Personally I would not go pass 25' total and 6,000 lbs. You should not even go close to what the truck is rated for.most 1/2 ton truck max out at 7,000lbs gross weight. why would you get a trailer that is max out at 7 to 7,500 lbs.? Now you talk about wind well you get 30 to 40mile an hr winds and add a 18 wheeler next to you the trailer will steer you not the 1/2 ton truck. Lets not have the tail wag the dog let's have the dog wag the tail. You want white knuckles well you got them. 6,000 lbs 25' max is all I would go period. Anything bigger 3/4 ton is I would go next. This especially for newbies!! PS: Don't forget the hight of the camper as well as length. When I'm talking 25' I'm talking total from hitch to back bumper. The longer the body the more resistance. It's physics. Usually the camper will increase in hight also as length increases not all but most. Pick the camper and match the truck to it. And talk to someone that's knows what he is talking about not some salesman that his only interest is to sell you one. You newbies research before you buy. This video you made for your 1/2 truck is to small for the camper you have. I would definitely go to 3/4 ton or 1 ton in a heart beat. You explain what you should do but you turn around and have a camper that is really to big for your truck. Looks like mix signals to me. Especially for newbies .
I'm 63 yrs old, I've been towing travel trailers and cargo trailers since I was 17 yrs old. Back then people towed with the family sedan or station wagon, the difference is people go way to fast when towing and for weather conditions and they buy a trailer and don't know how to tow a trailer.
Yep, I agree. My grandpa would tow a 29ft travel trailer with a 2010 ford ranger from Fairfield, Illinois to Dallas Texas with no problems. And people on TH-cam cry about you towing with a half ton.
I hear you. My parents first TV was a station wagon. Then he moved to a 1/2 ton pickup truck with a dog house (camper that was just for sleeping and hauling my sister, brother and I around. Ya, I know, today we would consider that criminal, or at the very least sketchy. But, we were tougher then 😝). So, with what I know today we were definitely overloaded. I remember my dad constantly changing things on the truck to improve the tow. As, the three of us kids moved on and he and mom bought newer and bigger trailers they were always looking for the next best tow vehicle. If you have a TV that fits the needs, preferably exceeds, it improves the towing experience and doesn’t leave you wiped out at the end of the travel day. I have a 2016 F150 with the 3.5L ecoboost engine. I currently tow a 23ft 6k lb trailer with no problems. But, it could be better. We are looking to move up to 29ft 8300lb trailer. Supposedly the same tongue weight. I feel the truck will work for now. But, will eventually upgrade the truck to a 3/4 or 1 ton for future proofing. If I’m totally wrong about the truck towing comfortably, then I’ll upgrade sooner.
You’re absolutely right, I have a V6 1/2 ton Silverado 8ft bed,I pulled 30ft travel trailer no problem,but,you know what you do ing,so happy camper & be safe and be safe, thanks for your kindness to sharing this.
Yes, it truly makes me mad as hell when I see RV sales on TH-cam telling people its a 1/2 Ton ready trailer. I've seen some ugly accidents with trailer scattered on the roadway, it's sickening. RV Sales should be ashamed! Tires are another dangerous thing that should be addressed. Thanks for sharing the truth! I tow a 18TO large slide with a 1/2 ton Tundra and it's only a bit over half the truck specs. Work's very well, living in the north west mountains of USA. Thanks again very very good advice!
Great video....I drive a 2023 GMC 1500 Denali with the 6.2L with Michelin Defenders. I had no intention of doing much towing when I purchased the truck. But things change. When I bought my travel trailer, I shopped for something that wouldn't over tax the truck and make it comfortable to drive and not kill my mileage. I bought a 2017 KZ Vision R20RBS ultralight trailer (24' overall length) and got an Equal-i-zer WDH. Loaded for the road with water, it scales as follows. Steer - 3,160 (rated @ 3,800) Drive - 3,680 (rated @ 3,800) Trailer - 4,980 (rated @ 5,200) Gross - 11,820 (rated @ 15,000) I put 8,000 miles on this rig in 2024 and it pulls like a dream in all conditions. I generally drive 60 mph to 65 mph....Maybe 70 going down a mountain...My mileage varies between 9 mpg to 12 mpg.
Great practical advice and review. Can’t beat experience. Best line- “on a pristine day I could do 65 (mph).” Even with a bigger vehicle, it’s not necessary to go any faster. Speed and poor breaking management gets people in trouble most.
Same. I got a 26bh just a hair under 30 feet and that's all the longer I'd want to pull with my half ton. I got some good year endurance tires on mine.
We tow with a 15 Silverado/24' camper alot. Didn't even think about having the tongue lower a bit to compensate for tank weight. Good video Dave, thanks!
Thanks for watching CJ! I’m curious, how you like the set up, what kind of weight distribution you use, and the MPH you feel comfortable driving with it? Originally I wanted something in that range, but the wife wanted the bigger one for the bunks, which has worked out, she just don’t have to tow it!🤣
@@Dicks4x4Garage our setup is a crew cab, long bed and the camper is a 248BH. We towed from Myrtlebeach down to the Keys and backup the gulf side. Towed good but tend to stay under 65. HF WDH and swaybar. We're going to a RL maybe a 26' next when the kids out grow it
You have almost 500lbs more payload than my PowerWagon. No surprise the PW isn’t a towing truck. I’ve got a Forest River Grey Wolf 18RRBL, small little toy hauler. It’s perfect for me and my daughter, our quads, and a good match for the truck’s ratings. Lots of people don’t care about the numbers and tow whatever they want. It’s scary. I’m out to enjoy myself and stay alive. Great vid, appreciate the honesty and matter of fact presentation.
