5th wheel & Half-ton TV Thoughts

About the only option with that short bed is a Sidewinder style pinbox that turns at attachment point on FW.

That truck is just not best option. Since he has upgraded tires/suspension, it may work, but keep in mind, if looking at pin wts of 1400 dry (brochure) wt, that will increase a bunch, could end up closer to 2K when loaded to GVWR of FW.

Jerry

1) What does the payload sticker on the door say and what is the actual CAT weights for the truck loaded with passengers and gear ready for travel?
2) Is 1400lb pin weight based on an empty trailer or 20-25% of the GVWR?
- If it's 25% of the GVWR, he may be fine if he has a high payload 1/2 ton truck but that's a tiny 5er (like 5-6,000lb).
- If 1400lb is the empty weight, expect to be up around 2000lb or more once loaded.

2000lb pin weight is getting iffy for a 1/2 ton truck. Add in a couple hundred for the hitch and 3-400 for passengers and even the beefiest 2500lb payload 1/2 ton trucks are maxed out without putting anything else in the truck.

Yeah, he will have to be very careful with a 5.5ft bed. Doable but don't be surprised when he buys a new rear window for the truck.

What exactly is he hoping to gain by going to a 5er? While 5ers tow nicely, a properly set up bumper pull should not be a white knuckle ride by any stretch. The advantage is hitch weights for bumper pulls should be in the 12-15% range rather than 20-25%, so they tax the trucks payload less.

If you want a 5er, it makes far more sense to upgrade to a 3/4 or even better a 1 ton truck (3/4 can even be marginal by the time you get north of 8-10k lbs).

"the dealership says he'll be fine..."

Of course they do! Dealer wants to make a sale. He won't be fine with 95% of all 5ers. TOO much pin weight. One can modify their truck (even those of us who are not automotive engineers) but one can't increase the manufacturer's max weight. What I believe your friend really did was modify the truck to make it level.

It’s a 5.5’ box which means it’s not a HDPP (they’re 6.5’) and doesn’t have enough payload or rawr for a 5th wheel. This is coming from a guy that tows a 5th wheel with a 1/2 ton that’s in my signature.

Is your friend in Colorado as well? I can't imagine that any 150 would have the cooling capacity to pull a 5er over the mountains. I have a 19 Expedition MAX that both tranny and engine temps go above 240* when towing my 7000 pound boat over I70. Higher profile and more weight is going to be a no-go, even if he had the payload to do it.

Impossible!

Lwiddis wrote:
"the dealership says he'll be fine..."

Of course they do! Dealer wants to make a sale.He won't be fine with 95% of all 5ers. TOO much pin weight. One can modify their truck (even those of us who are not automotive engineers) but one can't increase the manufacturer's max weight. What I believe your friend really did was modify the truck to make it level.

Remember, generally speaking, if their lips are moving, their lying.

When we started shopping FW's I had a F150 screw with a 5.5' bed. It was immediately clear based on the numbers and clearance that it simply wouldn't do. Even marginally it would have been a white knuckle experience and who wants that. I opted for an F350 diesel which is plenty capable and allows me to grow into another FW in the future if I wanted. The dealer I worked with actually schooled me on how to run the numbers which was very helpful. Unfortunately a lot of dealers will say anything to sell. I wonder if they could be accountable if some disaster occurs by advising on a combination that is unsafe. At the end of the day it's just math. Numbers don't lie.

A dealer will tell you the sun rises in the west if it will help him make a sale!

Thanks all...great feedback. I guess I haven't been on here for a while...I am actually in Iowa now and have a new truck and 5th wheel myself...guess I have to update my signature info.