Moparts
How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.??
Posted By: 5126brl No more
How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 08:51 PM
What are you using for A TOW RIG?
enclosed or open trailer ?
brand of truck and specs?
Yes I am Bored
Posted By: bigdad
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 09:01 PM
Dodge
3500 dually
30 foot
enclosed
Posted By: Anonymous
Post deleted by Defbob - 01/14/09 09:01 PM
Posted By: 68valiant68
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 09:06 PM
I tow with a 06 ext cab f 150 fx4 with the 5.4, tow a 24 ft enclosed trailer
Posted By: Sport440
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 09:07 PM
2001 F 150 5.4 triton supercab. 15'Open trailor @ 1500 with a 2900# car., for a total pull load of 4400'
1995 F 150 5.0 long bed, old tow rig. still use it though. mike
Posted By: JAKE68
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 09:09 PM
2006 dodge 1500 4x4 hemi, 28ft. enclosed loaded #10000.
Posted By: markz528
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 09:13 PM
Open trailer with 2000 Ram 360 1/2 ton. Underpowered but tows okay.
Posted By: ram87
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 09:23 PM
I towed my 20' open trailer and '87 Ram with a 2002 regular cab Ram 1500 with a Hemi. Now I tow with a 2006 Ram 1500 quad cab with a Hemi. No problems with either.
Posted By: mike54
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 09:37 PM
1987 c-20 suburban 350 engine...18 ft. trailer
Posted By: Kam*Kuda
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 09:37 PM
I tow with a 2005 GMC1/2 ton. Tows fine.
My buddy towed with his 2005 3500 Ram. Tows really well with MUCH better fuel economy.
.
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 09:53 PM
I use to tow my 26' enclosed with a 1/2 ton Dodge
but I always had good brakes on the trailer... it
always pulled fine. Now days I've stepped up in
trailer size to a 43' fifth wheel and pull it with
a 95 Dodge Cummins 3500 dually 6 speed
Posted By: maximum entropy
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 09:53 PM
i have no tow rig. i have no trailer. i drive my car to the track. last night i had a dream that i got a dragster, and i was trying to figure out how to drive it to the track. really.
Posted By: hemi69cuda
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 09:56 PM
I tow with a 2003 2500 Dodge Hemi 5sp
average 15 to 16 mpg while towing
Carl
Posted By: tonycpe
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 10:13 PM
I tow a 24 ft enclosed with a 97 ram 1500, only a 318 c.i.
I sure wish I could afford a newer, bigger truck.
Posted By: mark42202
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 10:20 PM
18 ft. open with a 2005 long bed Silverado w/ 4.8L. No probs at all and decent (about 17mpg) mileage.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 10:20 PM
Ram Cummings turbo diesel, 24' enclosed trailer...
Pulls great...
Posted By: Russ
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 10:30 PM
I have a 96 1/2 ton Dodge extended cab,long bed,with a 5.2 Magnum,and have an open 22 ft car hauler.works out great,and the old girl has 160.000 on her
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 10:35 PM
'75 Dodge Powerwagon 4x4 with fresh '71 4bbl. 360.
It towed the 18ft open with ease.
10mpg w/empty trailer, 6-7 mpg fully loaded.
Posted By: KatFysh
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 11:24 PM
'01 1500 4x4 5.9l auto od. 64,500 miles..
Posted By: MoparforLife
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/14/09 11:45 PM
Posted By: Chris2581
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 12:45 AM
2002 Dodge ram quad cab,4.7 auto and 3.55 gears.Trailer is open,16 ft weighs in at almost 1800#'s Total towing weight is right at 5400#'s. Tows great.
Posted By: DusterKid
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:09 AM
2007 2500 Dodge Ram Hemi...Open trailer, switchin to a 24' box trailer this yr. Gets about 11-13 mpg w/o trailer and 11 with.
Posted By: slantzilla
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:30 AM
2000 Dakota R/T.
Posted By: 440Jim
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:43 AM
IMO,
It is good to get others experience, but to put it all in context, a lot of info is needed:
- Engine size
- Truck weight
- Trailer and car weight
- Rear end gear ratio
- Road grade (incline) flat, hills, mountains
- Elevation (300 ft, or 9000 ft Rockys)
- Fuel mileage while towing
- Brake size, what do you think if a Hundai cuts you off and slams on the brakes, down hill...?
