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 that stand out from the rest as far as quality, etc. We are going from a pop up and deciding between travel trailer, 5th wheel, or motorhome...I know I know lol. Could write a page of questions on this but for now will keep to the 5th wheel. Thank you for any input.

It is not so much the maximum size as it is maximum weight you can safely tow. There are a number of 5er manufacturers making lightweight trailers suitable for a 1/2 ton. But you need to carefully look at the tow weight ratings and payload weight ratings of the 1/2 ton you are interested in, and then look at the trailer weights and pin weights of the 5ers you are interested in. And make sure the two are compatible.

Without getting into a lot of weight figures, if you want to try to tow a 5th wheel with a 1/2 ton truck you will be very limited. I believe there are probably some very small newer light weight units on the market that could work. In my opinion, generally speaking a properly matched TV and 5th wheel will not sway very much even in high wind conditions.

Keystone makes 1/2 ton tow ables. go to their web site and see for yourself. they have the weights listed for you also.

Yes a 5er will tow better and even being heavier will get better mileage than a bumper pull. WIth a 1/2 ton however as already mentioned you 5er options will be very limited.

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

Are 5th Wheelers easier to tow & best mfgrs | Good Sam Community

bobx2
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
I own one of the few 5th wheels that could likely be pulled with a half ton without too much strain. It has an 1,100 lb. pin weight, and a dry weight of 6,500 lbs. Have to be careful, because it has a max weight of 9,900 lbs. and that IMO is too much for a 1/2 ton. It is the perfect size for two people, but any more than that and it might be a bit on the small side. I'm not a fan of 1/2 ton trucks pulling RV's, but you could probably handle this one.
dpgllg
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
I had a 1/2 ton truck when I purchased my 5th wheel. The dealer said "No Problem" your 5th wheel is a "1/2 ton towable" unit according to Forest River.

I towed it one time and told my wife we either get a bigger truck or sell the 5th wheel. Went to a 2500 and the difference was night and day.

I recently upgraded to a new 2500 but this one is now a diesel!

If you already have a truck why not post the details here. These guys can slice and dice the information and let you know exactly what if any 5th wheel you might be able to handle.
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
Desiderata wrote:
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 that stand out from the rest as far as quality, etc. We are going from a pop up and deciding between travel trailer, 5th wheel, or motorhome...I know I know lol. Could write a page of questions on this but for now will keep to the 5th wheel. Thank you for any input.

.

If you plan on keeping the 1/2 ton pickup - a TT would be the best choice.

~
mrw8i
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
According to the State of California a 5th wheel is easier to tow than a bumper pull. A Class A non-commercial license is required to tow a bumper pull over 10,000lbs GVWR. A Class A non-commercial license is required to tow a 5th wheel over 15,000 lbs.
mileshuff
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
Are the manufacture labeled 1/2 ton towable 5'ers really 1/2 ton towable? Seems the only factor they look at is the maximum weight a typical 1/2 ton can tow vs. the GVWR of the 5'er. I would tend to think most of the 1/2 ton series 5'ers out lately would exceed the max pin weight of most 1/2 ton trucks although some of the 2013/14's have higher payload capabilities than prior years.
Sam_and_Chris
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
Two great links for understanding safe 5th wheel towing:
Trailer Life Towing Guide and Fifth Wheel St. (St. stands for Safe Towing). Both found online and breaks down all you need to know on the 5th wheel and tow vehicle weight ratings. Highly recommend you read each one.
Good luck!
Sam and Chris

Previous RV's
2010 Rockwood Signature Ultra Light 33' TT
1997 Class A Winnebago Adventurer
1999 Gulfstream Conquest 27' TT

Current 5th wheel owners-to-be (still searching)
2010 Chevy 2500HD ext. cab, 6.0 gas
Pull Rite Super Glide hitch
Bamaman11
Explorer
Oct 01, 2014
Most 1/2 ton trucks have the suspension comparable to a Ford Crown Victoria. You can order heavy duty 1/2 ton trucks, however.

If you happen to have one with the heaviest suspension available and the camper specific package, there are a few smaller and lighter fifth wheel trailers available. I'd suggest you look at Grand Design's lightest two Reflection series fifth wheels--meant for being towed by properly equipped 1/2 ton trucks.

Otherwise, I'd suggest you check into a premium fiberglass sided travel trailer--preferably a slider unit.
2112
Explorer II
Oct 01, 2014
I have to answer one of your questions (can my 1/2 ton tow a 5th wheel?) with a question.
What is your payload as stated on the yellow tire info sticker located on the driver side door jam? That is the best place to start.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Oct 01, 2014
In my opinion, there is very little difference between towing a 5th wheel or a TT. As long as the TV and trailers are setup properly. I've towed many TTs and 5th wheels.

I know you are probably trying to avoid buying a truck and a trailer but I would definitely consider going to a 2500 or 3500 truck. You're already moving up from a pop-up, most RV'ers will go through 3 to 4 RV upgrades before they settle on one that meets their needs. So you may be destined to go with a bigger TT and or 5th wheel in your near future...might as well go big now and enjoy.
wandering1
Explorer
Oct 01, 2014
If you don't know how much trailer your truck will handle you need to find out since you are legally responsible for having an adequate tow vehicle. Get the tow specs from the manufacturer and read them.