Service is it's own reward for sure, I was in the retail/service business for a long time. But that guy up there is right. Based on your view counts you're at a point now that If @HaylettRV isn't careful you're going to be getting offers from other dealers that you will simply not be able to refuse. Mark my words. I wish the best to you and yours and I hope @Haylett keeps doing the needful. Thanks again for the wonderful videos. If I wasn't 2300 miles away I'd be purchasing my new RV from you.
Funny you mention that -- I've had 3 MFGs and 6 dealers inquire about acquiring my services. They're always respectful, but the conversation usually ends quickly when they discover I'm one of the owner's sons and not likely to go anywhere unless something really crazy transpired around here. Why.. are you offering? LOL Happy Camping Guys!
I wish I was in a position to do so. Maybe someday it won't just be a hobby for me. If you are one of the owners sons and you keep doing what you are doing your rewards are continual and forthcoming. You can bet on it. Keep up the great work Josh, wishing you all the best and will also continue to enjoy your videos. I'll be picking up a new RV in the next couple of days.. Quick question -- Worth spending the money on the fiberglass versions, being subjected to the Arizona desert sun? It will be lived in for about a year and then used for extended boondocking / camping in the future. I plan to own for an extended period of time. Thanks Josh!!!
I see both conventional and laminated products head to Arizona from our midwestern home here in Michigan. I have not heard customers report superior success with one or the other. No matter what RV you purchase you'll need to do things like keep the shades drawn, block up ceiling vents where possible, possibly use that foil stuff on the windows to keep the sun from baking you.
Hey Josh, I just wanted to thank you for your simple but detailed explanation of the limitations a half-ton truck might half when pulling a fifth-wheel trailer. You provided my wife with a clear picture of how we probably need to upgrade to a larger truck to meet our towing needs. Again, Thanks Josh!
It's refreshing to find an RV rep that tells the truth about this issue. I have had many disagreements with RV sales people about towing the new 5th wheels with a half ton.
Disagreement or he doesn't know how to read a sticker and use a truck scale? Maximum rear axle weight is a hard number. It's next to impossible to legally raise this weight rating.
Dad had a livestock feed business. We had strictly 3/4 ton pick-ups. Every day I hauled 80 50lb bags of feed (4,000 lbs) 40 miles twice a day............never a glitch. We always considered 1/2 tons as "city trucks" "gentleman farmer trucks" The 3/4 tons were used by farmers, construction workers, us, who loaded them down everyday. Always better to have "too much truck" than "just not quite enough" Great vid and explanation!
Happy to educate Linda -- just don't forget who provided that education when you're ready to start pulling triggers. There's PLENTY more to learn out there & we're happy to help you get to your destination!
Ty! Here’s another on the topic - please feel free to share to your favorite social groups!! m.th-cam.com/video/Lq_paLa8Jo4/w-d-xo.html #safetyBEFOREthesale
I myself own a half ton pick up and I like the concept of a fifth wheel that can be handled by a truck like mine. But I also understand the load capacity my truck can handle, both hauling and towing. I'm glad people like you who are willing to take the time to explain what could go wrong when you over load your trucks capacity.
Solid information, thanks for sharing. Another point to make regarding a lighter load on the front end adding to an unsteady ride, your front brakes are intended to do 60% of your braking. That;s probably not working so well if your truck isn't riding level.
Glad you saw this one given your previous comment. I cannot stress enough how disappointed I am to see someone telling you a half ton could handle a 295RL Montana. It's at least "two sizes too big" for lack of a better way to put it
WOW!!! THREE back to back videos on towing!!!!! I do now know MORE about what you should do and what not to do when towing a travel trailer!!!!!!!!!! I do like the basic visual aids!!!! I'm a visual learner sssssssoooo this HELPS!!!! Thanks Joshua!!!! :)
Great video Josh. I am one of those on the upper end of a "1/2 ton's" towing capacity. I quoted 1/2 ton as my 2014 Silverado 1500 has 1,980 lbs of payload (this is obviously just 20 lbs. short of a ton). My setup and mods (mods are currently underway): 5.3 (Procharged) crew cab, 3.42 rear end with Air ride. My truck's upgrades are being done out of concern for shoring up power and leveling. Note that this same truck, with the optional 6.2, has up to approximately 12k towing capacity. Being supercharged, I will have significantly more horsepower and torque than the stock 6.2. With this setup, I'm not concerned with my fifth wheel's sub-8,000 lb. dry weight; I've been more concerned with leveling due to the pin weight as you discussed. All things considered, I believe more sales associates should be as straightforward as you. Just because you can sell a rig to a customer with a less than adequate setup doesn't mean you should. Keep up the great work.
Well, even though I live about 600 miles from your shop, I’ll be buying my Jayco 5th wheel from you when we decide to pull the trigger again. I have an F150 Platinum, with the big eco boost engine, and I’ve had three dealers here tell me I’d have no problem towing a Jayco 28’ 5th wheel. But a long time guy at my hitch dealer said he'd really think twice about it, which kind of confirmed my doubts about trying it. If we go back to rv-ing again, I’m going to bite the bullet and trade for a 3/4 ton. It’s nice to see a dealer rep with a)some actual knowledge, and b)some integrity.
TheFish.... hello, do yourself a favor and look into a 1 ton . There is very little price difference and a 1 ton has a lot more capacity. A 3/4 truck may be close to its capacity . Good luck and do a lot of research.
I'm a non-RVer (now), but, you've certainly cleared up in a concise manner the Tow Capacity vs the Payload Capacity issue I've been considering. I've asked a couple of dlrs and they've danced around and NOT explained as clearly as you. After hearing their explanation, I came away thinking about those two wgt considerations and I was "sort of" on the same path as you. Thanks, Josh, for REALLY clarifying this issue.
Nice to see someone who is an RV dealer being a bit more honest about half tons. Whether its a tow behind travel trailer of a 5th wheel once you get up close to or above the 10,000 pound mark you really need to go up to at least a 3/4 ton. If you have 1000 pounds of tongue or pin weight, when you add a driver, full tank of fuel you are getting close to the max payload for your truck. Add in the rest of your family and all of their belongings and you will be at or over your limit.
GREAT video , I started towing my 30 ft Travel trailer with my F150 Ford, trailer was well under the weight and the first trip we took we traveled light. 500 pounds of gear. I flailed that 5.4 triton to get it to move ,, we were running on I80. I refuse to be a slow tower , normally ran 5 MPH or less below the posted limit. When we got back from our trip out west the first thing I did was sold the F150 and I am now running a 2500 duramax.. It tows so easy, so relaxed .. no stress , no mess. Buy the horses, and buy enough truck to be able to do it safe and relaxed..
Been "just shopping" 5th wheels... The lightest "full size" 5th wheel we've found is a KZ Sportsman 231RK... UVW 6100+/- ; GVW 7500; 840# hitch weight. Our F150 has 1810# payload. Love the Jayco HT 24RE & similar floor plans, but... agree, 1400-1500# hitch weight, even with "assistance" is pushing our F150 too far to be safe. Don't want to invest in 3/4 ton p/u. Always appreciate your information!
Pulled a miny 5th wheel 19.5 foot with a S10 in the 1990's and added load lift air bags. Camper was about 2,400 loaded. Now I am looking at the Winnebago 2405BH 5th wheel matching to a Chevy half ton. 7' wide 5th wheel and with gas, battery and fresh water tank forward it should weigh in 6,400 lbs and bed weight well under the half ton with us in the truck even though all the added weight is up front. The Bunk House will allow placing more weight back of the camper axles when pulling if needed however we are small and pack less weight. I do have and use a hitch scale which can also be used on 5th wheel hitches. Highly recommended. My only concern is as stated in the video to be level when connected. The new 2405 5th wheel is set up 4" higher standard. It should be a good match and work well within the limits. Adding air load lift bags may be done because of a generator and carrying extra fuel.
This is a fantastic video and informative information. I was always looking at the tow package while completely forgetting about the tongue weight. You explained it in a manner that even knuckleheads like myself could understand. Thank you so much!!!
Our pleasure, Greg! We have a whole playlist of stuff like this. Enjoy! We also record similar walk-through RV Video tours for every RV that comes through our location. Never know what you might find along the way!
Haylett RV And that's why I liked and subscribed! You have genuine business integrity which is rare these days. I'm going to eventually get an RV here within a few months. You can't put a price tag on complete honesty!!!
5th wheels with a half ton can be done, but really depends on the trailer and the which truck you're looking at. I pull a 27' Forest River with my 2014 F150 (Max Tow, 3.73's. ecoboost), truck has a 1700 lb payload, trailer has a 1350# pin. With a full tank of gas and myself and the wife, we are right at the trucks rating. Pulls like a dream, and is much safer than the long bumper pull trailer we had previously!
The difference here is you have a modestly sized fifth wheel and what is basically the most powerful half-ton on the market from a towing perspective. This is not the common situation a lot of people picture when considering half-ton towing. Kudos to you for doing the research!
@@williamstatt8651 Great question! Yes, you do. You add everything you add into the truck whether it's in the cab or in the bed (though most truck brands have a 150lb allowance for the driver).
Coming back in from Florida around 2003, my dad was using a 1998 Silverado with the extra leaf(s). All of a sudden we lost power. Bearing in the rear end failed. We were SO lucky the only mechanic within 20 miles didn't rip is off. He only charged like $250 including the parts on a Sunday.
How dare you tell the truth! Ha ha ha! I've driven PU trucks all my life, understood & knew 1/2 of what he's talking about, but Josh answered the other 1/2 of the questions that I've had. The one thing that ticks me off about ALL truck manufacturers is that they DO NOT list the towing capacity. This is completely different than the GAWR & GVWR. Thank you!
yet another awesome video!!!!! I have a Duramax which has plenty of strength. I just wanted to add that I'm the only one in our RV group with air bags. apparently they are really good for Frost heaves also. everyone else had to almost stop and I didn't really notice it being that bad. so my two cents is always get air bags! they are super cheap! and really stabilize the load nicely! ... back to binge watching! 😀
Payload also includes passengers, gear, fuel, hitch. That could be 600+ pounds right there to subtract from payload numbers. If you have to level a truck from being overloaded you better also look at tire ratings, axle ratings etc.