You might get away with a "small" truck on flat roads, at low speeds, with no traffic. But add some grade (up or down hill), weight, traffic, etc. and the bigger truck with better brakes (and better trailer brakes) pays off.
Posted By: blownzoom440
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:46 AM
i use a 2004 Dakota extended cab 4.7 with a draw tight hitch from U-haul that has stabalizer bars on the hitch that lift the front of the trailer.open trailer weighs 1300lbs and car 4,000.i have been using dakota's to haul it sense 1994.my 2004 is an auto w/3.55's and the 94 was a 5.2 5spd stick w/3.91's
Posted By: JBurch
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:54 AM
I tow a 20 ft open trailer with a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 5.2 and 100K on the clock.
Posted By: MoparforLife
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:55 AM
Haul a load of furniture to BelleFouche SD fro eastern ND and back again. Been all over ND and SD with the rigs. 318 3.55 gear. Most people over drive the rigs and forget that they have a load behind them and get themselves into trouble. Give yourself room and drive accordingly. No different pulling a 10000 lb load with a 6-6500 lb 3/4 ton than 6500 lb load with the 5000 lb 1/2 ton rated trucks. Or many cars towing Airstreams back in the day.
Just because the speed limit is 75 doesn't mean you have to drive that fast. I drive 55-60 and feel comfortable there.
Posted By: Forest
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:58 AM
Only advatage mine has over a 3/4 ton is the title. It works but I am shopping for a 3/4 ton diesel.
Posted By: ahy
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 06:22 AM
Does a Durango count as 1/2 ton - probably yes. Anyhow here's my experience:
Gen 1, 5.9 @5500#: good tow on hilly interstates
Gen 2, Hemi @ 5500#: easy tow on hilly interstates
Gen 2 Hemi @ 8500#: OK tow with straight hitch and surge brakes. Would be good tow with weight distributing hitch and electric brakes.
Posted By: ChrisJohnston669
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 06:29 AM
05 cummins 2500 2wd 4door long bed 6spd. 24ft enclosed. Truck has tons of power.
Posted By: G-Money1320
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 07:06 AM
I tow with a 2007 Ram 4x4 quad cab and a 20' enclosed. It does alright but I need to get the hitch right. Before that I had a 2003 Ram 2 wheel drive quad cab and an open trailer, and before that truck I used the wifes 1995 GMC 4x4 with the small V-8,it was a little underpowered but still managed. All half ton trucks.
Posted By: afxcoronet
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 07:49 AM
Quote:
Does a Durango count as 1/2 ton - probably yes. Anyhow here's my experience:
Gen 1, 5.9 @5500#: good tow on hilly interstates
Gen 2, Hemi @ 5500#: easy tow on hilly interstates
Gen 2 Hemi @ 8500#: OK tow with straight hitch and surge brakes. Would be good tow with weight distributing hitch and electric brakes.
Thank you, we just got an '08 Durango, V8 non-hemi, came w/ towing package and such even some sort of Electronic sway control, were gonna try towing w/ it a little bit this season, just gotta put the brake controller in it yet.
Posted By: therocks
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 11:57 AM
My kid tows with his 1500 hemi all the time.His open trailer pulls his 62 300.That car weighs in at about 4400 pounds.Never a problem and he has towed it sometimes 3 or 4 times a week.Rocky
Posted By: Jacob Pitt
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 11:59 AM
I tow a 22' open trailer with my '07 Ram Quad Cab Hemi with 3.91 gears. It tows really good. My Mom tows her Duster and 18' trailer with an '04 4.7L Dakota extended cab. We just picked up a '99 Ram 2500 extended cab, long bed, deisel for her to use and for long trips.
Posted By: Dads426
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 12:16 PM
Open ecno-trailer with a F150/4.6 liter. Combo is about 1000 lbs ligher than the limit for the truck (5500 lbs). On flat roads it is fine. In the mountains it struggles to maintain 55. Wish that I had gotten the 5.4. Nothing compares to my old Powerstroke. Didn't even know I had a trailer behind me (even an enclosed one). F150 is about 1000 lbs lighter than the diesel, but it still has very good brakes.
Posted By: bobdog106
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 12:52 PM
I tow with my 2004 Ram Quad Cab with Hemi. It has the highway gears(3:55?),but when in the Tow mode, it actually works out good on the highway--14.7 MPG (last time checked)on the highway while towing my 71 Challenger that probably weighs close to 4K pounds. NO problem at all!
