1500 towing a 5th Wheel

We spend a lot of time on the road, as do so many here, and I see a lot of trailers being pulled everywhere by 1/2 ton trucks. I must admit that the majority seem to be bumper pulls rather than 5th wheels, but I still see a lot of them.

I tried it some years back and found if I stayed on relatively flat ground, I was comfortable towing in all aspects but as soon as we made one trip up highway 395 to Mammoth Lakes I realized what a huge mistake it was. I literally felt bad for my poor truck. I strained in 1st and 2nd gear to go up grades and worried about coming down them. As soon as we returned I sold my 1/2 ton and found a great deal on my 3/4 ton diesel. It wasn't a month later I traded the trailer on something bigger! Go figure.

1/2 ton with Terry 5th:




3/4 ton with same trailer which I had to flip the axles:


3/4 ton with new trailer:


See how that works?

GPG52! wrote:
My previous combo was a 2006 Dodge Mega Cab 1500, 5.7 Hemi, we towed a 2010 KZ 1500 Durango 275. Special attention was given to the trucks capacity and the "real" weight of the trailer along with hitch and hook up. I had a GREAT dealer who is very cautious when matching combos and hitch specification. We put about 7,000 miles per year while traveling down to southern states with no problem. BUT do note that light weight trailers have different manufacturer specs than regular units. i.e. thinner walls, less storage etc.

It is only fair to note that a 1/2 ton 2006 Dodge Ram MegaCab is built on a 3/4 ton chasis with a 3/4 ton rear end because the cab weight alone would have left a 1/2 chasis with no payload.

I saw in my travels last fall 2 people towing Jayco Eagle ? with F150 and Toyota Tundra. Both were very pleased with the towing capacity of their trucks. The fivers had 2 slidouts. I was really impressed in the tag on the side . Heck, a weight savings over what I pull now means better MPG, right?

Always amazed at these post. I could probably pull my Cameo with my 1962 Ford farm tractor: but would I?? They make equipment for every purpose and you need to choose the proper equipment for the job. The truck manufactures put out the towing specs for a reason and the RV salesman says "Don't worry you can handle it" for a reason. Take the time to check the specs and then if you are going to take a chance: take a chance that you bought too much truck, it is the better mistake.

My previous combo was a 2006 Dodge Mega Cab 1500, 5.7 Hemi, we towed a 2010 KZ 1500 Durango 275. Special attention was given to the trucks capacity and the "real" weight of the trailer along with hitch and hook up. I had a GREAT dealer who is very cautious when matching combos and hitch specification. We put about 7,000 miles per year while traveling down to southern states with no problem. BUT do note that light weight trailers have different manufacturer specs than regular units. i.e. thinner walls, less storage etc.

derek_gardner, in 2009, had I known I'd be in a position to purchase a trailer in 2012, I would have likely bought a bigger truck.

Since I couldn't afford both, I did my homework, very happy with my purchase. I'm right at my rear GAWR, within 10% of my GCWR. It tows well, brakes well. I know I won't go to Colorado, but have 10 more years of work before I can retire, so don't have the time to be on the road long enough to get there.

I've been all over Texas with lots still to see. Davis Mountains in West Texas, Palo Duro Canyon in the panhandle (with its 10% grade in/out ... no too long though). The weak link is holding 65mph with a good headwind, lots of dropping to 3rd gear and winding up the engine to 3,500 rpm! I just find a slower speed.

All in all, I'm happy with what I have. At my current rate of saving, I'll be able to pay cash for a 3/4 ton with diesel in a few years. I'll get there!

It can be done but you have to be realistic about what your trucks capabilities are. We had a 2003 f150 supercrew and I used that to tow a 2006 wildcat 24rl @25.5ft long, its pin weight was only around 970 lbs , dry weight at 6900 or so . For 2 of us it was fine and we travelled light and long distances . But when it came time to get a new truck I went to a gas 6.2 f250 club cab long box and then later traded the trailer in on a 31ft Cougar. The smaller and lighter fifths are out there but you have to figure out if they are suitable to your needs. Its the pin weight that'l get ya not so much the wind drag , towing a fiver is much nicer than towing a TT

Don't do it. I mistakenly bought a 'half ton towable' 5th wheel for my 2011 Sierra 1500 4x4 Ext. Cab Std. Box 5.3L V8 3.42 Rear that had a reduced payload from other Sierra's most likely due to the 20" wheels and P-Rated Tires. My payload was 1601lbs. My friends mostly identical Sierra has a payload rating of 1790. The difference? He has 17" wheels. Anyway, the 5th wheel we bought has a pin weight of 1215lb. with a dry weight of approx 6900lb and an GVW of 8200. It is much lighter than the TT we were pulling but not doable with the 1500 Sierra. Anyway, I ended up buying a 2015 Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab Std. Box 4x4 Gasser on July 17th. Payload Rating is 2831 lbs. on the new beast.

we have the same truck, and looked at many 5th. we did have a 20 ft and it pulled fine. we opted for a 24 ft trailer now. we just finished a 2800 mile trip in Oregon. looked at most campers coming in. found a few pulling a 26-29 ft. they were all told their truck would pull it. mine
will not. to much weight, and would not like to have to stop it. If going over 23 ft, look for a 3/4 ton.
2800 miles and 12.4 mpg. love the coast, and Oregon campgrounds. found out I get 10 days month free camping.

I've towed two different 5ers with a "half-ton".
The smaller one (17 ft MeToo) is smaller then any 5er made today
The larger one (21 ft Fleetwood) is a bit larger then then smallest 5er made that I know of (Scamp)

Yes it can be done, but you are restricted to the smallest, lightest rigs out there.