FWIW, I was at the Chevy dealer today. 1/2 ton Silverado double door short bed has a GVWR of 7200#. The build sheet for that specific truck shows the truck weight as being around 5200# no fuel. I don't remember the exact weight, but the sheet showed to the pound. Little less than 2000# payload. Total towing weight for either 5th wheel or travel trailer is 10,800#. BTW, the towing capacity of the gas 3/4 ton was 14,100# and I think the payload was about 3,300# When looking at 5th wheels and travel trailers of around 8,500 to 9,500# the TTs had a tongue weight of 1,050 - 1,200#. 5th wheels were 1,900 - 2,100#. And that tongue weight is with a dry, empty 5th wheel. Big basement in the front so much of the weight there is on the hitch.
2018 F-150 super crew, 6.5 bed with Heavy payload package and Max tow package. 3.73 gear ratio. 11800 towing capacity, 2500 payload capacity. 5th wheel trailer, pin weight 1540, gross weight 9400. Passenger + hitch + everything in the truck = less than 700lb. 1540+700 = 2240ish. Trailer when loaded less than 10000lb. Towing fine through the mountain.
Your killing that little pickup truck. Yes, the numbers work but its hurting. That little ECO V6 motor is screaming its butt off not to mention the little 8'' ring gear in the rear is deteriorating prematurely. I just laugh seeing these weekend warriors mashing the little trucks to the ground pulling big campers. Nobody should ever have anything less than an F250 OR 2500 series truck pulling anything long term. Look at it this way. You can bench press 300 lBS one time. You have the capability to bench 300LBS. Can you do it all day?
Matt’s-3.5 Ecoboosts don’t scream-they are very powerful at low RPMs and turn lower RPMs when towing than many (if not all) V-8s do. That’s a benefit of forced induction. And the piston assemblies and bottom end of the motor are built to handle the pressures, it’s no secret how to do.
Too many "real truck guys" underestimate the EcoBoost engines because they don't understand that those engines were DESIGNED for truck duty. The "real truck guys" need to move into the 21st century and face the facts.
Good video. I've pulled a 5th with a 1/2 ton for years. However, my rigs are typically half the towing capacity of my truck. Just the two of us so don't need a lot. I assume 20% rig weight on the pin and like to allow for luggage etc. I NEVER load to the max to allow for the extras. Agree that is best to err on the side of caution.
I have figured that any 5th wheel over 7500lb is an absolute no no. The man explained it well. Pin weight, profile, and brakes on the 5th wheel are what I look for after looking for GVWR. An Anderson aluminum hitch can also help your 1/2 ton gain a little more payload reserve. I see waaaay more 3/4 tons pulling over capacity than 1/2 tons! Do your research before you go looking and stay under your self-imposed weight limits , and a 1/2 ton can pull a 5th wheel reasonably well.
You covered the questions many ask about “will my truck tow it” and explained mostly about suspension and control, but I didn’t hear anything about adequate braking or tire rating. Most of the 1/2 tons don’t have the braking capacity to handle the weight nor the tire rating of E or more.
This is exactly why I chose to pull a light weight travel trailer for my 1/2 ton Nissan frontier V6 with a towing capacity of 6400 lbs and payload of 1300 lbs. Doesn't sway and didn't need weight distribution hitch too.
I hotshot for a living, and haul a trailer at 25,000 gross weight. At this weight the suspension works great and the ride on my Dodge 3500 dually is like a Cadillac, and the brakes work great. This beast Cummins with AISIN TRANSMISSION can haul 30,000 or 35,000 pounds, the suspension does not like this and the brakes take a long time to stop. My point is you have to have a whole package to haul the big weight. Remember this, when I haul a trailer with 30,000 gross plus a 9,000 pound truck, I am at 40,000 pounds total. This is half of a 18 wheeler!!!!••
This is another reason why I subscribe to this channel. I have had dealers try to sell me a 42' 21,000#toy hauler for my duramax 2500 No way Thanks for this share. Good stuff.
Great explanation of this, the dealers we will get ours from flat out said if the truck I show up in is not rated to town the fifth wheel I will not be leaving with it. They were the only ones that have said that so very refreshing.
Good video. Surprised a RV dealer worries about towing caps & 1500 trucks. Some just say it's good for the sale. That said, I was also surprised when another RV dealer I had been chatting with looked up the standard package specs on my truck & tried to tell me my truck could only accept a 5th wheel under 5,500#. Dude, that's the minimum. I know what my truck has as options & what it is rated at: 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 w/6.2L & 3.73 gears. 16,000 GCWR, 9,900 5th wheel max, 10,400 bumper pull max. It has every towing option including HD towing suspension. C5Z - 7,200 LBS GVWR JL1 - INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER KC4 - EXTERNAL ENGINE OIL COOLER KNP - EXT TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER NHT - MAX TRAILERING PACKAGE INCL: *VORTEC 6.2L V8SFI ENGINE *6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION *17"CUSTOM ALUMINUM WHEELS *TOWING PACKAGE*LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL *HEAVY DUTY TRAILERINGAXLE *ON/OFF ROAD BW TIRES *FRONT AND REAR DISCBRAKES (REPLACES STD/OPT CONTENT) *REAR AXLE - 3.73RATIO (REPLACES STD/OPT CONTENT) VR4 - WEIGHT DIST HITCH PLATFORM Z85 - HANDLING/TRAILERING SUSP PKG Z82 - H.D. TRAILERING EQUIPMENT I was sure I saw on your website either a K-Z Sportman Sportster 260TH or Forest River Cherokee 255RR (don't see either now though) But I was looking at either of these 2... K-Z 260TH specs - GVWR of 8,800# A Dry weight of 6,088#. Hitch pin weight of 1,356 Cherokee 255RR - GVWR of 11,575# A Dry weight of 6,639#. Hitch pin weight of 1,228
Thanks for appreciating the information! We're not a KZ dealer, but we do feature the Cherokee 255RR you mentioned (simply sold out currently). Contact our sales team at 800-256-5196 and we can find out when the next one is rolling in for you! You already know we'll shoot you straight!
I noticed that you never mentioned the payload of your truck. That will be the limiting factor. You will reach the payload limit (what it can HAUL) before you will reach the TOWING limit. That is what this video is all about.
Good info. All I will say though is being right at your payload capacity WHEN FULLY TRAVEL READY isn't really too big a deal. I mean sure its better to have some more wiggle room but here's the thing. A stock half ton rated for say 1500lb bed capacity is sprung such that at 1500lbs in the bed (or on the pin) essentially drops the truck about 2-3 inches. With stock trucks having about 2-2.5 inches of rake, you re not going to be squatting much at all. You will have plenty of suspension travel left. Again I need to reiterate the empty trailer CANNOT be at that payload. You need to be at that payload number with your passengers, gear, etc for this to be applicable. Otherwise great video.
Trucks are way nicer now than the 60's, but back then it took 4k lbs in the bed just to straighten the springs on a 3/4T dodge power wagon. Thing rode like a buckboard empty though. My 04 3/4T 4WD CTD is said (depending on source) to have just under 2k payload. I know it will haul more than that; been there. I keep my loads under the tire rating (E) and watch the spring & snubber clearance.
bumper pull trailers raise your front end using the rear tire as the fulcrum. if a fifth wheel hitch is centered over your rear axle it does not raise your front end.
Josh, I have a 2015 F-150. We travel with two big dogs, I have a toolbox, and you have to add in the 5th wheel hitch weight. So, there is 650 lbs of my 1810 payload gone. So, that leaves me with a pin weight of 1160 at the GVWR of the trailer. Currently, the KZ Sportsman 231 RK is the only model I would even consider remotely for my current truck.
Seems like trying to tow a 5th wheel with a half ton is just a bad idea from the get-go. My new F-150 is maxxed out for towing, rated at 13,200, a combined rating of 18,000, a max vehicle weight of 7,050, and a curb weight of 5,200 (all lbs, of course). So, in your scenario where the 5th wheel weight on the truck was 1,400lbs, that only leaves 400lbs for people a cargo in the truck. You add people, assuming two adults and two kids, and that 400lbs is gone; then you add the additional cargo that will be added to the 5th wheel section of the trailer and the truck is officially overloaded. Adding air bags and/or helper springs will level the ride of the truck, but will add more weight to the truck making it even more overloaded. With the towing specifications my truck has, I am only planning on towing a pull-behind trailer that is around 8,000lbs (with cargo), with a max tongue weight of 750lbs, this gives me lots of excess capacity to ensure I am not overloading my rig. If I wanted to tow more I would have gotten a 3/4 ton.
good video, also your truck may be rated to tow 10K pounds but each trailer type will tow different. A utility trailer you may be able to tow up to 10K with a half ton, but a Travel Trailer profile is different and you may only be able to tow about 6K safely because the profile causes more sway than a utility trailer.
Just remember, there isn't a 1/2 ton pickup made today that has a full floating rear end, they are ALL semi floating, where the axle inside the rear end is not just transferring the torque from the transmission to the wheels, but it's also holding up the weight of the vehicle AND the payload. A 3/4 ton and up heavy duty pickup will have a full floating rear end, where the axle is only transferring torque, and the hub is holding up the entire weight. (oh, my 2012 Ram 2500 with 6.7 Cummins, the only difference between it and a 3500 SRW is the rear spring pack, everything from the engine, transmission, transfer case, frame, front and rear axles etc are ALL the same, so as he said, it's just a spring pack away from a 3500 or 1 ton pickup)
Not to mention your steer axle provides something like 70-80% of the stopping power so, if your steers aren’t getting a good enough grip to steer properly, you definitely aren’t going to stop properly.
Weigh your truck empty, subtract that from the GVWR on the door sticker...........That's your payload. That means everything you put in your truck. Airbags, added leafs, sumo springs DO NOT INCREASE YOUR PAYLOAD. They only help to keep the truck level.
That's why I'm so wishy/washy about airbags. People act like it's the golden solution. It's a band-aid solution. While it can function well enough it's still a band-aid solution.
I agree . But i will add airbags just to give me that extra comfort. My pin weight rating is 2250 for my truck and my trailer is only 1370 . Adding airbags im sure cant hurt . Save my springs a bit .