Posted By: 5126brl No more
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:04 PM
Thanks for all the posts.
I was looking at a new F250 but I found a
2008 f150 4x4 supercab,5.4,3.73 limited slip with tow pkg for $24K.
It is rated for Gcwr of 14000#.
The 24ft. enclosed is 4300# car is 3400# truck is 5500# so I am at 13200# total without me.
I just do not feel like owning another 3/4 or 1 ton truck to drive to the track . I will only go 2 or 3 time a year to the track so It should be fine.
Thinking of selling the enclosed and get a new open trailer next.
Posted By: J_BODY
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:33 PM
24ft enclosed trailer. Probably around 8K. Towed for five years with my 95 1500 3.5 geared 5.9 gas 4x4. Had to pull a couple grades out here in 2nd gear at 25mph. Had three tranny coolers total on that truck to keep things livable. I would still see close to 300. Once you got on the flats and could achieve torque converter lock up it would drop to 180. Only time that truck towed "ok" was on a dead flat with no, or a tailwind.
Current rig is a 01 2500 3.5 geared 5.9 CTD 4x4. Chip/injectors/built trans by me. Those same grades I pulled at 25mph are now 55-60. Set the cruise at 65-70 and GO.
Posted By: 11secdart
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:40 PM
I towed my 20ft Haulmark with this 92 D150 318 S/B 2WD for a few years, I put in Summit shorty headers and went from 3.55s to 4.10s and it really woke it up and it towed great.I retired the 92 and towed with an 02 4.7 Durango with 3.92 rear for 6 years and it also towed good all over the place Indy, Virginia, Pittsburgh etc.
Posted By: 11secdart
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:46 PM
A few months ago I traded the Durango for this 08 Quad Cab 1500 Hemi 4x4 3.92 sure-grip rear. I`ve only towed with it once (brought my trailer back from my local track, very hilly trip) and it towed excellent.
Posted By: David_in_St_Croi
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 01:55 PM
We tow with a 67 2A Land Rover short wheelbase and a rope.
Fortunately we have only needed to do this to get up our hill when I broke an axle shaft in the old 8-3/4. The clutch sure-grip got it home to the base of the hill but couldn't handle the incline.
Posted By: Prostock
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 02:03 PM
My setup:
3/4 ton Cummins Turbo Diesel 5 speed
Posted By: kingdust
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 02:18 PM
Ihave a 98 ram 1500 club cab 4x4 long bed 5.9 magnum.I tow a 28 ft atc alum.enclosed trailer I bought the alum trailer so I wouldn't have to buy a new truck at the time.the trailer is 3500lbs unladen about 1000lbs lighter than a steel one.I upgraded the rear springs on the truck and run a kurt sway control. It tows great but I'm at the limit of my towing capacity about 8000lbs.with everything in the trailer I'm at 7800.car-quad-tools-fuel etc! I need to get diesel for the long hauls.I don't want to push it on long trips to PA up those long grades! But I can't afford a new one so I'm going to do a few upgrades to the motor for now.
Posted By: dthemi
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 02:38 PM
08 3500 Dodge ram mega cab single wheel 6.7 diesel with air bags on the rear.
32' enclosed V nose.
Years ago I used a 1/2 ton to pull a trailer, and it was awful until I put air bags under it. I used a set off a big truck and rigged them on, and it was great from a stability stand point, but the brakes weren't really up to it, and the 350 chevy was tired. I still went any where I wanted to go, it just took longer, and I was more careful. I'd pull with a mini if it meant the difference between going and not though.
Posted By: RodStRace
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 02:51 PM
'94 Dodge 2500 4X4 diesel with 190K towing an 18 ft. open steel trailer (`1800#). Getting the weight adjusting bars this week
Biggest tow so far is a 4000+ van (short distance).
My usual is cars - 2600 race car to 3400 normal cars.
I really prefer to have more tow vehicle than needed after a few dumb youth moves. Also, Southern California is home to a lot of drivers who have no clue what is going on around them at 75 MPH. It's better to have a balanced rig with enough power and braking to deal with traffic and idiots than to try to drive safe and rely on others to do the same.
Posted By: CJK440
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 03:51 PM
05 Dakota Quad Cab 4.7L
1500# 16' trailer and 3000# Duster.
I have a wt. dist hitch and it tows great.