Thanks for the advice Dave. Used to tow my 2016 Lance 2185 Travel Trailer with a 2011 F-150 RWD 3.5L Eco Boost. Towed it nicely. Looking to upgrade to an F-250 but thought it wasn’t necessary. I agree with you. Maybe it’s best to tow with something meant to two. Great advice here! Thanks
I am set up to boondock. Sewer placement was an important factor. Also useable trailer payload. I would not have choosen that trailer based on sewer arrangement. Good video.
Thanks for the video, I have almost your exact trailer and I tow it with an expedition and the sway is driving me crazy! I'm going to look into upgrading to d or even e rated tires. Didn't even think of that until I watched this, thank you!
I pull with a half ton. My trailer is 31’ 6” receiver to back bumper. 5200 dry, 7400 GVWR. A lot of people don’t realize that 6000lbs with a flat bed is not the same as 6000lbs with a travel trailer. The winds makes so much difference! There’s no way I would go more than 7500lbs fully loaded. (Even though ford says I can go hard with 14000lbs😳) don’t do that!! I use a F150 3.5 eco boost with a weight distribution hitch. She handles it very nicely. Gotta remember 1/2 ton weighs a lot less than a diesel so trailer will move us around more. Some good advise in here. Definitely tow with load rated tires.
Why are you pulling a 31' trailer with a 1/2 ton ? Knowing that a bigger truck would be better? You waiting until something happens and be liable for the accident? They will check your weight capacity and find out your overweight. Better to be safe then sorry.
@@topgun5399 we tow a 6, 120 dry weight Rockwood Minilite 6,120 , 26ft with our ford eco boost with max tow package . We wouldn’t exceed the length more then 26 or the weight. The truck does very good with the weight and length. I wouldn’t tow it with any other 1/2 ton truck without the eco boost or the max tow package it does a good job for towing
Great advice Dave! I feel the same way with the Touareg. It will do the job, it’s got the ratings but a bigger truck is heavier, more competent and feels more planted and connected.
I'm looking into a 39' puma palomino. I would prefer a 3/4 ton truck but I would most likely only move the trailer a few times considering a move or something like that. Also I would not use it to go camping. My family and I would use the trailer to temporarily live in for a few years till our house is built. Do you think I can get away with towing it with a 1/2 ton?
The question is rarely whether the truck will pull the load. The question is whether the truck can control and stop the load safely. I see people defend being at or over rate limits as if pointing out the physics of towing is a personal insult. I can drive a nail with a pair of pliers, but it's not going to be either efficient or fun.
I have a 2022 z71 I recently pulled a 29' probably with tonge length 33' across 2 states in ridiculous winds and some serious colorado mountains inclines/declines and I drove 71-75 miles an hour in some serious winds 68mph simply not because I couldn't go fast just because it felt so much safer
That was the BEST video I have watched. You helped me out more than all the other videos I have watched. I have a truck just like you do. The Camper I'm looking at is a 30' Ultra Light, that is actually 27.5 feet. May I ask you what size motor you have in your truck?? I'm not gonna be towing any further than 1.5 hours to the lake I like fishing the BEST and back home. And maybe a few other Lakes only 30 and 40 minutes away. I have a 5.3 liter motor, with a towing package. I'm thinking I should be OK, since I'm not gonna be traveling any further away and back. I'm going back to the Camper Dealer in a few days and getting the weight information off the Camper I'm looking at. Do you think if the weight spec. are the same as your Camper would I be OK?? Thanks a lot for sharing this Video.
I have a 2019 ram 1500 and I tow a 32 ft jayco for a year now! No issues maybe in a couple years I might upgrade to next size up truck!?🤔. Buy that time they be priced out of my budget!! 😂
In the past, I towed 11,000 lbs with a 1999 Suburban. It was ordered with a factory tow package. I tuned the brake controller to react the way I wanted it to. I towed in 3 rd gear with a 4 speed set up. 4 th gear was overdrive. I never had any issues towing and felt plenty confident towing with that 1/2 ton truck. I have been towing and driving all manner of vehicles since the 70's. Weight and wheelbase have a lot to do with stability towing and the set up of the correct hitch. Most of the issues I see are with the set up of the trailer to the tow vehicle. Keep the tongue weight to between 12 to 17 % of the total trailer weight, and you will be happy running down the highway or interstate. Drive for weather and traffic conditions and keep your eyes on the road and off of the phone or entertainment center ob the dash and all of us will be safer.
@@dennynisevic7848 It towed great. It was built way better than the brand new one you can buy today. They used to be built off of a standard truck frame and had a higher payload because of their use.
Got a Chevy Silverado LTZ 1/2 ton chevy with the 6.2 and was thinking of doing a 5th wheel. This is why your video came up. Great vid by the way. Just want to put the weight over the axle and reduce sway. I'm not trying to go over 26 ft camper, if I can help it. Of course, the dealer said I could do it but I'm trying to decide for myself by doing some research. If anyone has any info much appreciated.
Half ton trucks can pull 10-12k lbs no problem. You have to get the V8 with the 3:92 gear and a weight distribution hitch.The 4x4 feature actually reduces towing capacity. Notice none of these TH-camrs that are against pulling with a half ton ever mention gear ratio. It's one of the most important features. Another good feature to have is a transmission temp gauge and and trans cooler Run synthetic oil, it doesn't get thinner as temperature go up. Wind is not an issue
I have a 2020 F150 XLT Crewcab FX4.. 5.0/ 10SP/ 3.55... 3.55 was an option with a trailer towing package. Tows a 34ft, hitch to rear bumper, Grey Wolf toy hauler 26MBRR. 7780# Max Load. 65mph on Interstates. 60mph on highways. DWH hitch professional installed. I made the same mistake as many newcomer rv owners, I bought the truck before the camper. Truck- trailer works OK but it would be better with a 3/4T.. In a year we're buying a new Class C.
Me either. I I've been looking at 2008 to 2014 HD trucks. There's a lot of nice ones out there. I wish I would have bought one in the first place but I didn't know any better.