Hey Josh, looking for your opinion but I guess I think I know what it is, but something you said wanted me to ask,I have a 2019 GMC half ton looking at a fifth wheel with out a front slide but the weight is at top of my payload but we are only going local local camping 30 miles away and we are going to be seasonal camping,so I will be moving only spring and fall, twice a year and that's it,to and from the camp grounds,so my question is, what's your opinion, thanks Joe
I have a 2001 f150 SuperCrew cab which if anybody knows about them they have an extremely short bed on them I told my 34-foot fifth-wheel down the interstate the residential areas just fine
One thing to maybe consider is; the effect the heavier payload you would have on the trucks rear axle bearings. While I am not sure, it is possible that a 3/4 ton truck might have heavier duty axle bearings than a 1/2 ton?? Thoughts?
You are totally correct. My 1/2 ton truck can tow 9700 pounds, I did the research, and confirmed it. However, there is a sticker in my glove box that says my total cargo capacity is 1750 pounds. So, take my weight, my wife’s weight, and the tools I carry, plus 150 pounds for fuel, I’m at 1,000 pounds. I have never seen a 5th wheel manufactured in the last 5 years with a pin weight less than 1000 pounds. And the actual 5th wheel I’d have to install in the bed takes another 250 pounds away from what cargo capacity I can reserve for the pin weight. 750 pound pin weight on a 5th wheeler made since 2015? Nope, didn’t happen, and if there is one made like that, the weight is actually an indicator of cheap low quality build materials. And when you compare something like that to a nice travel trailer such as a Coachman Freedom Express 204 RD, I can tow the trailer fully loaded, and have the truck setup the same way as described earlier, and still have. 300+ pounds available for cargo in the bed. These videos you put out on towing, cargo, and safety are just top notch. They are helping me with getting the information I need to have before I start the buying process. Thanks so much. 👍
THANK YOU. The internet warriors say in no way a halfton can pull a 5th wheel. Nope....it depends. It all depends on YOU and YOUR use case. Common sense no longer exists. The internet needs you...lol
Thank you for being honest about this. So many dealers would sell that combo and never mention that it's an awful idea. In my simple brain at least a 25% reserve in payload and towing for reliability. Not even mentioning all the stuff we like to bring along. You can easily pack 1500 pounds into a RV. Also payloads are rated with a 150lb driver and the truck empty of all the crap we like to bring along. Ok I'll jump off my soapbox.....
If we met each other at the grocery store, then I wouldn't want to have to duck down the dog food aisle to avoid talking to you. I'd rather be able to look you in the eye and know I did the job right.
Watching this again. Very good. My interest is in one of those 18 - 21 ft 5th wheels. With this in mind, ROUGHLY, what type of payload capacity should I be looking for in a 1/2 T? Currently have a 2003 Chevy S-10 & the GVWR is 5,150 lbs and a GAWR of 2,700 lbs. Could you please "translate" for me? Thanks!
I would agree on nearly all aspects of what is being said. There is only one thing I take issue with. The front suspension of your truck will not start to rise until the rear suspension has been fully compressed. The purpose of air bags on the rear suspension is to accomplish two things, it levels the load so you don't run the risk of slamming the bumpers, which can cause damage to the frame over time and they also help to distribute the weight more toward the center of the truck, as your illustration would demonstrate, but did not mention. I tow a Crusader Lite 29BB with my Ram 1500 Big Horn Ecodiesel with absolutely no problems. I use the Andersen hitch as well because it's lite. Interesting thing to think about, I have never seen a 1/2 ton truck pulling a trailer laying on it's side along the highway, but I have seen several 3/4 and 1 ton trucks pulling trailers on their side. I think people who use their 1/2 tons to pull with are more reserved and take more caution than people who have larger trucks.
Great stuff again Josh. A request for another video when you get the chance - general info on battery types. I see so much contradictory info out there that it is hard to pin down what is real without a chemistry degree.
Ford has a heavy duty payload package for the F-150 that gives over 3000 pounds of payload, considerably more than 250 diesels have. 250 gassers have over 3000 pounds payload but the diesels are weak kneed, the fancy Soccer Dad versions sometimes going only 2000 pounds or so.
Sure, Ford has a great payload package available, but typically that's not the F150 sitting at a dealership for someone to pick up. That's the hiccup. You're spot on, though.
We are going full time in fifth wheel. Not only would I not use a 1/2 ton, but I also won't use a 3/4 ton either. One ton is what we will have. It is much better to have more truck and be safe, even going up a mountain, than being overweight and risk your property or your life and family. Glad you made this video Josh; it should make people think before they harm their family.
Hey Josh - thnx for the perspective....I've been on the fence with travel trailer versus 5th wheel for my 2016 Tundra SR5 double cab. Towing capacity is 10k, payload is 1500#. The two options I am considering are from Open Range; for the TT, a 272RLS. For the 5th wheel, a 319RLS. I've carried 1600# of rocks in the bed with no difficulties - up and down hills, 50 MPH (it is a Tundra...!)... I'm close to the limits with the 319RLS, but figure it's easier towing overall than the 272... What's your thoughts?
Hard to say. Tundras are so weird in so many ways. I've had so many people report them performing like champs even well past their stated capacities. That being said... I never recommend anyone go beyond the MFG's recommendation for just a slew of reasons. Stay safely within specs whatever you choose.
That's a fact. Even the most honest RV dealers can't bring themselves to just say "No, you can't tow this trailer with your half ton truck" and most dealers will tell you that just about everything on the lot is "half ton towable"
@@JoshtheRVNerd we just purchased this rv and are looking for a truck to pull it with. Can you give me some suggestions such as Ram 2500, 2500 diesel, 2500 4x4?
@@sherrie1956 3/4 gas or diesel would likely work well. Ironically a 3/4 gas MIGHT be a better fit since they typically have a little more payload available since they don't weigh quite as much. Looked up a link that has specs on your RV for you to help! www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2012-open-range-light-fifth-wheel-floorplan-lf297rls-tr3215
About the only fifth wheel on the market I think I would consider pulling with a half-ton s the Winnebago Minnie Plus 25RKS. It has a pin weight just over 800lbs dry and if you use an Anderson gooseneck hitch, there is almost no impact in weight from the hitch. Anything else on the market I look at is over 1000lbs dry hitch weight.
With the ultra-rare exception of the HEAVY MAX TOW / MAX PAYLOAD 1/2 tons out there I agree completely. Even then... i still recommend being more reasonable in fifth wheel size.
Josh, do you know of anyone that has towed that camper with a half-ton. Thinking about moving up to it but not 100% sure. Don't really want to go to a 3/4 ton yet.
It's usually referred to as "Dry hitch weight" because it's the only number you can consistently measure from the MFG'ing level. They can't possibly list a loaded hitch weight because the way one person loads (and what they load) will vary from the next.
Hi Josh, I have a '99 F-150, 5.4 liter, 4X4, X/C w/6.5' box, has a GVWR of 6700lb or 7700lb towing cap. I have put a 1000lb helwig helper spring, coil over shocks, 10 ply tires, and airlift air bags. My question is, have I boosted my carrying cap. or towing ability any?
Yes... and no... At the end of the day your will be able to put a heavier rig behind you without squatting the truck as significantly. However... your wheel bearings and other components are still holding all of the weight they always held. So... yes... and no...
The one half ton truck that could possibly pull a fifth wheel is a regular cab 2 wheel drive. I've seen some of those listed with 4k payload and 12k towing ability. Still wouldn't suggest it though.
Why not? I'm asking because I'm trying to learn so I can get a balance between budget and necessity. It's okay to say to just go buy the 3/4 but with price difference plus taxes, plus lack of good used available selection, I keep looking at 1/2 tons because of price. The only way I see is a special order to Ford, for example, for a regular cab 2 WD 8' box with max tow pkg and heady duty payload package. Kind of a unicorn and I can't seem to find a dealer with one on their lot anywhere.
Josh - What is your opinion of the new Grand Design 150 Reflection line, specifically the 295RL? It has a GVW 9995lbs and a dry weight of 8496lbs, This line is designed to be 1/2 ton towable, but at GVW 9995lbs would an F150 be able to safely do that?
Everything Grand Design makes is just a Keystone clone essentially. That my thought. The product is fine, but I prefer the original version of something over a photocopy most of the time. Regarding towing it: The question is not specific enough to be able to answer with specificity. F150's can vary so greatly in their capacities that the best I can say is "Some half tons can handle that, but some cannot. It depends on the truck's equipment package and capacities."
Hello Josh. Can you give a little advise??? I am considering buying a used ram 1500. I don't plan to do any major towing. However, it looks like the previous owners had a 5th wheel setup in the bed. Its at a dealership so i was able to check the carfax. They looked like weekend warriors. Florida, to Kentucky, to North Carolina, to South Carolina..lol. They would get oil changes at the dealerships during their traveling . Should i be concerned with potential suspension or drivetrain damage with this truck? It has really low miles which further tells me it was used just for those type of trips. I have no way of knowing what size rig they were pulling. Should i stay away or take a chance?
This is a case where you'll need to really rely on what you can see with your own eyes. I would *most definitely* have the truck inspected by the mechanic of your choice. The wheel bearings are the first point of concern in my mind. People can put things like airbags on a half-ton pickup to force it to ride level, but they're not actually improving the payload capacity. Items like the wheel bearings still hold all the weight they always would've. From what you've described they may have been cautious with their preventative maintenance & the truck might be just fine. Having it inspected is the only way to know for sure really.
Just a reminder. Your tongue weight on your 5th wheel cannot go over bed rating on your truck no matter what upgrades you put on it. Those upgrades don't show up on your registration and that's all a cop has to go on if pulled over.
durangodave It's called payload capacity. You can search for it on the manufacturer's website and should be on the towing documentation. It's usually a PDF.
To figure out he payload you need to deduct the weight of everything in the truck including people, gas, tools, so the actual payload on a rated at 1900# payload ends up being more like 1100#
The payload capacity is on the tire/load tag on the drivers door jam. That number includes all cargo, people, gas, topper , tool and trailer tongue weight added together.
hey there love your videos watch them all the time i just recently got a ram 1500 2018 3.6 i sort of got screwed into the buy but that's another story what is a good travel trailer for year around that can handle cold and isn't small i have heard all types of things i will be putting air bags and better shocks but where does that leave me with the 3.6 :[
With the greatest respect Thomas I'm having a hard time reading your comment. I'm not sure what's a statement, and what's a question. Can you rephrase your question with a few periods thrown in there to help me out so I can get you a solid answer?