Posted By: S/ST 3040
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 04:03 PM
84 Blazer serves double-duty for vacations when
not towing 52 ft. stacker to the track.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 04:49 PM
Quote:
84 Blazer serves double-duty for vacations when
not towing 52 ft. stacker to the track.
Wow, and I thought others were crazy for towing with Dakota's! 
Didja have to put helper springs on it? 
Posted By: GYM
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 04:54 PM
I had to tow my '71 GTX / 16' open car trailer with my '97 Land Rover Defender 90 (4.0 litre V8)once for a short distance.
Never again.
Super short wheelbase trucks and car trailers laden with heavy old Mopars don't mix!
Posted By: S/ST 3040
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 04:58 PM
Quote:
Quote:
84 Blazer serves double-duty for vacations when
not towing 52 ft. stacker to the track.
Wow, and I thought others were crazy for towing with Dakota's!
Didja have to put helper springs on it?
You Moparts guys are much too polite. Over 40 hits before anybody commented.
I got that picture in an e-mail entitled "Class 3 Hitch" and LMAO!
Mine
Posted By: Cab_Burge
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 05:23 PM
2006 3500 Dodge Laramie four door 4 wheel drive single wheel rear, 3:73 gears, automatic, stock Cummins. Trailer is a 24 ft 10,000 lb. GVW Pace Shadow,trailer weighs around 8600 lbs when loaded hook to the truck going to the races, truck weighs around 8000 lbs hook to the trailer, 7500 lbs unhooked
Truck and trailer stop nice, tows great, good power and econmy, 14 MPG to 9.5 MPG at or above 70 MPH
6000ft above sea level to 180 ft above sea level so far
Posted By: chargerron69
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 06:13 PM
85 ram 250 2wd with a 440 833O/D 4spd dana 3.54 16foot open trailer.
Posted By: six-barrel
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 08:04 PM
As long as you are under the max rating for the truck you're good to go. If you're over that weight then a nice govt employee could give you a ticket.
Where I live, the max is 10K (as indicated on the trailer tag, not the actual load) with a regular license, drivers with a a class 3 license (commercial license) can tow trailers rated higher than 10K.
Anti-sway devices are also required after a certain point (either length or weight, dont remeber)
Posted By: FlyFish
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 08:38 PM
I have a 2003 F-350 King Ranch, crew cab, long bed, 4x4, diesel, pulling an 18 foot open trailer…this truck tows really well, lots of torque. When I lived in Colorado, a diesel was a must if you towed anything with substantial weight (like my old camper). Now that I’m in Indy, I really don’t NEED the diesel anymore…but I like the diesel power too much to get rid of it.
Posted By: B5 Bee
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 09:24 PM
Gettin it done with SLANT SIX power!
'84 D100, 833OD, 3.91SG.
Here it is with a 6000lb plus load. The '67 Hemi Charger is 4000lbs plus. Homemade trailer has 16' runners. slide in ramps, 30"x30"x60" tool box, approx wt 2000lbs.
Posted By: Quicktree
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/15/09 09:32 PM
all I have to say is you guys pulling enclosed trailers witha 1/2 ton are very brave. I wouldn't do it
Posted By: Prostock
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 12:43 AM
Quote:
all I have to say is you guys pulling enclosed trailers witha 1/2 ton are very brave. I wouldn't do it
Me either, especially with how high the fines are here. They are again cracking down on trailers. Two years ago a wood chipper broke loose and killed two children and their father. This year a trailer with a quad on it broke loose and killed two people and hurt one very bad.
If you aren't 100% DOT legal (and that doesn't mean legal in your state, that means in ALL 50 states), don't come to PA. You most likely will get cited and the fines here are horrendous.
Posted By: Sport440
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 12:59 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
You Moparts guys are much too polite. Over 40 hits before anybody commented.
I got that picture in an e-mail entitled "Class 3 Hitch" and LMAO!
Mine
Vic, that Pic, has been around for awhile
I saw the humor in what you were doing and liked it. I think 
, are you sure that Blazer/ camper rig wasnt yours at one time mike
Posted By: 5126brl No more
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 01:38 AM
I have been trying to find a site or place that list the towing laws.
I have a 24 ft. enclosed that is registerd and built for a 10000# limit.
I heard that some states are getting tuff so I wanted to re register it at a lower rate say 9k.
What is the info that the dot or police are going to use to verify my truck can pull the 10K trailer?
It is not listed on the door tag? In the ford towing guide I have it says with 3.73s I can pull up to 14000# with a load distributing hitch and I have one.
