4x4's and 3/4 ton trucks

[tlcgrounds]

I have a 94 1/2 truck and a 92 3/4 ton chevy I work out of. I usually use the Chevy for pulling. Here's my question: I am in the market for a new pick up. I love the way the 3/4 ton pulls and drives. I would like a 4x4 to replace the 1/2 Dodge. I have looked at prices for 3/4 ton 4x4s and that is a truck load of dough. I like the stiffer suspension of the 3/4 ton. Is the 4x4's suspension as stiff as the 3/4 ton. I will never be pulling more than 4,500 pounds with this new truck. Will a 1/2 ton 4x4 give me what I want! Also, Eventually I woudl like to add a plow to the 4x4. Where I live we almost never get anything larger than a 4 inch snow. will a 1/2 suit my needs or is the 3/4 a sure bet.

[Eric ELM]

A 3/4 ton will handle any plow better than a 1/2 ton. They do make smaller and lighter ones for a 1/2 ton, but when you get in wet slushy snow, the heavier 3/4 ton truck will do better.

For towing, the heavier the vehicle, the nicer the load tows. I would spend the extra money for the 3/4 ton, I did and I'm glad I did.

The ride on the newer 3/4 ton trucks is unreal compared to years ago. I drove a company truck 3/4 ton Chevy back in 1976 and if you hit a little bump, your head hit the top of the cab. Now this same bump is like a little ripple. LOL, I just realized how long that darn bump has been on this one street I go down every day. I wish they would fix it. :)

[PrimeGreen Lawn]

I'm with Eric on this. I have a 97 Ram 3/4 and a 93 GMC 3/4. Your 3/4 will have bigger brakes, heavier frame, stiffer suspension, usually a heavier duty trans, and a stiffer price. But these differences are more than worth the extra cost.

Scott

[TotalLawn]

Spend the extra money for the bigger truck. It will hold up better in the long run and probably save you money in maintenance

[GreenQuest Lawn]

I thought the same thing when I was looking, I bought the 3/4 ton and have said many times "boy am I glad I didn't buy the 1/2 ton"

[HOMER]

I know some guys here that have spent $28,000.00 for a 1/2 ton Ford 2w/d with the gas guzzling 351. They could have spent 2,000 more and got a 3/4 ton diesel.

After owning both, go with the 3/4.

[AltaLawnCare]

Bigger brakes are the best reason to go 3/4 ton. If you can swing it, get a diesel. A smart @55 told me the other day a s-15 could pull my mowers. I replied, "will that s-15 get 16-17 mpg doing it like my 2500 dodge?"
The 3/4 ton Dodge comes with a heavier rear suspension package option, I test drove one and it was much stiffer than mine.
My 2500 rides better than my previous 1500 Dodge - the 1500's had a "bouncing" problem (band new felt like it needed new shocks).
:blob3:

[walkbehind48]

I have owned both (all Fords) and the 3/4 ton is worth the extra cost up front (for the reasons listed above). It will also be worth more when it comes to resale. I would not consider 1/2 ton if you are going to plow.

JRO

[tlcgrounds]

It's all about the biggest and the baddest right. For you 3/4 4x4 guys, what kind of gas mileage diffrence do you get between pulling a trailer and not puling a trailer. I was once told that if you buy a dodge desiel you might as well leave the trailer hooked on because your not going to get much better mileage.

[Evan528]

If you only planning on pulling a trailer full of mowers a 1/2 ton would probly be fine. But if you plan on hauling any mulch or topsoil a 1/2 ton isnt gonna make it up a steep hill! My f-250 super duty even struggles up a steep hill with a trailer full of mulch.... its times like that when I regret not getting a deisel!

[Columbia Turf]

3/4 ton by all means. Spend the extra money up front they will hold up better in the long run. The diesels are nice. I just bought a new Duramax and love it. I dont think i would go diesell for my crew trucks however. I know some people will not agree with me, but some of those truck dont get driven enough in a year to justify the extra cost. Any comments?

[MATTHEW]

You may want to note that a lot of owners of newer
diesels are finding that the tranny's cannot handle
the torque of that engine when plowing.But they
really do pull a load!!!!