I have a Ram 2500 hd diesel and a supposedly half ton towable 5th wheel trailed. It has a 1550 lb tongue weight dry. The truck only has a 2275 payload rating. Loaded the trailer has a tongue weight 1700 lbs. problem it the diesel engine eats up 1000 lbs of the payload. A gas truck in the same truck has a 3325 lb payload as a gas engine is that much lighter. The trailer dry only weights at 7875 lbs dry and 9200 loaded. Even a 2500 diesel is almost at its limit with people and hitch and a full tank. I only have about 275 lbs to spare. I personally don’t believe anyone should tow a 5th wheel with a half ton truck. It is not made for that scenario. They should only tow a bumper pull travel trailer, personally.
I love your videos. I bought a open range 2016 37RLS ft rommer I am towing it with my 2012 Ford 150e ecoboost with hd payload and max towing the truck is rated at 11,300 towing and payload capacity is 2600. The trailer has a 8000 pound dry weight> My question is about the hitch. I bought the reese hitch from the dealer i got the trailer from , however that hitch flat out sucks. I was wondering what kind of hitch you would suggest for my setup.
Hard to say without knowing what you have exactly and what you would prefer. Best answer is to call our parts team directly at 800-256-5196. One of the prompts (I think it's option 4) will get you the parts/hitching team.
A scale is the only way to get a true pin weight for your vehicle, the Reese standard 15 RK hitch does’t weigh 200 lbs either, and if your slide out is over the axels of the trailer that weight is supported bye the axels of the trailer... just saying, hint the Winnebago Micro Minnie 2405 RL is perfectly fine for a half ton truck, not everyone is pulling highway mansions. So truck owners need to realize what is in there towing range and it’s not true to just say no they cannot tow a fifth wheel trailers safety!
Depending on what you're looking for I might already have it. Here's a playlist of my series of this sort of videos: th-cam.com/play/PLUT5NkY-l88zsqkVJSoDXDyOoRSSAVnXf.html
A half ton truck just dont have the touque to pull a camper very well my 5.3 struggles with my 7k camper, i believe 3/4 ton only for the breaks better gears and just more motor. When i can afford a decent used 3/4 my half ton is gone until then oh its getting put threw the works. We had a 4500 pound camper and the 5.3 did fine but i dought many 5th wheels are gonna be that light.
I have a 72 dodge d100 with air shocks and trailer brakes installed, it pulls my 25 foot 5th wheel OK....It dont max out my suspension, but i dont drive it more than 50mph, and i wouldnt take it over mountians, Ive towed it about 1000 miles so far but just across flat kansas colorado land.
Great video! You've managed to make me doubt the capacity of my vehicle (lol). I've got a 2015 Ford F-150 XLT FX4 super cab, 3.5L TT Ecoboost, electronic locking 3.55 rear, max tow package and 6.5' bed. I've called Ford and others and always seem to get a different answer on capacity. We're looking at a 2017 Jayco Eagle HT 28.5 RSTS with a dry weight of 8800lbs. My concern isn't towing it so much as the king pin weight (1,500lbs). I believe the cargo capacity is 3,000lbs but not 100% sure. I don't have a 5th wheel hitch yet either. Suggestions?
My best recommendation here is call our store and ask to speak with "Big Scott." He came from years of truck sales & is as much of a knowledge nerd about stuff as I am, but has a vastly superior base of vehicle knowledge you can tap into. There are a small handful of half-tons truly set for FW towing. I feel like you may have one of those as it sounds like you've really done a lot of research into the topic & had a good idea of what you were seeking. At the very worst you might be looking at airbags which is seriously no big deal. For hitching: Call our parts team. We have guys that do nothing but hitching all day. There are a LOT of special cases like "Hitch Model X works great EXCEPT when you have truck model Y." They know that stuff inside and out.
With that truck, your Payload is going to be about 1800 lbs. Open your driver side door and look at the tire and loading sticker on the door jam, it will show your cargo capacity as weighed when it left the facility. This is almost spot on for your payload capacity with a full tank of gas and nobody in it. Remember, that is dry pin weight you are talking. Load anything in the basement and you are well going to be over your payload capacity.
Oddly, the sticker suggests the max payload is 1699lbs which is quite a bit less than I'd expected for a "max tow" setup. FORD even touts a 3000lb capacity for these trucks. I wonder where the disconnect is? What's my next option - air bags?
All manufactures advertise the best possible numbers, without telling you what that means. IE a Regular Cab F-150 XL without 4x4, with a max "payload" package. Then... You could get that 3,000lb payload. Ford has a Max Tow, package, and a "Heavy Duty Payload Package". Max payload takes your GVWR from 7000lbs to 7850lbs for a crew cab. For what you have, I would suggest one of 2 things. If you really want that 5th wheel, you'll need to trade in and start looking at a 3/4 ton. If that's not an option, I'd be looking at a travel trailer with tongue weight under 800 lbs. Just realize if you were to get in an accident with that. You are almost guaranteed to have your claim denied because you overloaded the vehicles GVWR. Adding airbags or helper springs may cushion the ride and keep you from bottoming, but it will do nothing to increase your payload. Your rear axle is going to take punishing and will be over the GAWR. With Max Tow, your gross axle weight rating is probably 3850. That weight rating is listed on the sticker above the T&L sticker.
Update: We've decided to trade in the F150 and purchased a new 2017 F250 XLT 6.2L SCREW LB SWR 4X4. We're going with the B&W turnover ball and Andersen Ultimate Adapter 2 for a clean look and easy install.
Can you help me? I have a 2017 F-150 SuperCrew with the 5.0 V8 and 6 1/2 foot bed. Can you tell me how much towing capacity I have? What is my payload capacity? I’m considering getting a 1/2 ton towable 5th Wheel but I’m getting conflicting information. My drivers side door tags say the GVWR is 7050 lbs and Payload is a maximum of 1975 lbs with cargo and passenger load. I can’t find my GCVW rating. Anyway, would I be safe towing a combined cargo and trailer 10,000 lb 5th Wheel?
We can definitely answer those question, but we'd need to know a few more pieces of information. This is a conversation best held over the phone so we can verify you understand everything. Give one of our guys a call at 800-256-5196 & they can hit up the towing guides for you. Knowing your axle ratio would be a major piece of the puzzle. If you know that, then see if you can locate an axle code. If you're unable to do that, then our guys can tell you how to find it when you call.
Thanks Josh for the 411. I have a 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L Twin Turbo with 10speed trans, HD Tow package and an upgraded 7000lb GVW. Towing weight is 12,600lbs. Trying to figure out its actual payload?
Haylett RV The payload can reach 3200 pounds on that truck. That is if you have the right tow package. With all the upgrades it is hard calling that truck a half ton.
Bill Penning I just wanted to add that you can search ford for the answers. That being said go lower than the max by 30% if possible. Just make your life easier. Your truck is not really a half ton though. Not if you got the struts, shocks, and axel tow package upgrade.
Bill open driver side door and look yellow sticker it will tell you payload. The towing package has nothing to do with payload capacity, in fact the options on your truck with actually take away from your cargo or payload capacity.
I wonder if @HaylettRV realizes just exactly how valuable this Josh fellow is.... I think he deserves a raise. :)
Some would say service is its own reward.
That's actually a cornerstone of Japanese culture.
I however, happen to agree with *you* lol
Service is it's own reward for sure, I was in the retail/service business for a long time. But that guy up there is right. Based on your view counts you're at a point now that If @HaylettRV isn't careful you're going to be getting offers from other dealers that you will simply not be able to refuse. Mark my words. I wish the best to you and yours and I hope @Haylett keeps doing the needful. Thanks again for the wonderful videos. If I wasn't 2300 miles away I'd be purchasing my new RV from you.
Funny you mention that -- I've had 3 MFGs and 6 dealers inquire about acquiring my services. They're always respectful, but the conversation usually ends quickly when they discover I'm one of the owner's sons and not likely to go anywhere unless something really crazy transpired around here.
Why.. are you offering? LOL
Happy Camping Guys!
I wish I was in a position to do so. Maybe someday it won't just be a hobby for me. If you are one of the owners sons and you keep doing what you are doing your rewards are continual and forthcoming. You can bet on it. Keep up the great work Josh, wishing you all the best and will also continue to enjoy your videos. I'll be picking up a new RV in the next couple of days.. Quick question -- Worth spending the money on the fiberglass versions, being subjected to the Arizona desert sun? It will be lived in for about a year and then used for extended boondocking / camping in the future. I plan to own for an extended period of time. Thanks Josh!!!
I see both conventional and laminated products head to Arizona from our midwestern home here in Michigan. I have not heard customers report superior success with one or the other.
No matter what RV you purchase you'll need to do things like keep the shades drawn, block up ceiling vents where possible, possibly use that foil stuff on the windows to keep the sun from baking you.
Still valid after five years! Safety first, as you always state! Your definition of payload capacity is great.
Hey Josh, I just wanted to thank you for your simple but detailed explanation of the limitations a half-ton truck might half when pulling a fifth-wheel trailer. You provided my wife with a clear picture of how we probably need to upgrade to a larger truck to meet our towing needs. Again, Thanks Josh!
It's refreshing to find an RV rep that tells the truth about this issue. I have had many disagreements with RV sales people about towing the new 5th wheels with a half ton.
Daryl Sweet consider him a reliable source
one dealership in ga tried to sell me a trailer 1500 lbs too heavy.
Disagreement or he doesn't know how to read a sticker and use a truck scale? Maximum rear axle weight is a hard number. It's next to impossible to legally raise this weight rating.
Dad had a livestock feed business. We had strictly 3/4 ton pick-ups. Every day I hauled 80 50lb bags of feed (4,000 lbs) 40 miles twice a day............never a glitch. We always considered 1/2 tons as "city trucks" "gentleman farmer trucks" The 3/4 tons were used by farmers, construction workers, us, who loaded them down everyday. Always better to have "too much truck" than "just not quite enough" Great vid and explanation!