Posted By: S/ST 3040
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 01:38 AM
I just got it a few days ago. I thought it was hilarious but, no not mine. It's a GM.
Posted By: Prostock
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 02:32 AM
Quote:
I have been trying to find a site or place that list the towing laws.
I have a 24 ft. enclosed that is registerd and built for a 10000# limit.
I heard that some states are getting tuff so I wanted to re register it at a lower rate say 9k.
What is the info that the dot or police are going to use to verify my truck can pull the 10K trailer?
It is not listed on the door tag? In the ford towing guide I have it says with 3.73s I can pull up to 14000# with a load distributing hitch and I have one.
Is it exatly 10,000? At 10,001 and above here, you must have the licence plate of the tow vehicle registered to cover both the weight of the truck AND trailer.
Its called "in combination"
I am sure if you use google you can find the towing laws of each state.
Posted By: Phil Saran
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 02:38 AM
Not a 1/2 ton, but I tow with a 2004 Ford F350
diesel, 4dr, 4x4,long bed, 4:10 gears. Maybe
a bit overkill for what I tow, but it was a
good price when I bought it 1/2006.
18 ft open full steel bed car trailer with a
74 Duster that weights about 3400 with me in
it. Gets around 15 mpg towing that.
Also tow a 25 ft travel trailer that weights
about 7500 loaded, gets 9 to 13 depending on
how many 6 degree hills I climb on a trip.
Posted By: Dragula
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 03:56 AM
'98 Dually Diesel and 24' enclosed. Set cruise at 70mph+ and it just stays right there...
Posted By: Dragula
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 04:01 AM
Nuddrr
.JPG "4951186-S_98Dodge(79).JPG")
Posted By: Dragula
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 04:02 AM
My old '90 with upgraded suspension I towed an open trailor for many years...
Posted By: Sport440
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 04:08 AM
I cant believe how many 1/2 ton dually diesel pickups exist out there.
mike
Posted By: Jeepmon
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 07:57 AM
Quote:
You Moparts guys are much too polite. Over 40 hits before anybody commented.
I got that picture in an e-mail entitled "Class 3 Hitch" and LMAO!
Mine
I laughed my butt off when I saw that pic.. my kid came running in to see what was so funny.. He looked at the picture, said "OH" and then looked at me funny 
Posted By: 1974 474 Duster
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 03:24 PM
Well it can be done with an open trailer no problem. However I only have a 20' enclosed and it almost cost me everything. Was on a normal tow home from Quaker city and it had rained earlier in the day. It for the most part was dry. I came into Chippewa (rt. 60) exit and hit a new patch of asphalt. Well the oil had come out from the high heat that day, then the rain came in. Well it was bad, trailer started to jack knife and I was in a slide. If it were not for the quick thinking of my buddy Derek it would have been all over. He yanked 2 lanes over seeing me coming at him in a slide. I recovered enough to get things straight, but was still in a slide. Was more than 1/2 thru the light when I finally got stopped. Went out that week and got a 1 ton dually Diseal to tow with, so much safer. See ya, Ken Michalik
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 05:33 PM
Quote:
Well it can be done with an open trailer no problem. However I only have a 20' enclosed and it almost cost me everything. Was on a normal tow home from Quaker city and it had rained earlier in the day. It for the most part was dry. I came into Chippewa (rt. 60) exit and hit a new patch of asphalt. Well the oil had come out from the high heat that day, then the rain came in. Well it was bad, trailer started to jack knife and I was in a slide. If it were not for the quick thinking of my buddy Derek it would have been all over. He yanked 2 lanes over seeing me coming at him in a slide. I recovered enough to get things straight, but was still in a slide. Was more than 1/2 thru the light when I finally got stopped. Went out that week and got a 1 ton dually Diseal to tow with, so much safer. See ya, Ken Michalik
I dont care what you have, if your on oil your dually
wouldnt have stopped either.... at least my dually wont.
I believe in have good trailer brakes... and I use
them... also I prefer to have electric brakes over
a surge brake... with the electric brakes I can stand
on the trailer brakes to straighten out the rig if need be
Posted By: daniel_depetro
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 07:57 PM
We have two 18-foot open car trailers (both trailers have electric brakes on both axles). The new (2006 Road Warrior) trailer weighs 2,400 lbs. and the old (2000 Stillwater) trailer weighs 2,000 lbs.
