I presently have a half ton dodge with a hemi. The plan is to buy a used 5th wheel, over 35 feet with 3 or 4 slides and leave it in a campground near Austin Texas for the winter. I love my little half ton and use it to pull a 22 ft TT. It's fairly new, 2011, so I don't want to trade it in.The question is, if I install airbags, can I use this truck to pull the 5th wheel out of the winter space to the storage lot in back of the campground, or about 200 feet over flat ground if I go slow? Okay, I got my boxing gloves on. You can throw the first punch. Try not to beat me up too much.

You can, but keep your transmission in a low gear and the RPM's will be UP. Hopefully you'll be moving the camper over dry (not muddy) ground.

I doubt that even the most rabid one-tonner will find a problem with you using your truck to move a fiver 200 feet, but one never knows....

It would probably be O.K. If it is just once or twice a year trip inside the campground, and the campground is seasonal, there is a good chance that they have a way to move it. Tractor? Truck? Even if there is a small chagr, it would be way cheaper, and easier than air bags for your truck.

I owned a F150 6 cyl short bed 3 spd manually tranny. Loved the truck. I built a camper for the truck. I got carried away. The camper weighed over 2500 lbs. Could that truck handle the camper with Firestone ride rites? Yup. I put about 30,000 miles on that PU hauling that camper all over AZ & CA. It did the job but the truck was almost junk at about 40,000 miles. They will do the job but they aren't built to take the beating. BTW that was an 8 1/2 ft camper on a 6 ft bed. A little light on the front wheels. :B

I have a 1 ton dually and also a small GMC canyon. I would even move it with the Canyon if thats all i had. Go for it.

I thought I'd start a little war with you 1 ton guys.

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
You can, but keep your transmission in a low gear and the RPM's will be UP. Hopefully you'll be moving the camper over dry (not muddy) ground.
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
I doubt that even the most rabid one-tonner will find a problem with you using your truck to move a fiver 200 feet, but one never knows....
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
It would probably be O.K.

If it is just once or twice a year trip inside the campground, and the campground is seasonal, there is a good chance that they have a way to move it. Tractor? Truck? Even if there is a small chagr, it would be way cheaper, and easier than air bags for your truck.
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
I owned a F150 6 cyl short bed 3 spd manually tranny. Loved the truck. I built a camper for the truck. I got carried away. The camper weighed over 2500 lbs. Could that truck handle the camper with Firestone ride rites? Yup. I put about 30,000 miles on that PU hauling that camper all over AZ & CA. It did the job but the truck was almost junk at about 40,000 miles. They will do the job but they aren't built to take the beating. BTW that was an 8 1/2 ft camper on a 6 ft bed. A little light on the front wheels. :B
nevadanick
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
I have a 1 ton dually and also a small GMC canyon. I would even move it with the Canyon if thats all i had. Go for it.
blt2ski
Moderator
Oct 13, 2013
Hell, RV dealers move said trailer with a blinken fork lift! not sure those are rated to tow ANYTHING per say.

I'd skip the air bags myself!

Marty
samsontdog
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
I would skip the air bags and move it with your 1/2 ton. I used to move my 28ft TT around my front yard with my little Toy 4 cy. Go for it !!
romore
Explorer II
Oct 13, 2013
You are going to install a fifth wheel hitch to move that trailer 200' twice a year?
PapPappy
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
I have a friend who moved a 55' mobile home around his property with a 1/2T Dodge Powerwagon. Of course, we had to push the front of the truck left or right to steer it (tires barely touched the ground:B).

I wouldn't bother with air bags....but I'd also see if there was another option at the CG to move it....probably worth the money in the long run!
After all, you said you "love" your truck, why abuse it:H

As far as the 1 Tonners having an issue.....I doubt it....they are to busy sitting back laughing at you, after all, it's YOUR truck not theirs!:S
drillking
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
Your blatant disregard for the sanctity of the mighty one ton is appalling. Pulling your fiver an incredible 200' with your half ton on a yearly basis will only goad others into pulling 300', then 400', etc...Where will it end? Spare all of us with one tons this disrespect!! Ask a friend with a one ton to move it for you, they will be more than happy to. What is this world coming to?