This was soooo good. Never owned a truck. Didn't understand towing concepts till now. Thank you sooo much Well explained.
Happy to educate Linda -- just don't forget who provided that education when you're ready to start pulling triggers. There's PLENTY more to learn out there & we're happy to help you get to your destination!
Thanks Josh! Very good explanation. The variables can really make things confusing, and I think you did a great job clarifying things.
This is fantastic info! As a truck driver, I always cringe when I see someone towing an rv with very little truck! Thanks for the honesty!
This is the best explanation that I have heard about airbags and towing! Thanks
Ty! Here’s another on the topic - please feel free to share to your favorite social groups!! m.th-cam.com/video/Lq_paLa8Jo4/w-d-xo.html
#safetyBEFOREthesale
I myself own a half ton pick up and I like the concept of a fifth wheel that can be handled by a truck like mine. But I also understand the load capacity my truck can handle, both hauling and towing. I'm glad people like you who are willing to take the time to explain what could go wrong when you over load your trucks capacity.
Solid information, thanks for sharing. Another point to make regarding a lighter load on the front end adding to an unsteady ride, your front brakes are intended to do 60% of your braking. That;s probably not working so well if your truck isn't riding level.
Thank you for this valuable info designed to avoid a potentially dangerous situation just to save money
Glad you saw this one given your previous comment. I cannot stress enough how disappointed I am to see someone telling you a half ton could handle a 295RL Montana. It's at least "two sizes too big" for lack of a better way to put it
WOW!!! THREE back to back videos on towing!!!!! I do now know MORE about what you should do and what not to do when towing a travel trailer!!!!!!!!!! I do like the basic visual aids!!!! I'm a visual learner sssssssoooo this HELPS!!!! Thanks Joshua!!!! :)
Great video Josh. I am one of those on the upper end of a "1/2 ton's" towing capacity. I quoted 1/2 ton as my 2014 Silverado 1500 has 1,980 lbs of payload (this is obviously just 20 lbs. short of a ton). My setup and mods (mods are currently underway): 5.3 (Procharged) crew cab, 3.42 rear end with Air ride. My truck's upgrades are being done out of concern for shoring up power and leveling. Note that this same truck, with the optional 6.2, has up to approximately 12k towing capacity. Being supercharged, I will have significantly more horsepower and torque than the stock 6.2. With this setup, I'm not concerned with my fifth wheel's sub-8,000 lb. dry weight; I've been more concerned with leveling due to the pin weight as you discussed.
All things considered, I believe more sales associates should be as straightforward as you. Just because you can sell a rig to a customer with a less than adequate setup doesn't mean you should. Keep up the great work.
Well, even though I live about 600 miles from your shop, I’ll be buying my Jayco 5th wheel from you when we decide to pull the trigger again. I have an F150 Platinum, with the big eco boost engine, and I’ve had three dealers here tell me I’d have no problem towing a Jayco 28’ 5th wheel. But a long time guy at my hitch dealer said he'd really think twice about it, which kind of confirmed my doubts about trying it. If we go back to rv-ing again, I’m going to bite the bullet and trade for a 3/4 ton. It’s nice to see a dealer rep with a)some actual knowledge, and b)some integrity.
Thanks for the kind words. I think you're looking down the right path.
TheFish.... hello, do yourself a favor and look into a 1 ton . There is very little price difference and a 1 ton has a lot more capacity. A 3/4 truck may be close to its capacity . Good luck and do a lot of research.
Bob
I'm a non-RVer (now), but, you've certainly cleared up in a concise manner the Tow Capacity vs the Payload Capacity issue I've been considering. I've asked a couple of dlrs and they've danced around and NOT explained as clearly as you. After hearing their explanation, I came away thinking about those two wgt considerations and I was "sort of" on the same path as you. Thanks, Josh, for REALLY clarifying this issue.
Nice to see someone who is an RV dealer being a bit more honest about half tons. Whether its a tow behind travel trailer of a 5th wheel once you get up close to or above the 10,000 pound mark you really need to go up to at least a 3/4 ton. If you have 1000 pounds of tongue or pin weight, when you add a driver, full tank of fuel you are getting close to the max payload for your truck. Add in the rest of your family and all of their belongings and you will be at or over your limit.
GREAT video , I started towing my 30 ft Travel trailer with my F150 Ford, trailer was well under the weight and the first trip we took we traveled light. 500 pounds of gear. I flailed that 5.4 triton to get it to move ,, we were running on I80. I refuse to be a slow tower , normally ran 5 MPH or less below the posted limit. When we got back from our trip out west the first thing I did was sold the F150 and I am now running a 2500 duramax.. It tows so easy, so relaxed .. no stress , no mess. Buy the horses, and buy enough truck to be able to do it safe and relaxed..
Been "just shopping" 5th wheels...
The lightest "full size" 5th wheel we've found is a KZ Sportsman 231RK... UVW 6100+/- ; GVW 7500; 840# hitch weight. Our F150 has 1810# payload. Love the Jayco HT 24RE & similar floor plans, but... agree, 1400-1500# hitch weight, even with "assistance" is pushing our F150 too far to be safe. Don't want to invest in 3/4 ton p/u.
Always appreciate your information!
Ok
I tow our Eagle HT with a 7700 lb Titan XD diesel. It’s closer to a 3/4 ton and tows fantastic.
I call those a "2/3 ton" pickup
Haylett RV right. Lol. It is a 2b class truck.
I live in Wisconsin and I for sure am getting an trailer from you guys.
deal!
Pulled a miny 5th wheel 19.5 foot with a S10 in the 1990's and added load lift air bags. Camper was about 2,400 loaded. Now I am looking at the Winnebago 2405BH 5th wheel matching to a Chevy half ton. 7' wide 5th wheel and with gas, battery and fresh water tank forward it should weigh in 6,400 lbs and bed weight well under the half ton with us in the truck even though all the added weight is up front. The Bunk House will allow placing more weight back of the camper axles when pulling if needed however we are small and pack less weight. I do have and use a hitch scale which can also be used on 5th wheel hitches. Highly recommended. My only concern is as stated in the video to be level when connected. The new 2405 5th wheel is set up 4" higher standard. It should be a good match and work well within the limits. Adding air load lift bags may be done because of a generator and carrying extra fuel.
This is a fantastic video and informative information. I was always looking at the tow package while completely forgetting about the tongue weight. You explained it in a manner that even knuckleheads like myself could understand. Thank you so much!!!
Our pleasure, Greg! We have a whole playlist of stuff like this. Enjoy!
We also record similar walk-through RV Video tours for every RV that comes through our location. Never know what you might find along the way!
Haylett RV And that's why I liked and subscribed! You have genuine business integrity which is rare these days. I'm going to eventually get an RV here within a few months. You can't put a price tag on complete honesty!!!
5th wheels with a half ton can be done, but really depends on the trailer and the which truck you're looking at. I pull a 27' Forest River with my 2014 F150 (Max Tow, 3.73's. ecoboost), truck has a 1700 lb payload, trailer has a 1350# pin. With a full tank of gas and myself and the wife, we are right at the trucks rating. Pulls like a dream, and is much safer than the long bumper pull trailer we had previously!
The difference here is you have a modestly sized fifth wheel and what is basically the most powerful half-ton on the market from a towing perspective. This is not the common situation a lot of people picture when considering half-ton towing. Kudos to you for doing the research!
Did you add the weight of the fifth wheel hitch also?
@@williamstatt8651 Great question! Yes, you do. You add everything you add into the truck whether it's in the cab or in the bed (though most truck brands have a 150lb allowance for the driver).
The thing most people don't consider when adding bags or add a leafs is the wimpy little wheel bearings in the half ton axel....
100% Bill. 100%.
Coming back in from Florida around 2003, my dad was using a 1998 Silverado with the extra leaf(s). All of a sudden we lost power. Bearing in the rear end failed. We were SO lucky the only mechanic within 20 miles didn't rip is off. He only charged like $250 including the parts on a Sunday.
How dare you tell the truth! Ha ha ha! I've driven PU trucks all my life, understood & knew 1/2 of what he's talking about, but Josh answered the other 1/2 of the questions that I've had. The one thing that ticks me off about ALL truck manufacturers is that they DO NOT list the towing capacity. This is completely different than the GAWR & GVWR. Thank you!
Manufacturers do list towing capacity, but too many people don't bother trying to find it. Those folks just assume and then get into trouble.
yet another awesome video!!!!! I have a Duramax which has plenty of strength. I just wanted to add that I'm the only one in our RV group with air bags. apparently they are really good for Frost heaves also. everyone else had to almost stop and I didn't really notice it being that bad. so my two cents is always get air bags! they are super cheap! and really stabilize the load nicely! ... back to binge watching! 😀
I put heavy duty bump stops. I’m not towing more than the truck can handle only 5k but the heavy bump stops keep the truck level.
Payload also includes passengers, gear, fuel, hitch. That could be 600+ pounds right there to subtract from payload numbers. If you have to level a truck from being overloaded you better also look at tire ratings, axle ratings etc.
Not always. Some list payload that doesn't include a full tank of gas. Be sure to check.
FWIW, I was at the Chevy dealer today. 1/2 ton Silverado double door short bed has a GVWR of 7200#. The build sheet for that specific truck shows the truck weight as being around 5200# no fuel. I don't remember the exact weight, but the sheet showed to the pound. Little less than 2000# payload. Total towing weight for either 5th wheel or travel trailer is 10,800#. BTW, the towing capacity of the gas 3/4 ton was 14,100# and I think the payload was about 3,300#
When looking at 5th wheels and travel trailers of around 8,500 to 9,500# the TTs had a tongue weight of 1,050 - 1,200#. 5th wheels were 1,900 - 2,100#. And that tongue weight is with a dry, empty 5th wheel. Big basement in the front so much of the weight there is on the hitch.
Good visual explanation. Thanks.
2018 F-150 super crew, 6.5 bed with Heavy payload package and Max tow package. 3.73 gear ratio. 11800 towing capacity, 2500 payload capacity.
5th wheel trailer, pin weight 1540, gross weight 9400. Passenger + hitch + everything in the truck = less than 700lb.