All I have ever towed with are 2wd 1/2-ton trucks without weight distribution bars and they all towed great in my opinion.
Here is our hot rod tow unit. It's a 1964 Ford F-100 2wd truck with a rebuilt 1989 Dodge 5.9L factory roller cam engine with 1994 Magnum exhaust manifolds with dual 2.5" exhaust out the rear of the truck. It has a T/F-727 transmission and Ford 9" rear with 3.5?:1 gears. It has a Camaro front subframe with power disk brakes. It had a 350 'Vette engine in it when we bought it.
We cut up an old hitch and welded it directly to the frame and the hitch & 7-pin plug in is hidden behind the license plate. It needed a lot of small bugs worked out, but for the $1,000.00 I paid for it in daily driving condition this truck served its purpose many times over.
I even raced this truck (with a small B&M supercharger on it) for a couple years until the 350 finally spun some bearings. Thats when we "fixed" the driveline.
In 2006 with a complete running/driving 1973 Dodge Dart Sport on the trailer and a complete rebuilt 440 Six Pack engine in the bed of the truck along with a lot of tools and such. Picked up the engine in Scranton, PA for $2,750.00 and the Dart Sport in Wooster, Ohio.
Shortly after I hit two deer in one night with the '64 on my way to pick up a 1972 Demon in Eau Clare, WI. Then I picked up this 1993 Ford F-150 for better fuel economy and less worries. I bought it for $800.00. It had 128,xxx miles on it and just had a full tune up. I had to put new rear leaf springs & hangers/shackles on it ($325.00). It also desperately need new u-joints ($35.00). It had new exhaust but it was small so I bent my own 2.5" free flowing system. It had the 300 I-6 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. A standard cab and long box with dual fuel tanks. It was a very base model truck. NO A/C, no cruise control, manual windows, manual mirrors, manual door locks, a rubber floor mat (instead of carpeting), ... a real work horse of a truck! It would get 20+ MPGs empty too.
These are the only two shots I could find quickly with a loaded trailer hooked to it.
A little over a year ago I bought a 1998 Stratus for $200.00 with a bad timing belt. I threw on a new timing belt ($35.00) and luckily it ran like a new car. I bought a new right side mirror ($33.00) for it and then traded the car even up for this extremely nice clean fully loaded 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT qaud cab 2wd 5.9L Magnum auto. It had 1,000s of dollars in quality upgrades so it was a smoking deal. I added front and rear factory chrome bumpers. It tows great and I love the extended cab. Best of all it's a Dodge. It gets about 13 MPGs while towing a loaded trailer, however unfortunately it doesn't get much more completely empty. It does need new tires though.
Posted By: Cab_Burge
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 08:10 PM
Be careful of the total weight you tow with a 1/2 ton pick up, regardless of which brand
I wrecked a Hemi GTX yeras ago towing it with a 1/2 ton Ford on a real lightweight two axle open trailer, we hit a big dog and jack knife the trailer, flip the GTX off of the trailer ionto its top totaling it
I now tow with a one ton Dodge CTD four door wheel drive truck now
Posted By: MoparforLife
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 09:08 PM
I hit a big buck one night with the Dakota pulling a trailer on I29 just into South Dakota. $6500. damage to the truck. Set off teh air bag and took out the front end and wrapped the radiator around the fan without breaking the radiator, took out the left door, hood, fenders, cracked the windshield, and kincked the dash. It was cool out and even without the fan turning with a clutch fan I was able to drive the truck home 120 miles at midnight with one head light shining out into the right ditch. It stayed straight as a pin.
This was still with a tag trailer using a load distribution hitch which IMO is a must with just about any tow rig towing a tag axle trailer any bigger than a utility trailer. I swore off tags if at all possible. Goosenecks tow so much nicer and are much safer to tow than a tag trailer. Closest I have come to a wreck in all the years of towing was with a dually crew cab in on a city street at about 35 MPH and a car pulled out in front of me on a wet street and I locked it up towing an open flat bed with the car on it. since that time I have made a habit to periodically check the trailer brakes while going down the road. That time the main brake power lead had come loose from the connection. All the lights worked but not the brakes.
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 09:38 PM
That time the main brake power lead had come loose from the connection. All the lights worked but not the brakes.
