5th Wheel Purchase Advice
Howdy from a new member here. I'm new to this site but not to camping. I've been camping for close to 40 years using a tent then a truck camper and then a motorhome. I'm retiring soon and want to...
Forum Discussion
JIMNLIN wrote:
welcome to the forum.
Your going to get the usual "a 1500 truck can't tow a 5th wheel trai;ler" from the usual crowd so be prepared .
Sure....the truck will handle a small 5th wheel trailer under 4700-5200 GVWR depending on gear ratio. The 4x4 4.8 engine truck takes a big hit in tow performance at only 5200 lb/4.10 gear number is from trailer life towing guide
Your std duty 1500 truck is good for around 900-1100 lb hitch (pin) weight. By the time you add 200 lbs for the hitch and other necessary junk in the truck/occupants/etc your going to be close to a 3800-3900 rear axle weight/tires max loads.
The small 4.8 gas engine is more of a econo engine and will struggle in the hills-mountains/high head wind country. I wouldn't mess with a engine oil cooler but a aux tranny fluid cooler in that year model is a big plus.
http://www.allencampermfg.com/default.html Check out these folks small 5th wheel trailers.
Also their TT's. Notice you can tow a larger TT than a 5th wheel trailer.
Small used 5th wheel trailers are rare as there isn't much of a demand for them. Good luck on your search.
Kind of funny what you stated "the usual crowd"....., yet you covered everything that needed to be covered that quiet a few of us would have stated....He needs a light weight 5er for that truck:)
Might also look at "Scamp" 5ers. Allen manufactures pretty good light weight TT's and 5er's as mentioned by JIMNLIN.