1540+700 = 2240ish. Trailer when loaded less than 10000lb. Towing fine through the mountain.
Your killing that little pickup truck. Yes, the numbers work but its hurting. That little ECO V6 motor is screaming its butt off not to mention the little 8'' ring gear in the rear is deteriorating prematurely. I just laugh seeing these weekend warriors mashing the little trucks to the ground pulling big campers. Nobody should ever have anything less than an F250 OR 2500 series truck pulling anything long term. Look at it this way. You can bench press 300 lBS one time. You have the capability to bench 300LBS. Can you do it all day?
Matt’s-3.5 Ecoboosts don’t scream-they are very powerful at low RPMs and turn lower RPMs when towing than many (if not all) V-8s do. That’s a benefit of forced induction. And the piston assemblies and bottom end of the motor are built to handle the pressures, it’s no secret how to do.
Too many "real truck guys" underestimate the EcoBoost engines because they don't understand that those engines were DESIGNED for truck duty. The "real truck guys" need to move into the 21st century and face the facts.
2500# payload for a 150 crew 4x4? What is your GVWR minus curb weight?
Good video. I've pulled a 5th with a 1/2 ton for years. However, my rigs are typically half the towing capacity of my truck. Just the two of us so don't need a lot. I assume 20% rig weight on the pin and like to allow for luggage etc. I NEVER load to the max to allow for the extras. Agree that is best to err on the side of caution.
Same reason it is very important to use a weight distribution hitch when towing a travel trailer.
I have figured that any 5th wheel over 7500lb is an absolute no no. The man explained it well. Pin weight, profile, and brakes on the 5th wheel are what I look for after looking for GVWR. An Anderson aluminum hitch can also help your 1/2 ton gain a little more payload reserve. I see waaaay more 3/4 tons pulling over capacity than 1/2 tons! Do your research before you go looking and stay under your self-imposed weight limits , and a 1/2 ton can pull a 5th wheel reasonably well.
You covered the questions many ask about “will my truck tow it” and explained mostly about suspension and control, but I didn’t hear anything about adequate braking or tire rating. Most of the 1/2 tons don’t have the braking capacity to handle the weight nor the tire rating of E or more.
Truck brakes are intended to stop at GVWR, not GCWR. That's why trailers have brakes.
Honest that's you.. I had one guy pulling 42 foot trailer with half ton putting your family at risk not worth it. Keep up the good work thank you
Right on
This is exactly why I chose to pull a light weight travel trailer for my 1/2 ton Nissan frontier V6 with a towing capacity of 6400 lbs and payload of 1300 lbs. Doesn't sway and didn't need weight distribution hitch too.
I hotshot for a living, and haul a trailer at 25,000 gross weight. At this weight the suspension works great and the ride on my Dodge 3500 dually is like a Cadillac, and the brakes work great.
This beast Cummins with AISIN TRANSMISSION can haul 30,000 or 35,000 pounds, the suspension does not like this and the brakes take a long time to stop.
My point is you have to have a whole package to haul the big weight.
Remember this, when I haul a trailer with 30,000 gross plus a 9,000 pound truck, I am at 40,000 pounds total. This is half of a 18 wheeler!!!!••
"Half a Semi" is an awesome way to look at it. Good input here!
This is another reason why I subscribe to this channel. I have had dealers try to sell me a 42' 21,000#toy hauler for my duramax 2500
No way
Thanks for this share. Good stuff.
Thanks for "getting it!"
Great explanation of this, the dealers we will get ours from flat out said if the truck I show up in is not rated to town the fifth wheel I will not be leaving with it. They were the only ones that have said that so very refreshing.
And on top of the 1400 lb pin weight, you need to consider (and add ) the weight of a 5th wheel hitch 100 - 300lbs......
Good video. Surprised a RV dealer worries about towing caps & 1500 trucks. Some just say it's good for the sale. That said, I was also surprised when another RV dealer I had been chatting with looked up the standard package specs on my truck & tried to tell me my truck could only accept a 5th wheel under 5,500#. Dude, that's the minimum. I know what my truck has as options & what it is rated at:
2010 GMC Sierra 1500 w/6.2L & 3.73 gears. 16,000 GCWR, 9,900 5th wheel max, 10,400 bumper pull max. It has every towing option including HD towing suspension.
C5Z - 7,200 LBS GVWR
JL1 - INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
KC4 - EXTERNAL ENGINE OIL COOLER
KNP - EXT TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
NHT - MAX TRAILERING PACKAGE INCL: *VORTEC 6.2L V8SFI ENGINE *6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION *17"CUSTOM ALUMINUM WHEELS *TOWING PACKAGE*LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL *HEAVY DUTY TRAILERINGAXLE *ON/OFF ROAD BW TIRES *FRONT AND REAR DISCBRAKES (REPLACES STD/OPT CONTENT) *REAR AXLE - 3.73RATIO (REPLACES STD/OPT CONTENT)
VR4 - WEIGHT DIST HITCH PLATFORM
Z85 - HANDLING/TRAILERING SUSP PKG
Z82 - H.D. TRAILERING EQUIPMENT
I was sure I saw on your website either a K-Z Sportman Sportster 260TH or Forest River Cherokee 255RR (don't see either now though) But I was looking at either of these 2...
K-Z 260TH specs - GVWR of 8,800# A Dry weight of 6,088#. Hitch pin weight of 1,356
Cherokee 255RR - GVWR of 11,575# A Dry weight of 6,639#. Hitch pin weight of 1,228
Thanks for appreciating the information! We're not a KZ dealer, but we do feature the Cherokee 255RR you mentioned (simply sold out currently). Contact our sales team at 800-256-5196 and we can find out when the next one is rolling in for you! You already know we'll shoot you straight!
I noticed that you never mentioned the payload of your truck. That will be the limiting factor. You will reach the payload limit (what it can HAUL) before you will reach the TOWING limit. That is what this video is all about.
The reason is a 3/4 Ton has bigger brake systems, larger frames, heavier tires, and rims. Stopping the 12000 lbs behind you is important.
In Ford and ram the 2500 and the 3500 frame is the same the difference is the axles and suspension not to mention the power train is also the same
Good info. All I will say though is being right at your payload capacity WHEN FULLY TRAVEL READY isn't really too big a deal. I mean sure its better to have some more wiggle room but here's the thing. A stock half ton rated for say 1500lb bed capacity is sprung such that at 1500lbs in the bed (or on the pin) essentially drops the truck about 2-3 inches. With stock trucks having about 2-2.5 inches of rake, you re not going to be squatting much at all. You will have plenty of suspension travel left.
Again I need to reiterate the empty trailer CANNOT be at that payload. You need to be at that payload number with your passengers, gear, etc for this to be applicable.
Otherwise great video.
Trucks are way nicer now than the 60's, but back then it took 4k lbs in the bed just to straighten the springs on a 3/4T dodge power wagon. Thing rode like a buckboard empty though. My 04 3/4T 4WD CTD is said (depending on source) to have just under 2k payload. I know it will haul more than that; been there. I keep my loads under the tire rating (E) and watch the spring & snubber clearance.
bumper pull trailers raise your front end using the rear tire as the fulcrum. if a fifth wheel hitch is centered over your rear axle it does not raise your front end.
Josh, I have a 2015 F-150. We travel with two big dogs, I have a toolbox, and you have to add in the 5th wheel hitch weight. So, there is 650 lbs of my 1810 payload gone. So, that leaves me with a pin weight of 1160 at the GVWR of the trailer. Currently, the KZ Sportsman 231 RK is the only model I would even consider remotely for my current truck.
It's awesome you understand that and stay safe!
Seems like trying to tow a 5th wheel with a half ton is just a bad idea from the get-go. My new F-150 is maxxed out for towing, rated at 13,200, a combined rating of 18,000, a max vehicle weight of 7,050, and a curb weight of 5,200 (all lbs, of course). So, in your scenario where the 5th wheel weight on the truck was 1,400lbs, that only leaves 400lbs for people a cargo in the truck. You add people, assuming two adults and two kids, and that 400lbs is gone; then you add the additional cargo that will be added to the 5th wheel section of the trailer and the truck is officially overloaded. Adding air bags and/or helper springs will level the ride of the truck, but will add more weight to the truck making it even more overloaded.
With the towing specifications my truck has, I am only planning on towing a pull-behind trailer that is around 8,000lbs (with cargo), with a max tongue weight of 750lbs, this gives me lots of excess capacity to ensure I am not overloading my rig. If I wanted to tow more I would have gotten a 3/4 ton.
Very good information great sales person who knows what works and what is unsafe.
good video, also your truck may be rated to tow 10K pounds but each trailer type will tow different. A utility trailer you may be able to tow up to 10K with a half ton, but a Travel Trailer profile is different and you may only be able to tow about 6K safely because the profile causes more sway than a utility trailer.
Roadmaster Active Suspension is a must for any half to towing. .
Just remember, there isn't a 1/2 ton pickup made today that has a full floating rear end, they are ALL semi floating, where the axle inside the rear end is not just transferring the torque from the transmission to the wheels, but it's also holding up the weight of the vehicle AND the payload. A 3/4 ton and up heavy duty pickup will have a full floating rear end, where the axle is only transferring torque, and the hub is holding up the entire weight. (oh, my 2012 Ram 2500 with 6.7 Cummins, the only difference between it and a 3500 SRW is the rear spring pack, everything from the engine, transmission, transfer case, frame, front and rear axles etc are ALL the same, so as he said, it's just a spring pack away from a 3500 or 1 ton pickup)
Awe used to pull a jay flight 28 ft with an suv as of May 2017 we use an F250
Not to mention your steer axle provides something like 70-80% of the stopping power so, if your steers aren’t getting a good enough grip to steer properly, you definitely aren’t going to stop properly.
Weigh your truck empty, subtract that from the GVWR on the door sticker...........That's your payload. That means everything you put in your truck. Airbags, added leafs, sumo springs DO NOT INCREASE YOUR PAYLOAD. They only help to keep the truck level.
2016 Ford F150 5.0 V8 towing an Eagle HT 28.5RSTS........towed Florida to Cali no probs.
Awesome feedback. What axle ratio?
Nobody thinks about the bearings in the axle. Thats the point that holds and carry the weight.
