Some of these 1/2 ton trucks with the "max trailering" package are rated to tow 13-14k. Has anyone towed anywhere near this much? I know trailer brakes help a lot. Wondering if any of y'all have occasionally hauled over 10k lbs with one.

A log truck is only designed to haul about double that number. I’ll pass on 14k with a 1/2 ton pickup.

It may tow it but will it stop it. Maybe so I don’t know, but I don’t see how they can get big enough brake drums on a 1/2 ton truck.

I have. Had a tundra (5.7)when I first bought my business. Hauled a barge several times that was right at 9K lbs. with a trailer that weighs 2K. Took it easy and made sure (as good as possible) I didn’t have to stop quick. Pulling part is easy. Stopping it is a different story. Trailer brakes are great. They also go out every day, come unplugged, etc. make sure you can stop whatever you’re pulling without them.

I pulled pretty heavy with a tundra with no issue. I had an F150 and all it took was 1 time pulling a 20' pontoon to sell it. It was the most unstable feeling truck I have driven. So, some half tons are built different. I drive a 2500 gmc. I'm not a Toyota fan boy, but it is the only half ton I'll consider.

I think Max Tow on a half ton is a joke except in my case I have the big mirrors and a 36 gal tank. Check the sticker on the truck to see what the gross weight rating is and that will tell you what you can tow. Be sure to factor in people and stuff in the truck as that has to be included in the gross weight. There are few half tons that can actually tow that much. The more options/higher the trim level the less chance there is of being able to trailer (legally) more than 8k lbs or so.

Edit to add: there is that school of thought that if it’s not rubbing the rear tires, it’s fine.

Hauled Ford 4000 tractor with my Tundra….just press the “Tow Haul” button and she will let it eat!

I would worry about the tranny and rear end setup in a half ton pulling that much. Maybe it would do it but I wouldnt want to make a habit out of it.

Used to pull an older 56hp tractor w/ implements, with my 5.0L f-150. Also towed an equipment trailer w/ (2) scissor lifts, and a couple thousand pounds of other misc. stuff to orlando and back.

Interstate always felt fine, but sometimes curvy/hilly backroads got a little sketchy.

Proper weight distribution on the trailer & dual axle trailer brakes, & you can piddle along with a lot more weight than you probably should.

Not with a half ton, but I have pulled some crazy stuff with my old f-250, 7.5, 5-speed. Slow and easy, plan WAAY ahead for stops.

That’s why I’m looking at a 350/3500 or an F450. My small 98 k1500 will pull fairly well in 3rd gear, I just don’t want to tear up the transmission or rear, it’s too good of a truck. A Camry or similar type vehicle will run over 100, now try to stop it. Do the same in a C5 or newer Vette, you get a new appreciation for that type engineering. 150 was nothing in my C5. Trucks that are designed for it just make things easier. Now, if that’s what you already have take it slow and steady turtle. If you’re looking to buy, buy something dedicated for it.

I left the quarry in Calera with a load of AG Lime in my 05 Tundra DC. I had a 2 ton dump trailer and total weight on the scale was 15,xxx pounds. I don't remember the exact number. No trailer brakes. I wouldn't have wanted to pull it down I65, but it handled it just fine getting it to the hunting club.

Like said above braking is a big issue. But if you have good trailer brakes the newer 1/2 tons are plenty strong enough to pull that weight occasionally. A lot of it depends on the person behind the wheel. As long you keep it slow and easy probably be fine. The newer 1/2 tons are probably as strong as the older 3/4 and 1 tons. And a lot of people buy one tons and overload them and haul 20-30k pounds occasionally.

Don't pull 14k with a 1/2 ton truck.... the truck is physically not heavy enough. That's the correct answer. I honestly can't believe they even advertise that from a safety perspective.

This

That’s true. I’ve had trailer brakes that could slow down trailer and truck by themselves easily.