Is a Tundra out of the Question

I pulled a similar TT with a 5.7 Tundra with air bags. It handled OK but rough. Sway, load ranges and bouncing down the road were issues, even with WD hitch and sway control. But, we did it without incidents. You can do it but not comfortably. We solved all those issues with a better truck and going to a 5th wheel. I know, not the answer to your original question but what we experienced. So, to your question, yes you can but close to max and not as comfortable as you (or Momma) might like.

Your use case tends to favor a 3/4+ ton truck. A weekender adds 1000 pounds, full timers 3000+ pounds. You will be taking a lot more things with you than the average RVer. The compromises of choosing a half ton pickup are primarily unloaded, fuel economy and ride. if you are towing 10k+ miles around the lower 48 states, get the HD.

Thanks for the responses.

Downtheroad: How did you come up with hitch weight of 980 lbs? Is it reasonable to assume we'll max out the trailers cargo capacity of 1794 lbs? Is that normal amount to take with you?

I was under the impression that a high end weight distribution hitch improved the handling and would allow someone to exceed a trucks normal towing conditions. Is that incorrect?

When subtracting occupants from the trucks payload does the number already factor in the driver or do you have to subtract all occupants? If so...

Myself: 150 lbs
Wife: 130 lbs
Baby + seat: 50 lbs
Yellow lab: 80 lbs
Total: 410 lbs

We're just inside the allowable window with no cargo.

The trailer will have a GVWR of about 7600 lbs. 12% of that is 912 lbs, which you should figure on for max tongue weight. Subtracting that from the Tundra's payload capacity (1410 - 912) only leave you with about 500 lbs for you, passengers, equipment, tools, etc. Not loading the trailer to max weight will provide a more positive towing ratio.

Even tho you will be pushing most of the weight limits, I personally think you will be ok with that combination and with a Pro Pride (or Hensley) your towing experience will be very favorable.

Ron

I have a half-ton Sierra with 1420 lbs of allowable payload. My trailer fully loaded is 6006 lbs, that translates to a tongue weight of approximately 800 lbs. That leaves me 620 lbs for passengers, gear, weight of hitch....

I think you'll be over weight

Dennis Smith wrote:
Lets see, the truck has a payload of 1410 pounds, your trailer, unloaded has a Hitch weight of 697, so that gives you 713 pounds you can put in your truck. 4 people, and stuff in the back and your way over.

And if you happen to load that trailer to its max, you could have a close a 1000# tongue weight which would leave you less than 450# of remaining payload.

Problem is that the Tundra has a low payload.
You are looking at only about 425 lbs left for gear, hitch, passengers, stuff in the bed of the truck etc.

GVWR of trailer 7600 lbs gives you a hitch weight of about 980 lbs. ^This counts against your trucks payload of 1410 lbs.

Disregard ANY dry weights for the trailer..they are not realistic and no body camps in a "dry" trailer.

If all your numbers are accurate, looks like a good match, imo. Definitely look into a weight distributing hitch.

Lets see, the truck has a payload of 1410 pounds, your trailer, unloaded has a Hitch weight of 697, so that gives you 713 pounds you can put in your truck. 4 people, and stuff in the back and your way over.