That's why I'm so wishy/washy about airbags. People act like it's the golden solution. It's a band-aid solution. While it can function well enough it's still a band-aid solution.
I agree . But i will add airbags just to give me that extra comfort. My pin weight rating is 2250 for my truck and my trailer is only 1370 . Adding airbags im sure cant hurt . Save my springs a bit .
Hey Josh, looking for your opinion but I guess I think I know what it is, but something you said wanted me to ask,I have a 2019 GMC half ton looking at a fifth wheel with out a front slide but the weight is at top of my payload but we are only going local local camping 30 miles away and we are going to be seasonal camping,so I will be moving only spring and fall, twice a year and that's it,to and from the camp grounds,so my question is, what's your opinion, thanks Joe
I have a 2001 f150 SuperCrew cab which if anybody knows about them they have an extremely short bed on them I told my 34-foot fifth-wheel down the interstate the residential areas just fine
One thing to maybe consider is; the effect the heavier payload you would have on the trucks rear axle bearings. While I am not sure, it is possible that a 3/4 ton truck might have heavier duty axle bearings than a 1/2 ton?? Thoughts?
A 3/4 ton truck will generally have heavier everything from chassis to suspension, tires, brakes, etc
You are totally correct. My 1/2 ton truck can tow 9700 pounds, I did the research, and confirmed it. However, there is a sticker in my glove box that says my total cargo capacity is 1750 pounds. So, take my weight, my wife’s weight, and the tools I carry, plus 150 pounds for fuel, I’m at 1,000 pounds. I have never seen a 5th wheel manufactured in the last 5 years with a pin weight less than 1000 pounds. And the actual 5th wheel I’d have to install in the bed takes another 250 pounds away from what cargo capacity I can reserve for the pin weight. 750 pound pin weight on a 5th wheeler made since 2015? Nope, didn’t happen, and if there is one made like that, the weight is actually an indicator of cheap low quality build materials. And when you compare something like that to a nice travel trailer such as a Coachman Freedom Express 204 RD, I can tow the trailer fully loaded, and have the truck setup the same way as described earlier, and still have. 300+ pounds available for cargo in the bed.
These videos you put out on towing, cargo, and safety are just top notch. They are helping me with getting the information I need to have before I start the buying process. Thanks so much. 👍
THANK YOU. The internet warriors say in no way a halfton can pull a 5th wheel. Nope....it depends. It all depends on YOU and YOUR use case.
Common sense no longer exists. The internet needs you...lol
Ty Wade
Thank you for being honest about this. So many dealers would sell that combo and never mention that it's an awful idea. In my simple brain at least a 25% reserve in payload and towing for reliability. Not even mentioning all the stuff we like to bring along. You can easily pack 1500 pounds into a RV. Also payloads are rated with a 150lb driver and the truck empty of all the crap we like to bring along. Ok I'll jump off my soapbox.....
If we met each other at the grocery store, then I wouldn't want to have to duck down the dog food aisle to avoid talking to you. I'd rather be able to look you in the eye and know I did the job right.
That's a good policy to have
Great info!!! Thanks Josh!!
Very clear and informative...
Glad it was beneficial for you! :)
Watching this again. Very good. My interest is in one of those 18 - 21 ft 5th wheels. With this in mind, ROUGHLY, what type of payload capacity should I be looking for in a 1/2 T? Currently have a 2003 Chevy S-10 & the GVWR is 5,150 lbs and a GAWR of 2,700 lbs. Could you please "translate" for me? Thanks!
I would agree on nearly all aspects of what is being said. There is only one thing I take issue with. The front suspension of your truck will not start to rise until the rear suspension has been fully compressed. The purpose of air bags on the rear suspension is to accomplish two things, it levels the load so you don't run the risk of slamming the bumpers, which can cause damage to the frame over time and they also help to distribute the weight more toward the center of the truck, as your illustration would demonstrate, but did not mention. I tow a Crusader Lite 29BB with my Ram 1500 Big Horn Ecodiesel with absolutely no problems. I use the Andersen hitch as well because it's lite. Interesting thing to think about, I have never seen a 1/2 ton truck pulling a trailer laying on it's side along the highway, but I have seen several 3/4 and 1 ton trucks pulling trailers on their side. I think people who use their 1/2 tons to pull with are more reserved and take more caution than people who have larger trucks.
Great stuff again Josh.
A request for another video when you get the chance - general info on battery types. I see so much contradictory info out there that it is hard to pin down what is real without a chemistry degree.
Will add it to the list. Need to do some learning myself before I go diving into that one, though.
Timothy Smith would LOVE to see a video on this!! I will be on the lookout for it.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Very informative! Thank you! 🙏
I wish they'd bring back the old "heavy halfs", sometimes known as a 5/8 ton or a camper special.
I call those a 2/3's ton, but yeah :)
Ford has a heavy duty payload package for the F-150 that gives over 3000 pounds of payload, considerably more than 250 diesels have. 250 gassers have over 3000 pounds payload but the diesels are weak kneed, the fancy Soccer Dad versions sometimes going only 2000 pounds or so.
Sure, Ford has a great payload package available, but typically that's not the F150 sitting at a dealership for someone to pick up. That's the hiccup. You're spot on, though.
We are going full time in fifth wheel. Not only would I not use a 1/2 ton, but I also won't use a 3/4 ton either. One ton is what we will have. It is much better to have more truck and be safe, even going up a mountain, than being overweight and risk your property or your life and family. Glad you made this video Josh; it should make people think before they harm their family.
Not only the pin weight but passenger weight and anything else your carrying either inside the fifth wheel or your truck.
Hey Josh - thnx for the perspective....I've been on the fence with travel trailer versus 5th wheel for my 2016 Tundra SR5 double cab. Towing capacity is 10k, payload is 1500#. The two options I am considering are from Open Range; for the TT, a 272RLS. For the 5th wheel, a 319RLS. I've carried 1600# of rocks in the bed with no difficulties - up and down hills, 50 MPH (it is a Tundra...!)... I'm close to the limits with the 319RLS, but figure it's easier towing overall than the 272... What's your thoughts?
Hard to say. Tundras are so weird in so many ways. I've had so many people report them performing like champs even well past their stated capacities.
That being said... I never recommend anyone go beyond the MFG's recommendation for just a slew of reasons. Stay safely within specs whatever you choose.
Plain and simple. 3/4 ton minimum. A 1/2 ton is a no no. It’s way to light for a 5th wheel.
That's a fact. Even the most honest RV dealers can't bring themselves to just say "No, you can't tow this trailer with your half ton truck" and most dealers will tell you that just about everything on the lot is "half ton towable"
Thanks! This is great information! Very helpful!
Would you feel comfortable pulling a 2012 Open Range Light LF297RLS with a 2014 Ram 1500 hemi truck?
I personally wouldn't.
@@JoshtheRVNerd we just purchased this rv and are looking for a truck to pull it with. Can you give me some suggestions such as Ram 2500, 2500 diesel, 2500 4x4?
@@sherrie1956 3/4 gas or diesel would likely work well. Ironically a 3/4 gas MIGHT be a better fit since they typically have a little more payload available since they don't weigh quite as much.
Looked up a link that has specs on your RV for you to help! www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2012-open-range-light-fifth-wheel-floorplan-lf297rls-tr3215
@@JoshtheRVNerd Thank you. You’re the best. We watch your videos all the time.
About the only fifth wheel on the market I think I would consider pulling with a half-ton s the Winnebago Minnie Plus 25RKS. It has a pin weight just over 800lbs dry and if you use an Anderson gooseneck hitch, there is almost no impact in weight from the hitch. Anything else on the market I look at is over 1000lbs dry hitch weight.
With the ultra-rare exception of the HEAVY MAX TOW / MAX PAYLOAD 1/2 tons out there I agree completely. Even then... i still recommend being more reasonable in fifth wheel size.
Josh, do you know of anyone that has towed that camper with a half-ton. Thinking about moving up to it but not 100% sure. Don't really want to go to a 3/4 ton yet.
It's definitely the right trailer for a properly equipped half ton. Just call our team so they can run some numbers to make sure you'd be safe.
Josh, when RV manufacturers list the pin weight of a 5th wheel, is that number when the coach is empty, fully loaded, or some other combination?
It's usually referred to as "Dry hitch weight" because it's the only number you can consistently measure from the MFG'ing level. They can't possibly list a loaded hitch weight because the way one person loads (and what they load) will vary from the next.
Thank you
So does that mean that as you load the trailer the hitch pin weight will also increase?
@@williamstatt8651 Of course.
Hi Josh, I have a '99 F-150, 5.4 liter, 4X4, X/C w/6.5' box, has a GVWR of 6700lb or 7700lb towing cap. I have put a 1000lb helwig helper spring, coil over shocks, 10 ply tires, and airlift air bags. My question is, have I boosted my carrying cap. or towing ability any?
Yes... and no...
At the end of the day your will be able to put a heavier rig behind you without squatting the truck as significantly. However... your wheel bearings and other components are still holding all of the weight they always held. So... yes... and no...
The one half ton truck that could possibly pull a fifth wheel is a regular cab 2 wheel drive. I've seen some of those listed with 4k payload and 12k towing ability. Still wouldn't suggest it though.
Why not? I'm asking because I'm trying to learn so I can get a balance between budget and necessity. It's okay to say to just go buy the 3/4 but with price difference plus taxes, plus lack of good used available selection, I keep looking at 1/2 tons because of price. The only way I see is a special order to Ford, for example, for a regular cab 2 WD 8' box with max tow pkg and heady duty payload package. Kind of a unicorn and I can't seem to find a dealer with one on their lot anywhere.
Thanks man !!
Very helpful.
Josh - What is your opinion of the new Grand Design 150 Reflection line, specifically the 295RL? It has a GVW 9995lbs and a dry weight of 8496lbs, This line is designed to be 1/2 ton towable, but at GVW 9995lbs would an F150 be able to safely do that?
Everything Grand Design makes is just a Keystone clone essentially. That my thought. The product is fine, but I prefer the original version of something over a photocopy most of the time.
Regarding towing it: The question is not specific enough to be able to answer with specificity. F150's can vary so greatly in their capacities that the best I can say is "Some half tons can handle that, but some cannot. It depends on the truck's equipment package and capacities."
