1/2 Ton Towable 5th Wheel
Hello: Does anyone have a 5th wheel that they say can be towed by a 1/2 ton truck? Are you actually towing it with a 1/2 ton truck and what kind of truck do you have? I had originally thought t...
Forum Discussion
op wrote:
Wondering what kind of experience you have towing the 5th wheel with a 1/2 ton truck. I know the majority are going to tell me to get a bigger truck, but again the budget dictates a 1/2 ton. I know a TT would work well for me, but just investigating the possibility of a 5th wheel.
Yeah there are and has been for years 1/2 ton trucks that will tow 5th wheel trailers. Some folks are clueless and lump all 1/2 ton trucks the same.
Ford markets several F150s. Sounds like some bought the wrong F150 like the one you looked at.
At the top is the F150HDPP with its 8200-7850 gvwr and 4800 rawr. As one poster who has one reported 2500 lb payloads.
Next down is a 7550 gvwr and 4550 rawr good for around 2200-2300 lb payloads.
Then a 7050 gvwr and 4050 rawr with around 1800 lb payloads.
And finally the small 6800 gvwr and even smaller 3800 rawr good for around 1500 lb payloads.
Fords 3.5 ecoboost has more usable towing horse power and bigger torque numbers than many 3/4 ton gazzers out here.
Trailer tow ratings are for trailers of all types (not just rv trailers with fixed hitch loads) so their real and are what they are.
Now... that 12000 lb tow rating can equate to a 2400-2600 lb hitch load. Now add a heavy 5th wheel hitch ...people...other gear and the truck needs 3200-3500 lb in the bed payload.
Fords "MAX TOW" option is just ;
• 3.55 Electronic-locking rear-axle
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• 36 Gallon fuel tank
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Engine oil cooler
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Tailgate LED
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar
• Upgraded rear bumper.
So you see max tow does nothing to increase the trucks in the bed payload.
Ford does advertise 3000+ lbs payloads for the F150 but that is a GVWR based payload. Even the F150HDPP is limited to around 2500-2600 lb in the bed loads... over the rear axle. The rest of the payload will have to go on the trucks front axle.
When looking for any truck that will carry heavy loads in the bed look for one with enough RAWR to do the job you want it to.
