What can a 1/2 ton truck do?

I am in the market for a used truck, and was wondering whether or not I should really concentrate on looking for at least a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. 1/2 ton are a lot easier to find, and don't cost as much, but I don't really know what they are capable of. I will probably be looking at either a Ford or Chevy.

I would like to use the truck that I buy for mainly hauling my trailer and mowers, but am also considering getting into laying mulch. How many yards could I pull (with a 350 or 351) in say, a 5 X 16 dump trailer. Also, I want to add plowing as a service. I have had people tell me that it would be too much for a half-ton, and then I have had people tell me that it would be fine.

Any advice?

 

You can plow a little with a 1/2 ton. If you are considering doing a lot of plowing, get the 3/4 ton. With the 3/4 ton, you will never run into the problem of not being able to handle a job. You will be able to bid on plowing and lawn care jobs without having to worry if your truck can handle the work. We just hauled 2 yards of mulch in the bed of our 3/4 ton last week. We had our trailer with all our equipment on it. Hauled the mulch and the trailer without a problem.

 

A 1/2 ton would be capable of doing the work you want it to, but a 3/4 ton would be MORE capable.

 

How much are you looking to spend? This will help others give you a recommendation on what years and configurations to look for.

I also vote for at least 3/4 ton.

 

If you're going to be using it commercially, I'd go with the 3/4 ton.
It's the right tool for the job.

 

Ok, well I looked at a truck tonight. 1993 Ford F-250. 351 with 111,000 miles. Its an XLT Lariat model (all power) and has a new cd player. The tires are brand new and there are only two small spots where it looks like it is starting to get some surface rust. It comes with a bedliner, metal bedrail protectors, and a metal toolbox that matches the bedrails (silver metal with diamond shapes on it). It has a gooseneck hitch and a bumper hitch. He is asking $7900, but of course he hinted on the phone to come take a look and see what kind of a deal we could make. Any suggestions on price or what kind of durability I could expect with this truck?

 

I hate used anything, so take my advice with a grain of salt. A 351 is not the most powerful engine in the world and if he is pulling a gooseneck trailer (heavy) then I would expect that truck has seen a hard 111,000 miles. I know I said to get an F250 but did you know you can get a new f150 for $11,000? A $7000 down payment would leave you very low payments and a dependable little work truck. Just don't expect any fancy options on the truck.

 

How can I get a new F150 for $11,000?

F-150 XL
MSRP $19,920*
EPA estimated mpg:
17 city/20 highway (4x2/manual)**


That is from the Ford Website, and its just a base truck 2WD with a 4.2 V6.

 

Bring a trade worth about $7,000.

 

ive also been asking myself this question latley. Im buying a truck, what should i get yada yada yada. Believe me the way to buy a truck is auctions. SEARCH SEARCH SEARCH some more. Here in mn i finally found an auction that was getting rid of minneapolis service trucks. unfortunatly last week i got their late and they wouldnt give me a bid card. My 95 f350 crew cab with 47,000 miles went for 3,200. Errr you better believe in 26 days ill be the first on in line for registration when they unload the next batch of minneapolis service vehicles. my suggestion, find where your city unloads their vehicles. they tend to do so during the fall months.