Thats the one thing that I really like about my
Prodigy controller, if the power to the brakes
is broken for any reason it shows on the controller
Posted By: MrMoparRacing
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 09:55 PM
I also tow a 16'open bed trailer with my 1970 Dodge Dart with a 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4X2 with the 4.7L. It tows fine going 20 minutes from my house to Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park but I will be putting it to the test this year as I plan to attend several IHRA and NHRA national and divisional races.
Posted By: MoparforLife
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/16/09 10:00 PM
I didn't mention that when the trailer started coming and pushing the truck it took it right with it into the next lane like I was on ice.
Posted By: greenmcode
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 12:10 AM
I was towing an open 18' steel deck trailer
with an 06 f150 5.4.. Towed very nice got about
13 mpg.. Stepped up to a 24' enclosed 10,000
gvw with a 08 f250 5.4 towes good on the flats
hills suck gets about 9 to 10 mpg.. But no
worry about road debris, rain and I can sleep
in it..
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Posted By: 451Mopar
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 04:21 AM
I'm spoiled, my current setup is a 2005 Ram 3500 Cummins QuadCab 4x4 (single rear wheel) longbed with a 28' enclosed trailer. I think the trailer, car, and gear in the trailer bring the trailer weight to around #10,000?
The truck tows great, but could use an exhaust brake in the mountian passes. The new 6.7L Cummins with the new transmission and Variable geometry turbo are really nice for towing, but use a bit more fuel. I have a few friends with the newer 6.7L trucks and they are nice, but I don't want to go into more debt when the 2005 is almost paid off and works great for me.
Before I had the Diesel truck and enclosed trailer, I had to borrow my friends 18' open trailer and I had towed it with several vehicles including my 1984 RamCharger 4x4, 1986 Ram 150 4x4, and a 2002 Ram 1500 with the 4.7L.
The RamChargers suspension and wheelbase made towing a challange even though I used it to tow my '69 Coronet Convertible from the coast of Utah to Colorado, but the 318 was struggling on the passes and overheated several times. The 1986 Ram 150 towed pretty good, just need to keep it under 90 MPH while towing. It's sort of scarry looking in the rear view mirror at the trailer swaying almost sideways at you! The 2002 Ram 1500 towed good with no real issues, but the 4.7L would down shift alot when going up hills.
Posted By: Tobbe
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 07:32 AM
would love to have a 3500 cummins to tow my stuff
prices on diesels are nuts and on every truck that have a total weight of over 7700lbs you must have a "truck" driver licens and thats expensive and if you have a trailer after the truck you must have a aditional trailer licens
to get those licens that is anything between 25-50k skr ( 3000-6000$) in fees /driving lessons etc ......
so i just stay whit a 1500
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Posted By: Tobbe
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 07:34 AM
the green truck is my dad´s
the red is mine
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Posted By: cgall
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 04:26 PM
As stated before, good trailer brakes are a must when towing with a 1/2 ton truck. Another consideration is to keep the total weight down. I seldom travelled with more than a tool box and a cooler with my '99 Dakota, 2100 lb. trailer, and 2700 lb. Duster. That's why I am always hanging with RBDuster and Jeff Russell at the races, I can sponge their awning shade, chairs, generator, jacks, etc.
Another comment on the Dakota, I do not consider it even a 1/2 ton, the 5.2 engine is adequate, but the brakes and suspension are better suited for commuting. Even with 25 bags of mulch on board, this truck is scary. I would have gotten rid of it long ago, but it is my daily driver.
Posted By: MoparforLife
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 04:41 PM
Quote:
As stated before, good trailer brakes are a must when towing with a 1/2 ton truck. Another consideration is to keep the total weight down. I seldom travelled with more than a tool box and a cooler with my '99 Dakota, 2100 lb. trailer, and 2700 lb. Duster. That's why I am always hanging with RBDuster and Jeff Russell at the races, I can sponge their awning shade, chairs, generator, jacks, etc.
Another comment on the Dakota, I do not consider it even a 1/2 ton, the 5.2 engine is adequate, but the brakes and suspension are better suited for commuting. Even with 25 bags of mulch on board, this truck is scary. I would have gotten rid of it long ago, but it is my daily driver.
They are considered a half ton and titled as a half ton and ours is licensed for 12000 lbs.. To many compare them to Rangers and S10's.
This is out of the 97 Owners Dakota Manual. I also use a goose neck which is over and above a Class 4. But am right in at the 7000 lbs.
