It’s 2012 and all the new trucks are continuing to roll off the line. Now if you in the market to get a new truck, there are probably a couple of things that you want to look at. Here at SD Truck Springs, we are suckers for payload and towing numbers. But we are also going to take a look at price, and even miles per gallon. Some of you these figures will be more important to certain individuals than others. But rest assured, from construction worker to the outdoorsman we are going to give you the info so you can make a calculated and accurate decision. We will also close the article with a number of load support products for your pickup to increase these load and towing ratings.
So let us begin, shall we? Let us talk about the 4 most popular half ton trucks - Ford f150, Chevy Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra. So just to be clear we are going to stick with the standard duty vehicles. I think as a starting point its perfect for everyone.
Towing Capacity
Let us first look at the towing ability of these vehicles. The towing capacity is going to be very important to all of you who have campers, boats or 5th wheel applications. First up we will be talking at the Dodge 1500 with its 9,100 lbs of towing ability, so any of you that are hauling horse trailer this is something to keep your eye out for. Next will be the Ford F150 with the ability to tow 8,500 lbs - toy hauler rejoice. The Chevy Silverado 1500 has the ability of 8,900lbs of towing capacity, not too shabby. Last but not least Toyota with 2 options available for the tundra, 6,600 without a towing package (great for tundra gooseneck) and 8,100 if you go with the package.
Payload
Next we shall take a look at payload capacity. This is going to be important to you people who are planning on having slide on campers, in bed tool boxes, or for those of you who do lots of hauling like I do. First, let’s take a look at the Chevy with it’s payload of 1,714lb. Not too bad right? Next up will be the Dodge - coming in at 1,507, lbs. This truck was built to haul. Let’s follow that up next with the Toyota, designed more for ride quality then work the Toyota comes in at 1,550. Now comes Ford with its 1,810 lbs. of pure payload support. So if you’re the guy I see driving down the road with all that scrap metal in the back then the Ford would probably be the truck for you, but we will show you how to use load support helper springs to make any of these trucks work for you.
Miles Per Gallon
Okay. Time for what everyone was waiting for - MPG. In this economy we all try to stretch our pennies as much as we can and gas is probably the 1 place we would love to save the most. So what I will be going over will be the city and highway MPG. Depending on what you do and where you live these will be very helpful in making your decision. Coming in first is going to be ford with 17/23MPG, being in the city or out in the country not to bad. Next is Toyota coming in at 15/20 still allowing you to stretch that penny as much as possible. And right behind Toyota is going to be the Dodge with 14/20 and the Chevy at 14/18 almost neck and neck with those two.
| 2012 Pickup Overview |
|---|
| Truck |
Towing |
Payload |
MPG |
Price |
| Ford F150 |
8300 lbs |
1810 lbs |
17/23 |
-$22,985 |
| Chevy 1500 |
8900 lbs |
1714 lbs |
14/18 |
-$21,945 |
| Dodge 1500 |
9100 lbs |
1,507 lbs |
14/20 |
-$21,475 |
| Toyota Tundra |
6600 lbs |
1550 lbs |
16/20 |
-$25,155 |
Adding Load Support
Although the payload and towing capacities of the above vehicles may not seem adequate for the work you do, there are many options in the aftermarket to increase the level load support of these vehicles. All of the options will work in different ways, but are all some sort of helper spring and they are intended to do the same thing - level your vehicle when you are loaded, prevent sag, prevent sway and make sure you have enough support for a safe trip. We have listed them in order of popularity and our perceived effectiveness by vehicle..
Ford F150
For the F150, the most popular load support item we sell is the FR1504D Timbren Kit. This will provide an additional 6,000 lbs. of level load support. As you can see in the chart, the combined level load of about 7,810. That would be followed in support by the Firestone 2525 that would provide an additional 5,000 lbs.
Chevy / GMC 1500
The Firestone 2430 kit is probably the best option for the GM truck. The Ride-Rite Firestone kit will provide 5,000 lbs of support. Next up is a GMRCK15S for 2012 giving an additional 3,600 lbs of support. NOTE: Timbren is great for the front end too, especially if you are in search of snow plow support.
Dodge Ram 1500
The Dodge Ram 1500 does not offer a Hellwig option as you can see in the chart. This is because the Ram 1500 after 2009 has switched to coil spring suspension. This was intended to provide a smoother ride which according to our customers, Dodge accomplished. Some great options for this vehicle are the Firestone 4190 system which combines their coil-rite air springs and their work-rite overload springs to provide the adjustability of air while still having a secondary backup for extra heavy loads. The Air Lift 60818 is a fantastic and economical option if you just want to add 1,000 lbs of support with air springs.
Toyota Tundra
The Tundra has a bunch of options as well. The part 2445 by Firestone will allow for 5,000 lbs. of adjustable support while Timbren for Tundra will allow for 6,000 lbs. additional. Hellwig also makes some different options for 2012 tundra helper springs.
So as you can see 2012 looks to be a very good year for half ton trucks. With their amazing prices and load support capabilities it’s going to be tough pick for anyone in the market. We are always getting opinions from our customers when they purchase their new vehicles, so feel free to inquire about the feedback we’ve received whenever you have the time.
