Need advice for all-around truck that can tow

[chryslerfat]

I love my 2005 Silverado and with the LS it will smoke both back tires with an Imperial on the trailer.

 

[Back in Time]

3/4 Ton 4 wheel drive Diesel...In the long run you will not regret it.

 

[67GTConvert]

If you're on a budget and only towing occasionally and not hauling big C-bodies through the mountains then go with a gas motor in a 3/4 ton.I'd avoid Fords and the Dodge 4.7 like the plague but a Hemi or a Chev/GMC with the 5.3 are both good choices that won't kill you on gas or maintenance when you're running empty.IF you go GM,be aware that the 4.8 won't cut it for towing and the 6.0 is a bit of a gas hog and not really not necessary unless you tow a lot of heavy stuff which doesn't sound like the case.

Personally,I find a van much more useful than a pickup and just towed two A-bodies with a Chev Express 2500 5.3 long distances (6500KM in 7 days) over all kinds of terrain and it towed great.With that motor and 3.73 gears it will easily maintain 70 MPH through the prairies with a loaded car trailer(although the mileage was better around 60) and no problems making the grades through the mountains.

 

[barbee6043]

my take. pulled 6 horse steel and alum gooseneck horse trailers, down to car trailers since 1966, go 3/4 t, minimum, love the old 12 valve cummins. 3/4 and 1 ton, have bigg
er brakes, frames, everything, cummins is all you want. you can find a good used cummins truck IF you look. and, they run a million miles.
like she said , she would rather it be a little big than a little small??

 

[Oldmanmopar]

Real trucks don't have spark plugs. So if it don't smoke black take it back.

 

[SGBARRACUDA]

Real trucks don't have spark plugs. So if it don't smoke black take it back.

And real diesels don't have glow plugs too!

 

[barbee6043]

And real diesels don't have glow plugs too!

TRUE!!!! can't hardly beat a Cummins. Ford and Chevy have come a long way with their diesels in recent years, but can't beat a Cummins for longevity and service (not necessarily dealer service! Ha), I figure from almost 30 years using a Cummins!
the weekend warrior can do well with a 3/4 ton 360 pickup, just worlds of difference in that and a Cummins.

 

[Gamedog]

I bought a 2016 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi, 8 speed TF transmission and tow package (3.92 gears, electronic brake controller, tow mirrors, etc) and do the occasional towing of the Dart to and from the track as well. Can honestly say that it handles it without a hiccup. The 3.92 gears definitely help to minimize crazy shifting that others experience.

So far has handled everything I've thrown at it. Gotta say I love my truck.