LiveNupe

If I have an enclosed trailer that weighs 8,000 - 8,500 pounds, would I notice a difference between towing with a 1/2 Silverado that has a 13,000 lb towing capacity vs. a 3/4 ton Silverado that has a 16,000 lb towing capacity?

J. Kid

Be sure to compare actual payload capacity as well. When i went from a standard duty to Heavy duty with a similar trailer the handling difference was dramatic. In the past if I was a little heavy on the tongue weight I'd be near max payload and the front end of the truck would get light. Heavy winds and passing tractor trailers wasn't a lot of fun on long tows. With the HD towing is so easy now.

RossP

The short answer is yes you will be able to feel a difference. The HD trucks (especially the diesels) are more optimized for towing.

gerryros

Yes big difference. Your trailer will push a 1/2 ton around. In addition to the weight, have to consider the profile of that enclosed trailer for the truck to manage.

lgusto

Night and day difference in terms of safety, reliability and peace of mind. HD with diesel will save you a lot of heartache and money long term. Add rear air bags for about $500 and you won't know the trailer is there.

Nickshu

I had a similar trailer. Started with a half ton. After a couple tows in the wind I traded it for an HD diesel truck. The trailer would push the rear end of the half-ton around in the wind, even with a WDH.
The half ton could definitely tow it, but in the wind it did not feel safe.

markmark26

get 3/4 or 1 ton. Also get yourself a shocker hitch. helps a lot with towing

lcrain

I use a half ton to tow a similar trailer occasionally and I would say if you can swing it go for the bigger truck. My f150 is rated to tow 14,000 but I would never consider towing more than 7-8k lbs with it. My truck has towed that much weight a few times and it wasn't all that fun if I am being honest.

If it's just a few times a year and you use the truck as a DD, then the 1/2 ton makes a bit more sense (my scenario). If you are towing a lot, get the bigger truck.

The 1/2 ton GM trucks are limited to a 24 gallon tank which is going to absolutely suck if you are towing very far. At least with the f150 you can get a larger tank.

Mussl Kar

Just for reference my 2024 F350 Superduty gets 12-13 towing a 28 goose. Gets 21+ MPG going up North without trailer. Yes, can sense the 28 goose is there. But carefully selected tires and forget about it at times.

Matt Romanowski

What speed?

BlueBarchetta

I used to tow this exact weight, 24 ft trailer, with an eco boost f150. Did tows from Ohio to Road America, WGI, Atlanta, etc. I was always careful with how the trailer was loaded and balanced for tongue weight. I used weight distribution, sway bars, and was within all towing, payload and axle limits. Had plenty of power. The tow was OK, but definitely noticed when passing, or being passed by a semi, it would get a bit busy.

I now tow the same load (and much more occasionally), with an F350 diesel. Have done the same tows plus as far as Daytona. Never need or consider weight distribution or anti sway, including when towing a 28ft trailer with about 13-14k lbs. No sway, no wondering around, just dead solid. Honestly, barely even notice the trailers, even at 13-14 k.

So, you can tow 8-8500 lbs with a 1/2 ton, it’ll just be easier with the 3/4.

M&Abanker4life

Also consider if towing on flat terrain vs hills/mountains. 3/4 ton will be longer with engine breaks etc in the declines and better cooling and towing optimization in the summer etc.

Mussl Kar

Not so fast as to force a meeting from the man with the hat and blue lights. Knock on wood. I never outrun traffic. Just blend in with the flow. Never skimp on tires and toss them after 3 years. For sure you can get 4 years, or 4 years almost. The "almost" part sucks.

nineball

i have yet to find a half-ton truck that can safely tow 8,000+ lbs. sure, lots of people will tell you they do and they may be able to get it rolling and the advertised specs of half-tons say they can handle that and more but it is bs. for instance the "advertised" towing capacity for my truck is over 11,000lbs (2013 f150 eco with max tow and max payload) and that is just a lie. the real world limit based on the specs of my truck is around 8-9k and even then it did not feel safe the one timed i tried it.

go for the bigger truck. your nerves will thank you multiple times down the road.

Locker537

The larger trucks are awesome in many ways. Very comfortable.

If you don't want or need some of the luxury features, you will likely find you can get a well equipped 3/4 or 1 ton for less than the 1/2 ton.