@@roberthenry9319 true. But eventually I want to purchase my own travel trailer to hit the road in and I just just don't want to be stressed 😬 about payload and towing capacity numbers.
Even with a basic travel trailer it was a night and day difference going from a 1/2 to a 3/4. I bought used, screw the new trucks with flashy gimmicks nobody asked for
Damn. That thing had 1900lbs payload, thats good. Tundra only has a 1550 and tow a toyhauler, when setup correctly it does ok. But 3/4ton is better for sure at end of day
Great video. Also from Vegas. My 2017 F150 only has a payload of 1400lbs so I’m very very limited on what I can tow. Kinda sucks and should have gotten the F250. Don’t got a travel trailer yet but we are entering camping season for tents so I’ll be doing some of that soon!
So we started off our adventure with a 2022 chevy 2500 gasser with a 2023 Grand Design 2800BH. And I can't tell you how many times I told my wife when we are towing and hit those winds and those bridge abutments that send everything into the next galaxy, how do people do this with half tons? Our 3/4 ton was doing all it could to maintain stability over the crappy roads and hard hits from bridges. It scares me for those who actually tow campers in the 7k to 10k area with half tons.
I put most of the heavy stuff that goes in the box of the truck as far to the cab as possible. Putting heavy weight up that far spreads some of the weight onto the front axle. Same with the rear seat area, heavy weight in that area loads the front axle more taking weight off the rear axle. As I stated in another post one needs to load up and tow to the nearest CAT Weight station. Find out what your axle weight really is, not just a guess...
I’ll agree on that, I did my first test tow with the 2500 yesterday and the mirrors were amazing. Better than the floppy add ons I was using for the 1500.
A little tip, if you plan to go boondocking, look around for a KOA near where you want to go boon docking, most of them will let you pay a couple of dollar to fill your fresh water tank, and to dump after, so you don't have to haul a full load of water the whole way from home.
But putting a KOA in the middle of this spot would mess it all up. Don't you think? I mean, most KOAs look kind of crappy. And, the point of this is.....nature.
@@roberthenry9319All I am saying is just look for KOA's near your end destination to fill up with in like 20-50 mile from where you want to off grid camp, so you are not towing full tanks of water longer then you need to. thats all
Thankfully Jayco comes with Goodyear tires which are rated for towing and speed but I stay around 55 max. I have a 263 RBS about 7,500 max weight, well within my tundra tow limits, but my cargo capacity is like 1,300 pounds, which I totally do not understand why it’s so low. These TRD, extended cab, 4x4 have one of the lowest payload of any 1/2 ton. I have a camper shell, and a bedslide, so I’m at my max cargo. If I can’t get this thing to pull comfortably, my next step is try a TRAILER TOAD. $4,000 beats adding $20k-$30k to upgrade my truck. I love my 2026 tundra, only 53,000 miles, looks like new. The only affordable option next in line is a Nissan Titan XD, about 1,000 pounds more cargo. The trailer toad carries all the weight of the trailer. So far, I have some wiggle/waddle in bumpy roads, or back roads, it’s just a little unnerving. Thanks for your honest review, probably the most honest one I have ever seen, and I’ve seen plenty, trust me. I really wanted a 22 foot camper, tandem axle, no slide. That would have been much easy to tow, but we just couldn’t find the ideal setup with theater seats, because of my bad back. I called Equalizer and they suggested ease back on the hitch pressure so need a test run doing that. Thanks
Good advice here! I’ve got a 2.7L eco boost. And we tow a 30ft travel trailer that’s 6000lbs dry. It’s certainly not much fun on the freeway. We go slow and steady, that’s KEY!
@@dwizzle8405it entirely depends on the truck setup, my 2.7l EcoBoost can tow much more, but i have the XTR tow package, so i can go up to just past 10k with my rear end. Would I tow that much? No way in hell, we aren't towing more than 6500 GVWR but it handles it beautifully.
Looking at a camper that's 6,500 lbs but tongue weight is 560 lbs. Verified with the dealer that is wasn't a typo. I've towed that weight and more hauling round bales but never that light of tongue weight and it has me a bit confused and questioning why it's so light.
Great video! I am shopping for a truck and a trailer that sleeps 4, probably 4K lbs or less. Anyone using the New 2.7. Turbo I4 Silverado? The truck will be mainly for traveling, not a daily commuter, any advice from experienced towing drivers? I also liked the ram 1500 a lot. Thank you all!
Half tons of today most use 4 ply tires and the truck is built like a car. I bought a brand new 1992 GMC Sierra K1500 with a stepside bed. The bed being part fiberglass is lighter than metal that adds to the payload capability. The tires came with 6 ply able to haul more weight. I added airload bags to the rear, but my 92 was designed to haul a lot more weight than normal half tons. For me to buy a new modern truck it would have to be a one ton or I would overload it, which will cost $80,000 to $120,000, to me not worth that.
@@Jakerthesnaker I pulled a 34ft toy hauler with a DWH in the Black Hills in North and South Dakota. With a Crewcab 5.0/ 10sp Auto/ 3.55 with Tow and Haul mode and Hill Descent Mode and Sway Control my 1/2T truck did very well. Loaded within Ford and Grey Wolf manufacturers limits. 3500+ mile three week vacation 9.2 mpg... The transmission handled all the up and down shifting. I upgraded all my tires, got away with the China Bombs and updated to Mickey Thompson's Baja Boss ATs. I left my 1200# rzr at home in Michigan.
Great video. Thanks for the advice. We have a Grand Design Imagine XLS 23BHE, it's about 27 ft. long and weighs around 6900 lbs with our stuff. Our tow vehicle is a 2020 Tahoe RST with a 6.2 and equipped with the 10 speed transmission. I use a weight distribution hitch with the built-in ant--sway and we can definitely feel it in windy days. You are dead on with the short wheelbase that makes a difference in towing. Still manageable but requires some attention while driving down the highway battling those crosswinds. The Chevy dealer where we bought the Tahoe is offering top $$ if I decide to trade it in. I was thinking of the new 2022 Tahoe even though it's much bigger than my current one, but the wheelbase is still much shorter than the 1/2 ton Silverado crew cab with the short box like yours. Now that I saw you video I might consider it just for that peace of mine and the money I'll be getting on the trade. The drawback though, they don't have any inventory at the moment and I'll have to place a factory order which may take up to 6 months with this chip shortage.
