Light 5th Wheel

I third the Open Ranges. I have only seen a couple at dealers but I would consider them. I did not know of the gooseneck options. Neat.

Overweight or underweight or seems fine. There is a reason why a specification is set and it is based on safety and tolerances. Nobody should ever assume it is ok to be beyond the specifications when the public could be affected, the roads are not a closed track.

That being said plenty of people are overboard thinking you need a 3500 for 8000#.

I think you can find something for your rig but don't assume the sticker will be correct. Shoot for 80% of capacity and you will be closer to 90%.

DHCamper wrote:

mojoroo wrote:
Dhcamper did you ever weigh your rig? My dry weight sticker was off by 600# and my tongue off by 300# when compared to scales.

Not yet, just going by the yellow sticker/certificate. We did itemize the cargo and added up the weight. Nothing indicates anything is wrong with the weights or the distribution. The truck sits well and the trailer handles fine. When I weigh in, it will just be for curiosity sake.

Do not trust the yellow sticker or any other manufacturers weight. I have had five TTs and none were ever close. Just because the truck handles and sits fine does not mean you are safe for emergency maneuvers. Get it weighed and you maybe good to go, or you might be surprised.

johnvb wrote:

wildweasel7648 wrote:
Hi guys, we are considering a 5th wheel (getting near retirement). We are buying a F150 ecoboost for this purpose, I looked at diesels, too expensive and not real "in town" friendly. Sooo.. the ecoboost is the truck of choice. What would be some good choices for a 8-9000, pound 5th wheel? We would be camping the in cool temperatures sometimes too, so that has to be a consideration. Any advice? Thanks!

Check out the Open Range "Light" models:

Open Range Lights

Agreed, Open Range makes some very nice fivers for half ton trucks. They even offer a gooseneck attachment that would eliminate the weight of a fifth wheel hitch. Full featured in a very attractive light weight trailer that can turn 90* even with a 5.5 ft bed!!!

Steve

The KZ Durango in my sig is 1/2 ton towable. I did it for over a year, but the truck had a few electronic issues not related to towing so I gor a good trade and now have a 3/4 ton. I towed with the 1500 from south eastern PA to Nashville and a side trip on the way home through the smokies. It towed well and I would still have the combo if not for the issues.

12thgenusa wrote:
Veebyes,it seems to go hand in hand, insurance won't cover—lawsuit. I wish someone would post a real instance of this happening. I would love to read it.

I guess they all can't, because they can't afford the internet access after the insurance didn't pay.

wildweasel7648 wrote:
Hi guys, we are considering a 5th wheel (getting near retirement). We are buying a F150 ecoboost for this purpose, I looked at diesels, too expensive and not real "in town" friendly. Sooo.. the ecoboost is the truck of choice. What would be some good choices for a 8-9000, pound 5th wheel? We would be camping the in cool temperatures sometimes too, so that has to be a consideration. Any advice? Thanks!

Check out the Open Range "Light" models:

Open Range Lights

mojoroo wrote:
Dhcamper did you ever weigh your rig? My dry weight sticker was off by 600# and my tongue off by 300# when compared to scales.

Not yet, just going by the yellow sticker/certificate. We did itemize the cargo and added up the weight. Nothing indicates anything is wrong with the weights or the distribution. The truck sits well and the trailer handles fine. When I weigh in, it will just be for curiosity sake.

Dhcamper did you ever weigh your rig? My dry weight sticker was off by 600# and my tongue off by 300# when compared to scales.

The dry cert for my trailer says 7102 lbs. Water is 308. The factory dry pin weight is 1046lbs. We calculated the weight of the cargo to be under 700 lbs. Includes food and propane tanks. We don't carry anything in the truck besides the two of us and two small dogs. The hitch and bars weigh 135 lbs. The truck is level hitched with 36gal of gas on board (check profile pic). All the figures leave me well enough room below the rated gross vehicle and payload ratings. It is very comfortable towing with more than enough power. After 2000+ miles this year I have enjoyed towing with this rig. It will do fine until I get a 2015 next-gen.

As far as the microburst wind gusts, hell yeah it was exciting! But I was able to correct easily enough to stay in my lane. They seemed to be coming from all different directions. The gust speed was based on radio observations announced with the warning. Didn't have to deal with that nasty insurance lawsuit thing...

Go to my profile enlarge the picture there are no mods other than a mor ryde hitch plate. yes i do have the max tow haul package no sure you could get it any more level. I will say that we never put anything in the bed or cab and its just the dw and I. This setup so far has worked very well for us. Yes the payload is 1952/1957 truck is in parking lot. No I would not go any heavier or longer. The f'ver is a hornet 257rl. When people ask can it be done I try to give them my information just as anybody else, this is my experience. The best answer is gather as much information and then make a decision based on that.