Would like info on 1/2 ton tundra 4x4 pulling 32' 9050gvw 5th wheeler

I have owned a tundra for the last five years and I can tell you that the truck definitely has power. Unfortunately, I'm trading mine because it doesn't have enough payload capacity for my new fifthwheel. that will be the downfall. Check the trailers pin weight and see if it is within your trucks payload capacity.

A 9050 5th wheel trailer may have a 20 percent pin weight at 1810 lbs. Now add a 200 lb hitch = 2010 lbs Now add 250 lbs for stuff in the truck = 2260 lbs. A 1/2 ton truck may weigh 2500-2600 on the rear axles. Now add 2260 lbs = 4860 lbs ....approx weights. The truck is severally over loaded on the trucks rear P tires/1/2 ton wheels and suspension.

Even if you are within the payload limits, the Tundra will be straining in any kind of mountains. IMHO, the Tundra is good for up to 7,500 lbs. at the most if you don't want to overwork the truck. If you want a fifth wheel, get a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. I love my Tundra, but it's not designed for pulling fifth wheels unless you are talking very small and lightweight ones.

scbwr wrote:Even if you are within the payload limits, the Tundra will be straining in any kind of mountains. IMHO, the Tundra is good for up to 7,500 lbs. at the most if you don't want to overwork the truck. If you want a fifth wheel, get a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. I love my Tundra, but it's not designed for pulling fifth wheels unless you are talking very small and lightweight ones.x2 Love our Tundra, no problems towing hills or cross country with our TT but would not tow a fifth wheel. Get a bigger truck, more payload.

Max Payload for the Tundra is pretty low, around 1500#. You are way overloaded with that pin weight. I had a 2007 Tundra Crewmax and pulled a 6500# unloaded weight travel trailer, it was anemic at best. The gas tank is small and you have to stop frequently for gas.. I now have a Ford F-250 PS diesel with the same trailer and could not be happier. Pulls like a dream. Get a 3/4 ton diesel and save yourself some headache.

tundra 1/2 ton | Good Sam Community

kaydeejay
Explorer
Jun 29, 2015
jerem0621 wrote:
Well, I'm now old enough to have heard that 381 HP is not enough to tow a 9000 lb GVW trailer. ..............
No-one is suggesting the Tundra does not have enough power - it's the load carrying capacity that is the limitation.
jerem0621
Explorer II
Jun 29, 2015
Lantley wrote:
jerem0621 wrote:

Many tow fivers with a Tundra and nearly all of them are overloaded. The owner is either unaware or has made mods to deal with the overload situation.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Is it possible to do mods to deal with overloaded situation. Are there mods that can reduce the weight of the trailer?

Yea, people do these mods all the time.. Overload springs, airbags, Timbrens... pick your option. Add LT tires and you have done about all you can do to help the vehicle deal with the load.

Nothing changes the payload sticker.... no airbag, no air shock, no tire, no nothing changes that payload sticker.

I counted 6 Tundra's towing Big Fivers and TT's today alone. I see them ALL THE TIME towing big trailers travling on I24 and I75. I see "half tons" towing fivers on a daily basis... literally... a daily basis...

These suspension and tire mods do not do anything to save component wear... nothing changes the fact that towing at max and hauling over max wear stuff out faster.

I still recommend a TT and to stay within payload.

Just saying that people blow past that payload sticker all the time.

One fiver I saw today being towed by a CREWMAX Tundra had four bikes on the back of the fiver. Yep.. A family in the Truck plug a 30 plus ft Couger Half Ton... my guess is that he was 500-1000 lbs over payload.

Was towing level with no noticeable sag. Probably had airbags. LOL

Thanks!

Jeremiah
pops8gok
Explorer
Jun 29, 2015
Thanks to everyone will not make that mistake. Brian
Lantley
Nomad
Jun 29, 2015
jerem0621 wrote:

Many tow fivers with a Tundra and nearly all of them are overloaded. The owner is either unaware or has made mods to deal with the overload situation.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Is it possible to do mods to deal with overloaded situation. Are there mods that can reduce the weight of the trailer?
jerem0621
Explorer II
Jun 29, 2015
Well, I'm now old enough to have heard that 381 HP is not enough to tow a 9000 lb GVW trailer.

How did we ever manage 20 years ago. LOL

OP... I do agree that you will likely overload the tires and the axles. LT tires and airbags are a good option if you go with a fiver.

I Personally recommend a TT for a half ton though. Its a heck of a tow vehicle.. it's just got the typical 1500 lb limitation on payload. There are may large and lightweight TT's that put the tongue weight around 700 ish lbs.

Many tow fivers with a Tundra and nearly all of them are overloaded. The owner is either unaware or has made mods to deal with the overload situation.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
kknowlton
Explorer II
Jun 29, 2015
Agree with most everyone, payload is the problem, and you'll be way over your truck's payload capacity with that 5er. Tundras are lighter in the rear than the front (besides the obvious difference of motor location) due to using c-channel framing in the rear, as opposed to more solid framing in the front.

I had a 2007 Tundra Crewmax and pulled a 6500# unloaded weight travel trailer, it was anemic at best.

This statement surprises me. Our TT was 7500# loaded and the truck pulled it up mountains no problem. Sure, we weren't going uphill at 70, but downshift a couple times and it actually can accelerate on 6% grades or steeper.
FlatBroke
Explorer II
Jun 28, 2015
My x boss bought a 150 Ford years ago, big motor. Said it had more power than the other trucks around there. He started pulling loads with it instead of the others. 2 weeks later he was putting a new rear end in it.
Allworth
Explorer II
Jun 28, 2015
To add one more log on the fire:

In 2011 or 2012 Trailer Life had a short article explaining that Tundra frames were not rated for fifth wheel towing due to the way they were designed.

That may have changed in the last couple of years, but if it has there was not much mention of it in the automotive press.
goducks10
Explorer
Jun 28, 2015
Contrary to what some on Tundra forums say, it's not close to a 3/4 ton truck.
IMO look for a lighter 5th wheel or just get a travel trailer. You'll get more bang for the buck with a TT and you'll be within all weight limits on the Tundra.
e-light
Explorer
Jun 28, 2015
If you have the tow package and 5.7 power will not be an issue. You will have plenty of power for that weight. Its the payload thats the show stopper. If you want to keep the truck you might look at travel trailers. Much less hitch weight with wdh...