I understand you mentioned your payload and mentioned the half towing. Do you know how much the top of your rear exle weight limits. I am sure if you check the top of your rear axle is more than 3,800 lbs. That has the rear suspension to do the job right , also you will improve your suspension and help no increase the payload capacity with the Road active master suspension and with the Timbren and E rated tires . The 278BH Fifwheel grand design 150 series has better suspension and better brakes. I respect your opinion 💯, I always pull my fifwheel 278BH grand design 150 series with my High country Silverado 6.2 10 transmission, has the K&N system with the corsa sports system. The fifwheel works excellent with this combination always pulling in Florida with empty tanks just 2 persons my wife and me. I really care for everyone safety, I have over 40 years experience CDL class A Driver you need to see the all pictures 📸. I respect 🙏 your opinion the reality all depends the qualifications of the drivers 👍 always make sure you check all factory requirements and the rear top axle payload will handle safe the weight of your fifwheel.
First thing one SHOULD do after they are loaded for a camping trip is to go to a CAT WEIGHT SYSTEM usually at a truck stop and weight it... First: the total rig. Second: the rear tow vehicle rear axle only still connected to the rig. Third: the trailer, first axle on one scale and the second axle on the other scale. It will give you each axle weight. The difference between all the axle weights and the total rig's weight will be the front axle weight. Chances are you are way over weight!! Readjust the weigh inside the trailer to share the axle's weights according to manufacturer's recommendations. GUESSING your axle weight will be your first big mistake that could kill you and yours! Don't Guess!
I've been driving big rigs for 18yrs now and I'll say this with all due respect. Most aren't good drivers some can barely drive a car properly and keep it in between lines let alone a combination vehicle (truck and trailer) they drive too fast for conditions and the type of vehicle they make jerky moves and hard and late braking applications. Or on the flip side they are just too intimidated by the vehicle. Think about it there is not required training or knowledge to drive these vehicles that's the biggest issue here. Just like the older gentleman said people back in the day pulled bigger trailers with smaller vehicles. At the end of the day people just have to be knowledgeable about operating a truck and trailer a 1/2 ton is plenty for most peoples travel trailers.
I have this same trailer on stocks. It currently has the 205/75/15 tires but I want to upgrade to GOODYEAR ENDURANCE ST225 /75 R15 do you think they will fit by going up to 225 from 205?
Thanks for watching, hopefully this information helps someone from buying the wrong truck/trailer. Have a great week!
Great information, thank you for sharing!
Personally I would not go pass 25' total and 6,000 lbs. You should not even go close to what the truck is rated for.most 1/2 ton truck max out at 7,000lbs gross weight. why would you get a trailer that is max out at 7 to 7,500 lbs.? Now you talk about wind well you get 30 to 40mile an hr winds and add a 18 wheeler next to you the trailer will steer you not the 1/2 ton truck. Lets not have the tail wag the dog let's have the dog wag the tail. You want white knuckles well you got them. 6,000 lbs 25' max is all I would go period. Anything bigger 3/4 ton is I would go next. This especially for newbies!! PS: Don't forget the hight of the camper as well as length. When I'm talking 25' I'm talking total from hitch to back bumper. The longer the body the more resistance. It's physics. Usually the camper will increase in hight also as length increases not all but most. Pick the camper and match the truck to it. And talk to someone that's knows what he is talking about not some salesman that his only interest is to sell you one. You newbies research before you buy. This video you made for your 1/2 truck is to small for the camper you have. I would definitely go to 3/4 ton or 1 ton in a heart beat. You explain what you should do but you turn around and have a camper that is really to big for your truck. Looks like mix signals to me. Especially for newbies .
That is my camping spot when I take the family camping (GV) beautiful place.
I'm 63 yrs old, I've been towing travel trailers and cargo trailers since I was 17 yrs old. Back then people towed with the family sedan or station wagon, the difference is people go way to fast when towing and for weather conditions and they buy a trailer and don't know how to tow a trailer.
This is the truth half ton is fine just fallow tow ratings and keep it slow and safe.
Yep, I agree. My grandpa would tow a 29ft travel trailer with a 2010 ford ranger from Fairfield, Illinois to Dallas Texas with no problems. And people on TH-cam cry about you towing with a half ton.
We were just talking about this today. And trailers were heavier back then
I hear you. My parents first TV was a station wagon. Then he moved to a 1/2 ton pickup truck with a dog house (camper that was just for sleeping and hauling my sister, brother and I around. Ya, I know, today we would consider that criminal, or at the very least sketchy. But, we were tougher then 😝). So, with what I know today we were definitely overloaded. I remember my dad constantly changing things on the truck to improve the tow. As, the three of us kids moved on and he and mom bought newer and bigger trailers they were always looking for the next best tow vehicle.
If you have a TV that fits the needs, preferably exceeds, it improves the towing experience and doesn’t leave you wiped out at the end of the travel day.
I have a 2016 F150 with the 3.5L ecoboost engine. I currently tow a 23ft 6k lb trailer with no problems. But, it could be better. We are looking to move up to 29ft 8300lb trailer. Supposedly the same tongue weight. I feel the truck will work for now. But, will eventually upgrade the truck to a 3/4 or 1 ton for future proofing. If I’m totally wrong about the truck towing comfortably, then I’ll upgrade sooner.
Precisely
You’re absolutely right, I have a V6 1/2 ton Silverado 8ft bed,I pulled 30ft travel trailer no problem,but,you know what you do ing,so happy camper & be safe and be safe, thanks for your kindness to sharing this.
