13seth

I don't think you would be above 800-900lb tongue weight loaded if you pack the trailer close to the back and keep tongue weight at 12%. How heavy will you be packing? How many people in the truck?
My max tow payload is 1700lbs and I'm good with me my wife, 3 kids, and a 30' trailer with 6800lb dry weight. The truck also handles it amazing! I also have a chevy 2500 and the f150 ecoboost feels a bit better with this weight behind it.

13seth

You should be more surprised at the high amount that it can tow than the low payload. half ton trucks are not known to be able to carry a lot of weight. They do have some powerful engines available that can tow a lot of weight and offer some packages to handle a bit more.
When I bought my work truck in 2005, I looked at the chevy 1500 but after putting a utility body on it I wouldn't have been able to put anything else in the truck. Ended up with a 2500.

MGNY13

I know a guy who trailers a 14,000lbs excavator on a heavy trailer with a 1/2 ton v8 up and down the catskill mountains. He's never had a problem. I think he's out of his mind but IMHO i also think the ratings are lower than these trucks can actually take.

WH-7

First, thanks everyone for your responses and opinions. In answer to your question:
Probably just me and the GF, and she's skinny, and I would probably purposely travel light. Buy food and stuff at the nearest town.
The last thing I want is a white knuckle drive. Most importantly I would
like to be safe, second I would like to be legal. I am thinking now that we can find something smaller, easier to maneuver and It will be easier to relax.

13seth

Smaller is better if that's all you need. Easier to get around and you wont have to think about what your packing as much. Your truck will handle a smaller trailer with ease!
I can't wait to tow our trailer again, only towed it about 60 miles so far. Good luck finding a nice trailer and having some enjoyable weekends this summer!

king nothing

OP, do yourself a favor and ignore anything this guy says. He's proven multiple times that he has no idea what he is talking about when it comes to towing. He gives "advice" that could end up getting people hurt or worse

Wannafbody

I have a friend who is an engineer and he said that there are safety margins engineered into the ratings-most likely underrated by about 25%.

MGNY13

Yeah i figured it would be something like that. A little safer that way. Can't say i disagree

smokeywren

Truck design, chassis design, suspension design, and compromise between a nice ride and hauling capacity.

The "tow rating" is based on GCWR (pulling power) and ignores GVWR (hauling capacity).

GCWR is based on the power and torque of the drivetrain, including engine, tranny, and differential ratio, along with the capacity of cooling components such as radiator, engine oil cooler, and tranny cooler that gets rid of the heat of heavy towing.

GVWR is based on the strength and weight capacity of the suspension, tires, wheels and frame, as well as the capacity of the brake system to bring things to a screeching halt when required.

When you find a truck that can tow 10,000# of weight but can only handle 500# of hitch weight, the owner probably wanted a go-fast truck for showing off on Saturday night, with no thought as to hauling capacity. Suspension is a weak sister, designed for a nice ride and not for hauling a heavy load. But because of high horsepower and torque and a numerically high axle ratio, that pickup can win a drag race, but can't haul a full cab of passengers without exceeding the GVWR of the truck.

custm2500

Because the springs are meant for ride not load handling. That is what air bags are for. Best of both worlds. Stock ride empty and same ride when loaded.