Are 5th Wheelers easier to tow & best mfgrs
Probably a silly question but I'm assuming less sway issues with a 5th wheel? Was also wondering what the maximum size is to safely trailer with a 1/2 ton truck and are there some manufacturers/models...
Forum Discussion
First off, a 1/2 ton truck is limited in payload capacity and the pin weight will be higher on a 5er than on a bumper pull travel trailer. Practically a 1/2 ton truck will pull a 24' 5th wheel and not be overloaded.
You cannot use the "tow ratings" for the truck manufacturers. The weight they provide is the highest possible number with a base model truck, no options, no accessories, no cargo and only a 150# driver. For every pound you add over this fictional model truck, you need to reduce the tow rating and the pay load rating for the truck by the same amount. The tow ratings do not even consider the tongue weight of the trailer or the pin weight of a 5er and whether they can be towed within the GVWR of the truck.
To properly see what you can tow, load up the truck with the family, full fuel and normal camping cargo and get the truck weighed ...add 150# for a 5er hitch.
Find the trucks GCWR in the owners manual for your specific model cab, engine and axle ratio. The trucks GVWR is listed on the door jamb sticker on the drivers door.
GCWR - loaded truck = maximum loaded trailer weight (Note this is not the dry weight).
GVWR - loaded truck = maximum loaded trailer tongue or pin weight.
Tongue weight on a travel trailer will run 10 to 15% of the trailers GVWR. On a 5er, you will run from 15 to about 20% of the trailers GVWR.
Be very careful of the so called "1/2 ton towable" rated trailers. They use stripped trailer weights and stripped truck weights. This works great if you never add any cargo or options to the trailer or truck.
A 5er by the nature of the pin location is not prone to sway.
A properly matched and set up travel trailer will not sway either.
Remember that they make little trucks for little trailers and they make big trucks for big trailers.
Ken
You cannot use the "tow ratings" for the truck manufacturers. The weight they provide is the highest possible number with a base model truck, no options, no accessories, no cargo and only a 150# driver. For every pound you add over this fictional model truck, you need to reduce the tow rating and the pay load rating for the truck by the same amount. The tow ratings do not even consider the tongue weight of the trailer or the pin weight of a 5er and whether they can be towed within the GVWR of the truck.
To properly see what you can tow, load up the truck with the family, full fuel and normal camping cargo and get the truck weighed ...add 150# for a 5er hitch.
Find the trucks GCWR in the owners manual for your specific model cab, engine and axle ratio. The trucks GVWR is listed on the door jamb sticker on the drivers door.
GCWR - loaded truck = maximum loaded trailer weight (Note this is not the dry weight).
GVWR - loaded truck = maximum loaded trailer tongue or pin weight.
Tongue weight on a travel trailer will run 10 to 15% of the trailers GVWR. On a 5er, you will run from 15 to about 20% of the trailers GVWR.
Be very careful of the so called "1/2 ton towable" rated trailers. They use stripped trailer weights and stripped truck weights. This works great if you never add any cargo or options to the trailer or truck.
A 5er by the nature of the pin location is not prone to sway.
A properly matched and set up travel trailer will not sway either.
Remember that they make little trucks for little trailers and they make big trucks for big trailers.
Ken