Posted By: 451Mopar
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 04:45 PM
Quote:
would love to have a 3500 cummins to tow my stuff
prices on diesels are nuts and on every truck that have a total weight of over 7700lbs you must have a "truck" driver licens and thats expensive and if you have a trailer after the truck you must have a aditional trailer licens
to get those licens that is anything between 25-50k skr ( 3000-6000$) in fees /driving lessons etc ......
so i just stay whit a 1500
Wow! $6,000 in fees to drive a 1-ton truck with trailer
I guess Sweden government can't get by with just the 50% income tax?
Posted By: 40ford
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 05:37 PM
All I can say is make sure you know what your tow truck is rated for and know what your total load is. The DOT can get difficult to deal with----but you sure don't want to get involved in any type of accident with an injury---local law enforcement can get really difficult---to the point of carting you off in cuffs. They may not be able to make the charges stick but they can and will arrest you and carry you to jail. Forget about suing about false imprisonment---you won't win. Just make sure you are OK weightwise.
Changing the subject---anyone ever towed a race car with a tow bar---that's how I got started---a flathead powered Crosley altered---pulled by a flathead powered Model A coupe. Just wish I had a picture---but didn't have a camera back then!
Posted By: Quicktree
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 05:56 PM
Quote:
All I can say is make sure you know what your tow truck is rated for and know what your total load is. The DOT can get difficult to deal with----but you sure don't want to get involved in any type of accident with an injury---local law enforcement can get really difficult---to the point of carting you off in cuffs. They may not be able to make the charges stick but they can and will arrest you and carry you to jail. Forget about suing about false imprisonment---you won't win. Just make sure you are OK weightwise.
Changing the subject---anyone ever towed a race car with a tow bar---that's how I got started---a flathead powered Crosley altered---pulled by a flathead powered Model A coupe. Just wish I had a picture---but didn't have a camera back then!
heck we towed one to the track with a rope before. but it was only about 2 miles from the track.
Posted By: MoparforLife
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 05:59 PM
We used to tow 70 miles to the track down the interstate with a drive shaft with a loop of chain on each end for a tow bar. One person sitting in the tow vehicle for braking and steering.
Posted By: Dap
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 06:31 PM
I have a 2003 Pace American Shadow GT 10,000lb gvwr. I pull that with a 1993 Chev Suburban 2500,2WD with a 454. Before I had the Suburban I pulled the trailer with my 2003 Trailblazer.
Posted By: go-fish
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 06:47 PM
Towed my 73 Duster on a U-Haul dolly from San Diego to Gulfport, MS with a 99 GMC Yukon 4x4. I was changing duty stations so I had all my household goods in the Yuk and the Duster. Looked like Beverly Hillbilly's. My whole house in Two cars but I was a 23 y/o military guy with little to my name anyway.
I borrowed an equipment trailer to drive from the Gulf Coast to central Oklahoma to pick up my 'cuda and bring it back. It did great. The trailer had brakes on it and it pulled much better than the San Diego move.
I later borrowed the same friends 4 dr, chipped and 6" lifted Duramax to go get about 1500#'s of Mopar stuff and parts and got 25 mpg with the same trailer!
Someday when I get the 'cuda complete I will buy an aluminum 20 or so footer. I would like to find an old early 90's single cab, manual, long bed CTD for sole trailer towing duty. My ideal set up.
Posted By: 10secGTX
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/17/09 06:51 PM
I bought a 1500HD from AZ back in November and look forward to towing w/it ....6.0 2wd 3.73 it has 116000 but its like new. The LS engine seems pretty good so far look how many miles Eric's truck has.
Posted By: Tobbe
Re: How many towing race car with a 1/2 ton P.U.?? - 01/18/09 11:01 AM
Quote:
Quote:
would love to have a 3500 cummins to tow my stuff
prices on diesels are nuts and on every truck that have a total weight of over 7700lbs you must have a "truck" driver licens and thats expensive and if you have a trailer after the truck you must have a aditional trailer licens
to get those licens that is anything between 25-50k skr ( 3000-6000$) in fees /driving lessons etc ......
so i just stay whit a 1500
Wow! $6,000 in fees to drive a 1-ton truck with trailer
I guess Sweden government can't get by with just the 50% income tax?
well all that 6k ist not fees to the goverment som part of it
most are for make all the driving tests and medical tests/driven lessons/final driving test
renta a truck (ypu cant do the test whit a small 1 -ton
the drivinglicens is the sam as driving a big rig/18 wheeler