Yes, it truly makes me mad as hell when I see RV sales on TH-cam telling people its a 1/2 Ton ready trailer.
I've seen some ugly accidents with trailer scattered on the roadway, it's sickening. RV Sales should be ashamed! Tires are another dangerous thing that should be addressed.
Thanks for sharing the truth!
I tow a 18TO large slide with a 1/2 ton Tundra and it's only a bit over half the truck specs. Work's very well, living in the north west mountains of USA.
Thanks again very very good advice!
Great video....I drive a 2023 GMC 1500 Denali with the 6.2L with Michelin Defenders. I had no intention of doing much towing when I purchased the truck. But things change. When I bought my travel trailer, I shopped for something that wouldn't over tax the truck and make it comfortable to drive and not kill my mileage. I bought a 2017 KZ Vision R20RBS ultralight trailer (24' overall length) and got an Equal-i-zer WDH. Loaded for the road with water, it scales as follows.
Steer - 3,160 (rated @ 3,800)
Drive - 3,680 (rated @ 3,800)
Trailer - 4,980 (rated @ 5,200)
Gross - 11,820 (rated @ 15,000)
I put 8,000 miles on this rig in 2024 and it pulls like a dream in all conditions. I generally drive 60 mph to 65 mph....Maybe 70 going down a mountain...My mileage varies between 9 mpg to 12 mpg.
Great practical advice and review. Can’t beat experience. Best line- “on a pristine day I could do 65 (mph).” Even with a bigger vehicle, it’s not necessary to go any faster. Speed and poor breaking management gets people in trouble most.
Thanks! Even after upgrading to a 3/4 ton I only go 70 on the interstate, it’s better not having all the trucks pass me, but still have to respect it.
I recommend using a Hensley Hitch to manage the sway. We had one on our 34 ft. Airstream years ago, was a good investment.
Same. I got a 26bh just a hair under 30 feet and that's all the longer I'd want to pull with my half ton. I got some good year endurance tires on mine.
Love greys ranch. Thats my backyard your camping in. Born and raised in that area. Nice video.
We tow with a 15 Silverado/24' camper alot. Didn't even think about having the tongue lower a bit to compensate for tank weight. Good video Dave, thanks!
Thanks for watching CJ! I’m curious, how you like the set up, what kind of weight distribution you use, and the MPH you feel comfortable driving with it? Originally I wanted something in that range, but the wife wanted the bigger one for the bunks, which has worked out, she just don’t have to tow it!🤣
@@Dicks4x4Garage our setup is a crew cab, long bed and the camper is a 248BH. We towed from Myrtlebeach down to the Keys and backup the gulf side. Towed good but tend to stay under 65. HF WDH and swaybar. We're going to a RL maybe a 26' next when the kids out grow it
How far was your nice little campsite from Pine Valley ? Beautiful country there, very nice. Kenny C Oregon 🤠🤠
You have almost 500lbs more payload than my PowerWagon. No surprise the PW isn’t a towing truck. I’ve got a Forest River Grey Wolf 18RRBL, small little toy hauler. It’s perfect for me and my daughter, our quads, and a good match for the truck’s ratings. Lots of people don’t care about the numbers and tow whatever they want. It’s scary. I’m out to enjoy myself and stay alive.
Great vid, appreciate the honesty and matter of fact presentation.
Thanks for the advice Dave. Used to tow my 2016 Lance 2185 Travel Trailer with a 2011 F-150 RWD 3.5L Eco Boost. Towed it nicely. Looking to upgrade to an F-250 but thought it wasn’t necessary. I agree with you. Maybe it’s best to tow with something meant to two. Great advice here! Thanks
I am set up to boondock. Sewer placement was an important factor. Also useable trailer payload. I would not have choosen that trailer based on sewer arrangement. Good video.
Thanks for the video, I have almost your exact trailer and I tow it with an expedition and the sway is driving me crazy! I'm going to look into upgrading to d or even e rated tires. Didn't even think of that until I watched this, thank you!
That's a great point about tires. I never realized that.
I pull with a half ton. My trailer is 31’ 6” receiver to back bumper. 5200 dry, 7400 GVWR. A lot of people don’t realize that 6000lbs with a flat bed is not the same as 6000lbs with a travel trailer. The winds makes so much difference! There’s no way I would go more than 7500lbs fully loaded. (Even though ford says I can go hard with 14000lbs😳) don’t do that!! I use a F150 3.5 eco boost with a weight distribution hitch. She handles it very nicely. Gotta remember 1/2 ton weighs a lot less than a diesel so trailer will move us around more. Some good advise in here. Definitely tow with load rated tires.
Why are you pulling a 31' trailer with a 1/2 ton ? Knowing that a bigger truck would be better? You waiting until something happens and be liable for the accident? They will check your weight capacity and find out your overweight. Better to be safe then sorry.
@@topgun5399 we tow a 6, 120 dry weight Rockwood Minilite 6,120 , 26ft with our ford eco boost with max tow package . We wouldn’t exceed the length more then 26 or the weight. The truck does very good with the weight and length. I wouldn’t tow it with any other 1/2 ton truck without the eco boost or the max tow package it does a good job for towing
Great advice Dave! I feel the same way with the Touareg. It will do the job, it’s got the ratings but a bigger truck is heavier, more competent and feels more planted and connected.
LOL
I'm looking into a 39' puma palomino. I would prefer a 3/4 ton truck but I would most likely only move the trailer a few times considering a move or something like that. Also I would not use it to go camping. My family and I would use the trailer to temporarily live in for a few years till our house is built. Do you think I can get away with towing it with a 1/2 ton?
Great video. We tow a 29' Pioneer with a 2019 Silverado WT. Love it, but the wind is no joke.
Took me a while to fully understand all "the numbers" but this video explains it perfectly 👍👍👍
It does?
