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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / RVs / August 20083/4 ton vs 1 ton
I am in the process of looking at buying a used tow truck. I know that my choice of truck will depend on the 5er I buy, based on the weight and pin weight, the 75% or 80% rule, etc. My question is: Given the same 5er being towed, assuming the weight is within the 75% rule weight limit of the lowest capability tow vehicle, what difference in fuel consumption can I expect between a 3/4 ton and a 1 ton? I know different drivers and different roads will make a huge difference. I'm only looking at ballpark numbers. From a user point of view, what other differences is there between a 3/4 ton and a 1 ton truck. In other words, given that a 3/4 ton would do the job, if you had the choice between a 3/4 ton and a 1 ton, which would you take and why? Also, between Ford, GM and Dodge, is there significant differences in normal operation costs and maintenance costs between the three makes? Thanks for any response. >I am in the process of looking at buying a used tow truck. I know > that my choice of truck will depend on the 5er I buy, based on the [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > 3/4 ton and a 1 ton? I know different drivers and different roads > will make a huge difference. I'm only looking at ballpark numbers. Very little. You're talking about the weight of a couple extra springs. Some brands may offer larger axles in a one ton. I know that Ford uses the same. Brakes are slightly different, but not heavier. Fuel tank may be larger, but you don't have to fill it up. Fuel mileage is affected by resistance. Resistance is affected by aerodynamics and weight. I went with a one ton even though a 3/4 would have done me fine. The cost was not a big difference and I thought it would be a good idea to have beefier springs in the back. They sure beat me up when I have no weight back there though. Nate > I am in the process of looking at buying a used tow truck. I know > that my choice of truck will depend on the 5er I buy, based on the [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > From a user point of view, what other differences is there between a > 3/4 ton and a 1 ton truck. First, there is no such thing as a 3/4 ton or 1 ton anymore. Go to the website of the manufacturer you are considering and see what is offered. As an example, if you go to the Ford site you will find F-250 trucks rated to haul as much as 12,500 pounds. If you look at F-350 trucks, guess what, the same unless dual rear wheels, then 15,00 & F-450, 16,000 pounds. No where does the chart say one word about tons because as you can see by the weights, that's not relevant anymore. http://www.fordvehicles.com/assets/pdf/towing/08FSD_towing.pdf If it's Chevy or Dodge, it's 2500, 3500. So you buy the combination of engine, transmission, rear end, cab size, bed size and trim package that suite your needs. If buying used, you need to know the same information. When I bought my 2000 F-250 it was rated to tow more weight than the same equipped F-350, but they are the same now. Tom J I don't know about modern trucks, but some manufacturers (Dodge in the '80s I know for sure) actually had different frames for the different sizes, as well as bigger suspension components. Others used the same frame and just put stiffer components on it for the greater expected load. Pete it NEVER did have anything to do with tons. And it's still a relavant way to refer to them. s > First, there is no such thing as a 3/4 ton or 1 ton anymore. Go to the > website of the manufacturer you are considering and see what is offered. . > Tom J >it NEVER did have anything to do with tons. And it's still a relavant way >to refer to them. > >s Don't know that I'd say never -- The military referred to the tonnage as cargo capacity, as in 1/4 T, 3/4T, 2 1/2T, 5T, etc. Pete > I am in the process of looking at buying a used tow truck. I know > that my choice of truck will depend on the 5er I buy, based on the [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Thanks for any response. I went with a 1 ton Dodge, short bed, SRW, crew cab, diesel. I think if I had gone with a 3/4 ton, I could have gotten a higher rear end for gas mileage, but don't know if it would have been a package suitable for my 5er. The only significant difference in the 2500 and 3500 that I know of is about $200 in additional springs. The one ton in AZ requires a commercial plate which costs more. Anyway, the Cummins turbo diesel is one of the best engines ever made as far as I'm concerned. i > > I am in the process of looking at buying a used tow truck. I know > > that my choice of truck will depend on the 5er I buy, based on the [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > i Thank you all. I think I got the answer I was looking for. . . . and I will not ask which of Ford, Dodge or GM is better!!!! >> > I am in the process of looking at buying a used tow truck. I know >> > that my choice of truck will depend on the 5er I buy, based on the [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > Thank you all. I think I got the answer I was looking for. . . . and > I will not ask which of Ford, Dodge or GM is better!!!! FORD! Unless you own a Dodge...or maybe a Chevy. I forget. What was the question? Nate > > I am in the process of looking at buying a used tow truck. I know > > that my choice of truck will depend on the 5er I buy, based on the [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > i Thank you all. I think I got the answer I was looking for. . . . and I will not ask which of Ford, Dodge or GM is better!!!! >> > I am in the process of looking at buying a used tow truck. I know >> > that my choice of truck will depend on the 5er I buy, based on the [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] > Thank you all. I think I got the answer I was looking for. . . . and > I will not ask which of Ford, Dodge or GM is better!!!! Many believe that a Ford cab on a GM chassis with a Cummins diesel (only on a Dodge) would be the best. <G> >>>> I am in the process of looking at buying a used tow truck. I know >>>> that my choice of truck will depend on the 5er I buy, based on the [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > Many believe that a Ford cab on a GM chassis with a Cummins diesel (only > on a Dodge) would be the best. <G> I would agree with that. If GM had a Cummins in a 3500, I would have bought it instead of a Dodge. |
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