that size range. I went dually with work trucks but my next personal will be non dually, work trucks weigh around 12k with tools and 20k when towing.

 

[Mandelon]

I found the around town ride to be the same between the 3/4 ton and 1 ton Silverados. I think it just had an extra helper leaf on the spring pack. I put a 1010 Lance camper on my old 3/4 ton and it was a bit mushy.. after adding airbags it would ride level again, but was way stiff. Even if the bags were deflated.

The one ton K3500 4 door, long bed, 4x4 SRW, (not a dually) was a better ride, it would take the camper and tow the boat with very little sag. Towed the long towhauler easily.

 

[yz450mm]

If I wanted to make sure my wife would never drive it, I would get a 1 ton dually

Been looking at pin weights for bigger 5th wheels. Seem like if the 5er is in the cards, a 1 ton long bed is a no brainer. Cant do the dually though. I dont drive a bunch but it will be my daily driver. I also dont want to rattle the shit of my family when we are making 5 hour drives only towing the boat. Maybe I will get a 3/4 ton and a larger bumper pull, like around 32' or so. I think my wife and I need to go trailer shopping before I can decide on a truck. She is already stressed about $$$ for the truck. That should really freak her out.

Thanks again for the insight and experiences.

Just another bit of friendly advice... you want the fifth wheel. If you end up buying the smaller truck just to get a tag, I can almost fully guarantee you will regret it.

 

[pronstar]

I have a 2005 1-ton SRW Silverado 4x4 Diesel. It has around 80k miles so it's not a daily driver. In my opinion. It's the E-Rated 10 ply tires that give the crappy ride. I have Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks and air bags and it still drove rough unloaded. I use to carry a truck camper that weighed near 4000 lbs loaded. I was always uneasy with carrying so much weight with a SRW and being over my weight rating. If I had a dually, I'd still have my camper. Sold the camper, got rid of the crappy Toyo E-rated tires (3750 lb rating) and went to Michelin D-rated (3200 lb) and it drives much better and comfortable.

Tire pressure makes a massive difference for sure. Even with my Carli setup I aired way down unloaded on the street. No need for max load capacity @ 80psi in a rock-hard tire when 30-ish psi is all you need.

I looked at Toyo's load tables and even at 28psi (IIRC) in the rear I had over 1k los capacity to spare.

I found the around town ride to be the same between the 3/4 ton and 1 ton Silverados. I think it just had an extra helper leaf on the spring pack. I put a 1010 Lance camper on my old 3/4 ton and it was a bit mushy.. after adding airbags it would ride level again, but was way stiff. Even if the bags were deflated.

The one ton K3500 4 door, long bed, 4x4 SRW, (not a dually) was a better ride, it would take the camper and tow the boat with very little sag. Towed the long towhauler easily.

Yeah on many trucks (the older generation Ram I had included) the 1-ton overload springs don't even come into play until the rear squats down quite a bit into them.