The question is rarely whether the truck will pull the load. The question is whether the truck can control and stop the load safely. I see people defend being at or over rate limits as if pointing out the physics of towing is a personal insult. I can drive a nail with a pair of pliers, but it's not going to be either efficient or fun.
I have a 2022 z71 I recently pulled a 29' probably with tonge length 33' across 2 states in ridiculous winds and some serious colorado mountains inclines/declines and I drove 71-75 miles an hour in some serious winds 68mph simply not because I couldn't go fast just because it felt so much safer
That was the BEST video I have watched. You helped me out more than all the other videos I have watched. I have a truck just like you do. The Camper I'm looking at is a 30' Ultra Light, that is actually 27.5 feet. May I ask you what size motor you have in your truck?? I'm not gonna be towing any further than 1.5 hours to the lake I like fishing the BEST and back home. And maybe a few other Lakes only 30 and 40 minutes away. I have a 5.3 liter motor, with a towing package. I'm thinking I should be OK, since I'm not gonna be traveling any further away and back. I'm going back to the Camper Dealer in a few days and getting the weight information off the Camper I'm looking at. Do you think if the weight spec. are the same as your Camper would I be OK?? Thanks a lot for sharing this Video.
What dose your tuck says it will pull what is it Rated to pull.
I have a 2019 ram 1500 and I tow a 32 ft jayco for a year now! No issues maybe in a couple years I might upgrade to next size up truck!?🤔. Buy that time they be priced out of my budget!! 😂
In the past, I towed 11,000 lbs with a 1999 Suburban. It was ordered with a factory tow package.
I tuned the brake controller to react the way I wanted it to.
I towed in 3 rd gear with a 4 speed set up. 4 th gear was overdrive.
I never had any issues towing and felt plenty confident towing with that 1/2 ton truck.
I have been towing and driving all manner of vehicles since the 70's.
Weight and wheelbase have a lot to do with stability towing and the set up of the correct hitch.
Most of the issues I see are with the set up of the trailer to the tow vehicle.
Keep the tongue weight to between 12 to 17 % of the total trailer weight, and you will be happy running down the highway or interstate.
Drive for weather and traffic conditions and keep your eyes on the road and off of the phone or entertainment center ob the dash and all of us will be safer.
Whaaat, 11k lb, nooo daddy way
@@dennynisevic7848 It towed great. It was built way better than the brand new one you can buy today. They used to be built off of a standard truck frame and had a higher payload because of their use.
Just came across you video but I figured out with a 29ft camper with a half ton Chevy I don’t like it at all
Got a Chevy Silverado LTZ 1/2 ton chevy with the 6.2 and was thinking of doing a 5th wheel. This is why your video came up. Great vid by the way. Just want to put the weight over the axle and reduce sway. I'm not trying to go over 26 ft camper, if I can help it. Of course, the dealer said I could do it but I'm trying to decide for myself by doing some research. If anyone has any info much appreciated.
Half ton trucks can pull 10-12k lbs no problem. You have to get the V8 with the 3:92 gear and a weight distribution hitch.The 4x4 feature actually reduces towing capacity. Notice none of these TH-camrs that are against pulling with a half ton ever mention gear ratio. It's one of the most important features. Another good feature to have is a transmission temp gauge and and trans cooler Run synthetic oil, it doesn't get thinner as temperature go up. Wind is not an issue
The best explanation on the net, thank you, 100% correct.
I have a 2020 F150 XLT Crewcab FX4.. 5.0/ 10SP/ 3.55... 3.55 was an option with a trailer towing package. Tows a 34ft, hitch to rear bumper, Grey Wolf toy hauler 26MBRR. 7780# Max Load. 65mph on Interstates. 60mph on highways. DWH hitch professional installed. I made the same mistake as many newcomer rv owners, I bought the truck before the camper. Truck- trailer works OK but it would be better with a 3/4T.. In a year we're buying a new Class C.
Never towed with a half ton always owned a 1 ton but my 30 ft camper is light I can c a half ton truck pulling a camper but I get your point
The problem is common sense: 3/4 and one ton trucks cost wayyyyy too much.
I'm not going to spend $100K just to tow.
Me either. I I've been looking at 2008 to 2014 HD trucks. There's a lot of nice ones out there. I wish I would have bought one in the first place but I didn't know any better.
Well, what about renting a UHaul? That would save you a lot.
@@roberthenry9319 true. But eventually I want to purchase my own travel trailer to hit the road in and I just just don't want to be stressed 😬 about payload and towing capacity numbers.
Yea, if you don’t mind 100k miles truck that’s already worn out..
Even with a basic travel trailer it was a night and day difference going from a 1/2 to a 3/4. I bought used, screw the new trucks with flashy gimmicks nobody asked for
Video was a great balance of information and the reason we travel and camp
Damn. That thing had 1900lbs payload, thats good. Tundra only has a 1550 and tow a toyhauler, when setup correctly it does ok. But 3/4ton is better for sure at end of day
Damn how do you have that. I have a 2017 double cab with 1320 and -57 yellow sticker.
Great video. Also from Vegas. My 2017 F150 only has a payload of 1400lbs so I’m very very limited on what I can tow. Kinda sucks and should have gotten the F250. Don’t got a travel trailer yet but we are entering camping season for tents so I’ll be doing some of that soon!
So we started off our adventure with a 2022 chevy 2500 gasser with a 2023 Grand Design 2800BH. And I can't tell you how many times I told my wife when we are towing and hit those winds and those bridge abutments that send everything into the next galaxy, how do people do this with half tons? Our 3/4 ton was doing all it could to maintain stability over the crappy roads and hard hits from bridges. It scares me for those who actually tow campers in the 7k to 10k area with half tons.
The Escape 5.0 fifth wheel is easily towed with a half ton... plus you can do the Anderson fifth wheel hitch to save more weight on your payload .
