Newbie here

bikendan wrote:
having a 1/2 ton truck really limits you to only the smallest 5th wheels around.
as was said, your truck won't have enough payload for the vast majority of 5th wheels.

Noted. Thank you. I will need to look in to 3/4 ton and hope I could find a good deal.

Spleenstomper wrote:
How many people?

It would just be me the majority of the time. I would like to have a trailer that comfortably housed 2 people.

having a 1/2 ton truck really limits you to only the smallest 5th wheels around.
as was said, your truck won't have enough payload for the vast majority of 5th wheels.

How many people?

Very few 5'ers are compatible with 1/2 ton trucks. Most 1/2 ton's have a payload capacity in the area of 13 - 1700 lbs.

If you go looking at trucks based on advertised payloads, you will be surprised at the differences.

Manufacturers set GVWR and payload numbers, based on the frame, engine, and braking system, and it is a 2 wheel drive, stripped down model. Anything added by manufacturer, dealer, or customer, takes away from those numbers.

Example:

Manufacturer says model XX has GVWR of 7200 lbs and curb weight is 5600 lbs. The difference of 1600 lbs would be considered payload.

Then, manufacturer adds (300 lbs) a tow package and four wheel drive. The GVWR is still 7200 lbs, but, curb weight is now 5900 and payload is 1300.

Then, dealer adds (100 lbs) a step bar and bed liner. GVWR is still 7200, curb weight is now 6000 lbs and payload is 1200 lbs.

Then, customer adds (100 lbs) custom floor mats and a few accessories. GVWR is still 7200, curb weight is now 6100, and payload is down to 1100 lbs.

That 1100 lbs available payload is what is left for people, cargo, F/W hitch or WD hitch, and tongue weight or pin weight.

After installing a F/W hitch, availlable payload could be down to 750 lbs. It's not uncommon to see fifth wheels with pin weight between 1500 and 2000 lbs.

2012Coleman wrote:
What do your parents have as a TV for their fith wheel? I'd imagine that you would need at least a 3/4 ton with a big engine. Lots of info on here on the particulars. There is a desiel vs. gas sticky on the tow vehicles forum.

My folks have a 3/4 ton diesel GMC. Idk if I want to go that big right away unless I come across a good deal.

If I were to get a toy hauler I'd want one that has a separate garage area, so I'm not living with my toys while watching TV etc. But they are bigger with this option.
I think I would be looking for a bigger truck then a 1/2 ton..

You still have too many questions. Go to the nearest RV show. Get there early and stay the entire day. Look at everything on the floor and think about the places you would want to travel. Talk to everybody you can. Even a salesman might provide the odd piece of useful information. Do NOT buy anything that day except food and drink, maybe a pair of sunglasses. Then come back and ask more questions.

What do your parents have as a TV for their fith wheel? I'd imagine that you would need at least a 3/4 ton with a big engine. Lots of info on here on the particulars. There is a desiel vs. gas sticky on the tow vehicles forum.