I think I need to talk to you about this. I just bought a ram 2500 turbo diesel and dealerships here are claiming I can only pull a travel trailer.
Our team at 800-256-5196 is happy to run some towing safety figures for you any time
Hello Josh. Can you give a little advise??? I am considering buying a used ram 1500. I don't plan to do any major towing. However, it looks like the previous owners had a 5th wheel setup in the bed. Its at a dealership so i was able to check the carfax. They looked like weekend warriors. Florida, to Kentucky, to North Carolina, to South Carolina..lol. They would get oil changes at the dealerships during their traveling . Should i be concerned with potential suspension or drivetrain damage with this truck? It has really low miles which further tells me it was used just for those type of trips. I have no way of knowing what size rig they were pulling. Should i stay away or take a chance?
This is a case where you'll need to really rely on what you can see with your own eyes. I would *most definitely* have the truck inspected by the mechanic of your choice. The wheel bearings are the first point of concern in my mind.
People can put things like airbags on a half-ton pickup to force it to ride level, but they're not actually improving the payload capacity. Items like the wheel bearings still hold all the weight they always would've.
From what you've described they may have been cautious with their preventative maintenance & the truck might be just fine. Having it inspected is the only way to know for sure really.
Just a reminder. Your tongue weight on your 5th wheel cannot go over bed rating on your truck no matter what upgrades you put on it. Those upgrades don't show up on your registration and that's all a cop has to go on if pulled over.
durangodave
It's called payload capacity. You can search for it on the manufacturer's website and should be on the towing documentation. It's usually a PDF.
The payload capacity is 1300 lbs as specified on the pic you sent. What part are you confused about?
To figure out he payload you need to deduct the weight of everything in the truck including people, gas, tools, so the actual payload on a rated at 1900# payload ends up being more like 1100#
The payload capacity is on the tire/load tag on the drivers door jam. That number includes all cargo, people, gas, topper , tool and trailer tongue weight added together.
Josh are you going to be at the RV show Grand rapids next week
As it turns out, I had a previous engagement, but I will do everything I can to get there next year
hey there love your videos watch them all the time i just recently got a ram 1500 2018 3.6 i sort of got screwed into the buy but that's another story what is a good travel trailer for year around that can handle cold and isn't small i have heard all types of things i will be putting air bags and better shocks but where does that leave me with the 3.6 :[
With the greatest respect Thomas I'm having a hard time reading your comment. I'm not sure what's a statement, and what's a question. Can you rephrase your question with a few periods thrown in there to help me out so I can get you a solid answer?
I have a Ram 2500 hd diesel and a supposedly half ton towable 5th wheel trailed. It has a 1550 lb tongue weight dry. The truck only has a 2275 payload rating. Loaded the trailer has a tongue weight 1700 lbs. problem it the diesel engine eats up 1000 lbs of the payload. A gas truck in the same truck has a 3325 lb payload as a gas engine is that much lighter. The trailer dry only weights at 7875 lbs dry and 9200 loaded. Even a 2500 diesel is almost at its limit with people and hitch and a full tank. I only have about 275 lbs to spare. I personally don’t believe anyone should tow a 5th wheel with a half ton truck. It is not made for that scenario. They should only tow a bumper pull travel trailer, personally.
I love your videos. I bought a open range 2016 37RLS ft rommer I am towing it with my 2012 Ford 150e ecoboost with hd payload and max towing the truck is rated at 11,300 towing and payload capacity is 2600. The trailer has a 8000 pound dry weight> My question is about the hitch. I bought the reese hitch from the dealer i got the trailer from , however that hitch flat out sucks. I was wondering what kind of hitch you would suggest for my setup.
Hard to say without knowing what you have exactly and what you would prefer. Best answer is to call our parts team directly at 800-256-5196. One of the prompts (I think it's option 4) will get you the parts/hitching team.
I use the Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel in my '14 F150, its awesome and only weighs 40 lbs.
A scale is the only way to get a true pin weight for your vehicle, the Reese standard 15 RK hitch does’t weigh 200 lbs either, and if your slide out is over the axels of the trailer that weight is supported bye the axels of the trailer... just saying, hint the Winnebago Micro Minnie 2405 RL is perfectly fine for a half ton truck, not everyone is pulling highway mansions. So truck owners need to realize what is in there towing range and it’s not true to just say no they cannot tow a fifth wheel trailers safety!
That's cool. Even I could understand that one. How about a vid for travel trailer? Thx.
Depending on what you're looking for I might already have it. Here's a playlist of my series of this sort of videos: th-cam.com/play/PLUT5NkY-l88zsqkVJSoDXDyOoRSSAVnXf.html
The 3.5 ecoboost is awesome. Towing up to 11-12k. Payload 300-3300 lbs.
A half ton truck just dont have the touque to pull a camper very well my 5.3 struggles with my 7k camper, i believe 3/4 ton only for the breaks better gears and just more motor. When i can afford a decent used 3/4 my half ton is gone until then oh its getting put threw the works. We had a 4500 pound camper and the 5.3 did fine but i dought many 5th wheels are gonna be that light.
It's a mistake to judge all half tons based on your experience with but one of them.
I have a 72 dodge d100 with air shocks and trailer brakes installed, it pulls my 25 foot 5th wheel OK....It dont max out my suspension, but i dont drive it more than 50mph, and i wouldnt take it over mountians, Ive towed it about 1000 miles so far but just across flat kansas colorado land.
Sounds like you're using a healthy dose of common sense which I've learned isn't really so common anymore lol
Great video! You've managed to make me doubt the capacity of my vehicle (lol). I've got a 2015 Ford F-150 XLT FX4 super cab, 3.5L TT Ecoboost, electronic locking 3.55 rear, max tow package and 6.5' bed. I've called Ford and others and always seem to get a different answer on capacity. We're looking at a 2017 Jayco Eagle HT 28.5 RSTS with a dry weight of 8800lbs. My concern isn't towing it so much as the king pin weight (1,500lbs). I believe the cargo capacity is 3,000lbs but not 100% sure. I don't have a 5th wheel hitch yet either. Suggestions?
My best recommendation here is call our store and ask to speak with "Big Scott." He came from years of truck sales & is as much of a knowledge nerd about stuff as I am, but has a vastly superior base of vehicle knowledge you can tap into.
There are a small handful of half-tons truly set for FW towing. I feel like you may have one of those as it sounds like you've really done a lot of research into the topic & had a good idea of what you were seeking.
At the very worst you might be looking at airbags which is seriously no big deal.
For hitching: Call our parts team. We have guys that do nothing but hitching all day. There are a LOT of special cases like "Hitch Model X works great EXCEPT when you have truck model Y." They know that stuff inside and out.
With that truck, your Payload is going to be about 1800 lbs. Open your driver side door and look at the tire and loading sticker on the door jam, it will show your cargo capacity as weighed when it left the facility. This is almost spot on for your payload capacity with a full tank of gas and nobody in it. Remember, that is dry pin weight you are talking. Load anything in the basement and you are well going to be over your payload capacity.
Oddly, the sticker suggests the max payload is 1699lbs which is quite a bit less than I'd expected for a "max tow" setup. FORD even touts a 3000lb capacity for these trucks. I wonder where the disconnect is? What's my next option - air bags?
All manufactures advertise the best possible numbers, without telling you what that means. IE a Regular Cab F-150 XL without 4x4, with a max "payload" package. Then... You could get that 3,000lb payload. Ford has a Max Tow, package, and a "Heavy Duty Payload Package". Max payload takes your GVWR from 7000lbs to 7850lbs for a crew cab. For what you have, I would suggest one of 2 things. If you really want that 5th wheel, you'll need to trade in and start looking at a 3/4 ton. If that's not an option, I'd be looking at a travel trailer with tongue weight under 800 lbs. Just realize if you were to get in an accident with that. You are almost guaranteed to have your claim denied because you overloaded the vehicles GVWR. Adding airbags or helper springs may cushion the ride and keep you from bottoming, but it will do nothing to increase your payload. Your rear axle is going to take punishing and will be over the GAWR. With Max Tow, your gross axle weight rating is probably 3850. That weight rating is listed on the sticker above the T&L sticker.
Update: We've decided to trade in the F150 and purchased a new 2017 F250 XLT 6.2L SCREW LB SWR 4X4. We're going with the B&W turnover ball and Andersen Ultimate Adapter 2 for a clean look and easy install.
Can you help me? I have a 2017 F-150 SuperCrew with the 5.0 V8 and 6 1/2 foot bed. Can you tell me how much towing capacity I have? What is my payload capacity? I’m considering getting a 1/2 ton towable 5th Wheel but I’m getting conflicting information. My drivers side door tags say the GVWR is 7050 lbs and Payload is a maximum of 1975 lbs with cargo and passenger load. I can’t find my GCVW rating. Anyway, would I be safe towing a combined cargo and trailer 10,000 lb 5th Wheel?
We can definitely answer those question, but we'd need to know a few more pieces of information. This is a conversation best held over the phone so we can verify you understand everything. Give one of our guys a call at 800-256-5196 & they can hit up the towing guides for you.
Knowing your axle ratio would be a major piece of the puzzle. If you know that, then see if you can locate an axle code. If you're unable to do that, then our guys can tell you how to find it when you call.
Uncle Josh, You look much better in the Bish garb!
To be fair I've never set the bar very high in the looks department lol
Thanks Josh for the 411. I have a 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L Twin Turbo with 10speed trans, HD Tow package and an upgraded 7000lb GVW. Towing weight is 12,600lbs. Trying to figure out its actual payload?
Call us at 800-256-5196 & ask for Scott McKinney. He's a wizard when it comes to towing.
Haylett RV will do thanks 😀
Haylett RV The payload can reach 3200 pounds on that truck. That is if you have the right tow package.
With all the upgrades it is hard calling that truck a half ton.
Bill Penning I just wanted to add that you can search ford for the answers. That being said go lower than the max by 30% if possible. Just make your life easier.
Your truck is not really a half ton though. Not if you got the struts, shocks, and axel tow package upgrade.
Bill open driver side door and look yellow sticker it will tell you payload. The towing package has nothing to do with payload capacity, in fact the options on your truck with actually take away from your cargo or payload capacity.