So.... we are downsizing from our Power Stroke / 5th Wheel ensemble to a 1/2 ton truck with a travel trailer. We ended up purchasing a 2016 Ram 1500 4x2 with the 5.7 Hemi. Now we're looking at travel trailers.We just came from a Forest River dealer where we saw a 26' model that we really liked. The truck is rated for 10,800 pounds, and the trailer has a dry weight of 6,089 with 1,700 capacity. I know on paper it looks like I sill have a ton and a half of capacity to spare, but I am hoping to hear from someone with a similar setup who can tell me firsthand that he is happy with performance and handling of the truck and trailer combination. Hopefully someone who does some towing in Colorado or similar.Thanks in advance....

I don't think going from a 32' fifth wheel to a 26' trailer is much of a down size. But that's just me. I also think a 26' trailer at 10,800 pounds GVWR is way too much for a 1/2 ton pick up.

The gross weight on the trailer isn't 10.8k, it's about 8800 lbs. Although personally that's still more than I'd pull with a half ton. What are the axle and tire ratings on the new truck?

My suggestion is to keep the towing weight down to 7K or so. Look for a trailer that starts out 5K or so, and you'll end up towing a little over 6K and your truck will be very happy! My Tundra is technically rated for 10K, but I'm towing 6.5K or less and it's a great match, even with 2 folding bikes, blue tote, tool box, etc. in bed of truck. There's just DW & me in the truck. And, we had our rig out in the Rocky Mountains last year and it did very well.Consider looking at the Winnebago Minnie line. I follow a couple of forums, and most owners have been very pleased with them. We've had ours since the fall of 2013 and it's been a good trailer. Grand Design also has some interesting trailers, with 4 season features but they are a bit heavier and cost more.

Forget that 10,800 pound rating. That is just salesman talk. Do the math as far as payload, tongue weight, etc. More trailer than I would want behind most half ton pickups. There are a lot of people that will sell you air bags, timbrens, LT tires, and then a 2500 series pickup.

I think you should be fine, I had at one time a 2000 5.3 1/2 ton Chevy and pulled a small fifth wheel 6500-7000 lbs dry without issues. My GVWR was at the max back then but no issues. Going from diesel back to gas will be a change but I have pulled with both and have no issues. I pull 10K with a gas job and so far any mountains I have run into up North I have had zero issues. Just drop a gear and go. The 5.7 Hemi my Aunt has in her 2500 Dodge pulls the hills fine, and she pulls around 10-11K.

1/2 Ton Bumper Tow | Good Sam Community

47 Replies

kw_00
Explorer
Apr 27, 2017
Congrats on your new TT, let us know how any long trips work out. I'm sure the truck will do fine. I have met several people at RV shows that are downsizing. There is absolutely no issue with doing so. It's all about enjoying camping, we are blessed enough to afford it and have the freedom to do so.
GoHorns
Explorer
Apr 27, 2017
As it turns out... The gear ratio on my truck (3:21-1) reduces the towing capacity to 8,150... so this altered our search a bit. However, the camper we purchased has a GVWR of 6,695 so it worked out well.

We are very pleased with the camper, and would have purchased it even if the truck was rated for 10k or whatever.....
falconbrother
Explorer II
Apr 27, 2017
Based on the numbers you gave in the initial post I don't see any issues. Your ready to go camping weight is probably going to be 7000 pounds-ish on the trailer. That truck can handle it. Get yourself some Timbrens or Sumo SuperSprings. They will really help a lot. I use the Sumos and love them. They install easy and are relatively cheap for what they do. Have fun..
Last_Train
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
GoHorns wrote:
Well.... after our exhaustive search: we eventually went with the Grand Design Imagine 2150RB. . . . Also, the over/under for "you need a bigger truck" responses went over... as expected.... ;-)

GoHorns, glad you were able to make a happy choice for your needs. Kudos for your patience and endurance through the comments on the "you need a bigger truck" comments. Seems like you made an informed decision - plus bring to the table solid towing experience, albeit with a 5'er. Well done, and happy camping!

Getting ready ourselves for a brief weekend jaunt over to Lake Livingston State Park with our Freedom Express 192RBS. Took us a year of hard research to make a wonderful match for our truck. May see you around Texas someday, who knows?

BTW, Gig 'Em, Aggies! ;)
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Apr 26, 2017
Looks like you're gonna be fine. Let us know how it tows
GoHorns
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
Well.... after our exhaustive search: we eventually went with the Grand Design Imagine 2150RB. It ended up being the trailer we liked the most, and was also well below (over 1000 pounds) the towing capacity of the truck. We took it straight to the campground from the dealership. I purposely went one size up on the WD hitch, and also swapped the passenger tires on the truck for LT. Also, the over/under for "you need a bigger truck" responses went over... as expected.... ;-)
GoHorns
Explorer
Jul 21, 2016
BillyW

I took a look at the site, and I think the 21' might be more our speed. However, I really liked what they had. Problem is, I don't see any of the 21' models in stock at any dealers in the Dallas area...
TurnThePage
Explorer
Jul 21, 2016
GoHorns wrote:
Having towed my fifth wheel a few times over the hogback in Utah (Hwy 12), and across I-70 through Eisenhower I have learned to appreciate how quickly I can climb the pass not nearly as much as how slowly I can come down....

Essentially what I am looking for in a travel trailer is the minimum length that provides two axles, at least one slide, sleeps up to 4, and preferably a rear-living floor plan with large windows in the back.

My wife also is pretty adamant about a shower door as opposed to the plastic curtain.... This may be a unicorn search, but nonetheless it is my quest... ;-)

Like this maybe?
mkirsch
Nomad II
Jul 21, 2016
GoHorns, just because it's something that you don't want to hear, doesn't mean it's condescending.

Would you rather people tell you to go ahead and tow anything you want, it's a truck and it can tow anything? Then you go out and drop tens of thousands of hard-earned money on a trailer only to find out you HATE towing it. But wait, that guy said he does the same thing and it was "Just Fine(tm)"!!! Who do you blame? The correct answer is "yourself" but that doesn't stop most people from placing the blame on anyone but.

It never hurts to be informed.
GoHorns
Explorer
Jul 21, 2016
Having towed my fifth wheel a few times over the hogback in Utah (Hwy 12), and across I-70 through Eisenhower I have learned to appreciate how quickly I can climb the pass not nearly as much as how slowly I can come down....

Essentially what I am looking for in a travel trailer is the minimum length that provides two axles, at least one slide, sleeps up to 4, and preferably a rear-living floor plan with large windows in the back.

My wife also is pretty adamant about a shower door as opposed to the plastic curtain.... This may be a unicorn search, but nonetheless it is my quest... ;-)

Forum Discussion

1/2 Ton Bumper Tow

47 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Insurance for F-550 1-1/2 ton

1/2 Ton Limit

1/2 ton towing

1/2 ton or 3/4 ton

1/2 ton cement mixer.......