Quote:
Originally Posted by Seahawk
Not to highjack, but my wife tows a horse trailer at least twice a month so I am looking at the 3/4 Burb. We discussed getting a 3/4 truck but I really like my 2005 F150 and see no reason to sell it.
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Then buy a Denali XL or Escalade ESV and fit E-load range tires. It will tow 8000 pounds (with stock tires) compared to the Sub 3/4's 9400 lbs.
I seriously doubt your loaded tongue-tow horse trailer weighs more than 8000 pounds!
The 3/4 ton weighs 420 pounds more than the Denali XL or Cadillac ESV, has less power/torque, gets worse fuel economy (partly the 3.73 gear but mostly the weight and less efficient older motor), and rides much rougher (leaf springs and heavier rear axle). Almost all the added weight is the rear suspension. The leafs (and related perches and hardware) are heavier than the air coils, and the full-floating axle weighs a couple hundred pounds more by itself (all unsprung weight!). The larger 39 gallon fuel tank (vs 31.5) weighs more empty, but really weighs more full....adding to the 420 lb delta. And before you say that the extra fuel capacity is ultra-important, consider your wife's bladder capacity versus a 5-6 hour fuel range towing.
Brakes? Exactly the same as the Denali/Escalade
Frame? Exactly the same as the Denali/Escalade
Radiator? Exactly the same as the Denali/Escalade
Transmission and engine oil coolers? Exactly the same as the Denali/Escalade
Gearing? The transmissions have exactly the same ratios, so the 3.73 vs 3.42 is offset by the extra power of the 6.2L. The mechanical leverage is about the same multiplying 417 ft-lb x 3.42 than 382 ft-lb x 3.73..... but you're still carrying at least 420 pounds more truck.
So... buy a "half ton" Denali XL/Escalade ESV, swap to E load range tires (the real reason the Denali/Escalade aren't rated to tow as much -- tire capacity is the bottleneck) and you'll LOVE it
You can trust me, or not. I'm used to it
Now.... my previous generation 2003 Suburban with the 8.1L is a way different story, and it is rated to tow 12,000 pounds. The new ones simply don't have the same advantage as they used to.