😊correct
Hello good video, how about for towing a 4 person side by side, I think total weight trailer and my side by side is 5500lbs. What do you recommend?
I put most of the heavy stuff that goes in the box of the truck as far to the cab as possible. Putting heavy weight up that far spreads some of the weight onto the front axle. Same with the rear seat area, heavy weight in that area loads the front axle more taking weight off the rear axle. As I stated in another post one needs to load up and tow to the nearest CAT Weight station. Find out what your axle weight really is, not just a guess...
One thing I also like about my HD trucks over my 1/2 tons is the tow mirrors, so much better visibility
I’ll agree on that, I did my first test tow with the 2500 yesterday and the mirrors were amazing. Better than the floppy add ons I was using for the 1500.
You can get those on a 1500
You can get nice factory tow mirrors on a half ton truck. Just blows my mind people do not understand this....
We bought some great tow mirrors from Amazon for $250 for a pair and there is no difference then the stocked ones. We loved them
Sway bars / weight distribution bars make a huge difference
A little tip, if you plan to go boondocking, look around for a KOA near where you want to go boon docking, most of them will let you pay a couple of dollar to fill your fresh water tank, and to dump after, so you don't have to haul a full load of water the whole way from home.
But putting a KOA in the middle of this spot would mess it all up. Don't you think? I mean, most KOAs look kind of crappy. And, the point of this is.....nature.
@@roberthenry9319All I am saying is just look for KOA's near your end destination to fill up with in like 20-50 mile from where you want to off grid camp, so you are not towing full tanks of water longer then you need to. thats all
Thankfully Jayco comes with Goodyear tires which are rated for towing and speed but I stay around 55 max. I have a 263 RBS about 7,500 max weight, well within my tundra tow limits, but my cargo capacity is like 1,300 pounds, which I totally do not understand why it’s so low. These TRD, extended cab, 4x4 have one of the lowest payload of any 1/2 ton. I have a camper shell, and a bedslide, so I’m at my max cargo. If I can’t get this thing to pull comfortably, my next step is try a TRAILER TOAD. $4,000 beats adding $20k-$30k to upgrade my truck. I love my 2026 tundra, only 53,000 miles, looks like new. The only affordable option next in line is a Nissan Titan XD, about 1,000 pounds more cargo. The trailer toad carries all the weight of the trailer. So far, I have some wiggle/waddle in bumpy roads, or back roads, it’s just a little unnerving. Thanks for your honest review, probably the most honest one I have ever seen, and I’ve seen plenty, trust me. I really wanted a 22 foot camper, tandem axle, no slide. That would have been much easy to tow, but we just couldn’t find the ideal setup with theater seats, because of my bad back. I called Equalizer and they suggested ease back on the hitch pressure so need a test run doing that. Thanks
I have a question please ? Can you pull a 3000 pound bass boat ,with a Silverado crew cab that has P serises Tires,or should you go with LT tires?
Good advice here! I’ve got a 2.7L eco boost. And we tow a 30ft travel trailer that’s 6000lbs dry. It’s certainly not much fun on the freeway. We go slow and steady, that’s KEY!
My friend has 2.7 eco boost and his max trailering is 7600 lbs. I’d be really careful
@@dwizzle8405 yup, sold it… Bought a ram 1500 v8. 3.92 gear, tows 12k lbs
@@dwizzle8405it entirely depends on the truck setup, my 2.7l EcoBoost can tow much more, but i have the XTR tow package, so i can go up to just past 10k with my rear end. Would I tow that much? No way in hell, we aren't towing more than 6500 GVWR but it handles it beautifully.
Longer wheel base truck (longer bed) would help fight the sway in the wind.
Looking at a camper that's 6,500 lbs but tongue weight is 560 lbs. Verified with the dealer that is wasn't a typo. I've towed that weight and more hauling round bales but never that light of tongue weight and it has me a bit confused and questioning why it's so light.
My camper is also just over 550 lbs and has max weight of 7800. Just depends on where they place the trailer wheels compared to the box
Great video! I am shopping for a truck and a trailer that sleeps 4, probably 4K lbs or less. Anyone using the New 2.7. Turbo I4 Silverado? The truck will be mainly for traveling, not a daily commuter, any advice from experienced towing drivers? I also liked the ram 1500 a lot. Thank you all!
The 2.7 is a great towing engine. Lots of torque/smooth.
Where is the forest?
My 16 Sierra 4x4 has a rating of 7200 lbs. so he's towing a camper that weighs more than that?
good video, good info
I would spend my money on a commercial equalizer hitch professional set up...
I upgraded to a 2500, a lot better now.
Is that the 6.2? Dont they have a tow capacity of arpund 9k?
Nicely explained, thank you
one thing you did not think of with pulling with a half ton stopping going down hill , should never pul more then 75% of tow max
Half tons of today most use 4 ply tires and the truck is built like a car. I bought a brand new 1992 GMC Sierra K1500 with a stepside bed. The bed being part fiberglass is lighter than metal that adds to the payload capability. The tires came with 6 ply able to haul more weight. I added airload bags to the rear, but my 92 was designed to haul a lot more weight than normal half tons. For me to buy a new modern truck it would have to be a one ton or I would overload it, which will cost $80,000 to $120,000, to me not worth that.
Good video. Great advice.
Thanks for the video. Just curious, are y’all still running the same rig?
A 1/2 ton should pull nothing more then a 20 ft lite.
Mountain pulling wilĺ bring a new reality really fast.
I disagree my half ton diesel pulls a 26’ trailer up Eisenhower at 67 mph and doesn’t even break a sweat.
@@Jakerthesnaker
I pulled a 34ft toy hauler with a DWH in the Black Hills in North and South Dakota. With a Crewcab 5.0/ 10sp Auto/ 3.55 with Tow and Haul mode and Hill Descent Mode and Sway Control my 1/2T truck did very well. Loaded within Ford and Grey Wolf manufacturers limits. 3500+ mile three week vacation 9.2 mpg... The transmission handled all the up and down shifting. I upgraded all my tires, got away with the China Bombs and updated to Mickey Thompson's Baja Boss ATs. I left my 1200# rzr at home in Michigan.
Very good video.
Great video. Thanks for the advice. We have a Grand Design Imagine XLS 23BHE, it's about 27 ft. long and weighs around 6900 lbs with our stuff. Our tow vehicle is a 2020 Tahoe RST with a 6.2 and equipped with the 10 speed transmission. I use a weight distribution hitch with the built-in ant--sway and we can definitely feel it in windy days. You are dead on with the short wheelbase that makes a difference in towing. Still manageable but requires some attention while driving down the highway battling those crosswinds. The Chevy dealer where we bought the Tahoe is offering top $$ if I decide to trade it in. I was thinking of the new 2022 Tahoe even though it's much bigger than my current one, but the wheelbase is still much shorter than the 1/2 ton Silverado crew cab with the short box like yours. Now that I saw you video I might consider it just for that peace of mine and the money I'll be getting on the trade. The drawback though, they don't have any inventory at the moment and I'll have to place a factory order which may take up to 6 months with this chip shortage.
Good tips
Need a Hensley
I understand you mentioned your payload and mentioned the half towing. Do you know how much the top of your rear exle weight limits. I am sure if you check the top of your rear axle is more than 3,800 lbs. That has the rear suspension to do the job right , also you will improve your suspension and help no increase the payload capacity with the Road active master suspension and with the Timbren and E rated tires . The 278BH Fifwheel grand design 150 series has better suspension and better brakes. I respect your opinion 💯, I always pull my fifwheel 278BH grand design 150 series with my High country Silverado 6.2 10 transmission, has the K&N system with the corsa sports system. The fifwheel works excellent with this combination always pulling in Florida with empty tanks just 2 persons my wife and me. I really care for everyone safety, I have over 40 years experience CDL class A Driver you need to see the all pictures 📸. I respect 🙏 your opinion the reality all depends the qualifications of the drivers 👍 always make sure you check all factory requirements and the rear top axle payload will handle safe the weight of your fifwheel.
Man,,,, you and I think alike!
First thing one SHOULD do after they are loaded for a camping trip is to go to a CAT WEIGHT SYSTEM usually at a truck stop and weight it... First: the total rig. Second: the rear tow vehicle rear axle only still connected to the rig. Third: the trailer, first axle on one scale and the second axle on the other scale. It will give you each axle weight. The difference between all the axle weights and the total rig's weight will be the front axle weight. Chances are you are way over weight!! Readjust the weigh inside the trailer to share the axle's weights according to manufacturer's recommendations. GUESSING your axle weight will be your first big mistake that could kill you and yours! Don't Guess!
A lot of videos out there on half ton towing.
I've been driving big rigs for 18yrs now and I'll say this with all due respect. Most aren't good drivers some can barely drive a car properly and keep it in between lines let alone a combination vehicle (truck and trailer) they drive too fast for conditions and the type of vehicle they make jerky moves and hard and late braking applications. Or on the flip side they are just too intimidated by the vehicle. Think about it there is not required training or knowledge to drive these vehicles that's the biggest issue here. Just like the older gentleman said people back in the day pulled bigger trailers with smaller vehicles. At the end of the day people just have to be knowledgeable about operating a truck and trailer a 1/2 ton is plenty for most peoples travel trailers.
whats your mpg with that trailer towing ?
If you are worried about fuel mileage don’t tow ok.
Ya just bought a 26 and it measured 31 or 30.8 ft lol
I tow a 29 foot travel trailer with ram 1500 5.7l engine. I don't go above 55, 60 ever. If speed limit is 65 then I'm doing 60.
Long way from the old k trailer story where it was fishtailing all over, and even the truck driver was shook
Man I can’t believe you remember that, however I’ll never forget! Thanks for watching and hope all is good on your side👊
Love it!!!!
I’ve been pulling a 1972 avion for 20 years with a one ton Chevy van over 6000 pounds. Much safer to use a bigger tow vehicle
I have this same trailer on stocks. It currently has the 205/75/15 tires but I want to upgrade to GOODYEAR
ENDURANCE
ST225 /75 R15 do you think they will fit by going up to 225 from 205?
Hi....08 Tahoe LT owner here.....Do not tow with an 08 Tahoe LT with the 5.3L.....It is expensive and horrifying.
Thank you and have a nice day.
Also when your truck start fishtailing? Do not slowdown! Go faster,I’m not kidding it reduced.
I always floor it when I fishtail
Avoid the 3/4 ton. Just go to the 1 ton. You will only pay about 1000.00 more and avoid having to upgrade later.
So its not a good idea to tow with a 1/2 tone 🤔🤔 id be towing my 28 ft salem cruise light
That trailer is too large for your truck. I pull a 23ft Airstream with a 2022 F 150 Platinum. I will not go any longer or larger.
This is insane .
Can you kill a cow ?
Luv my Tundra...and my Casita
Not me.
Should have went DuraMax. My truck would laugh at that trailer.
🤣 I’m sure you are right about both. Seems I always gotta do it the hard way, I guess! Thanks for watching Rod, get a Jeep yet?🤔
@@Dicks4x4Garage I’m a little hesitant to pull the trigger on any Jeep until my cancer treatment comes into a bit more focus.
I thought about a diesel myself. the cost and maintenance of a diesel easily made my final decision to keep pulling my 28ft with my half ton..
Used to tow a 31 with a dramatic. Now have a avalanche getting ready to buy another 30 foot rv. Just wondering if it's possible
get to the point!
Bro your volume is wayyyy too low. I can barely hear you with my NOISE CANCELING Beats headphones
Beats are trash.
I have an airpod in one ear and hear fine.