1/2 Ton Towable 5th Wheel

Fresno Tundra Driver wrote:
Our 5er is almost 28 feet long. Hitch weight is 1100 pounds. Cargo capacity is 1924 pounds leaving me around 824 pounds for cargo and people. My tow limit is only 7200 pounds with my 4.7L Tundra. The dry weight of the camper is 5800 pounds. Fully loaded up ready to go the camper is around 6900-7100. I never tow with water but on an 18 day trip our camper topped out at 7400 pounds. We’ve successfully towed thus far without any trouble whatsoever for 17 years. I did add Sumo springs to the rear end about four years ago. That leveled out a bit of rear sag I had and really made for a smoother ride with less bounce. I also have the tow package that comes with the radiator cooler and Bilstein shocks. My only complaint is the 6-7 mpg while towing. Because of the shorter overall package and carrying some of the trailer as opposed to having it all towed behind the truck, the driving characteristics are superior with the fifth wheel.

How much does your 5th wheel hitch weigh? Mine is 180 pounds alone. 20% of your 7000 pounds + trailer hitch sure doesn't leave you much weight for passengers. Of course this assumes that you can load to full GVWR without busting the rear GAWR, which may not be possible, you'll have to weigh it to be sure; rear GAWR is likely limited by the tires although the semi floating rear axle has its limits as well. If your weights are as you say, you may be fine, but that's awfully close.

I agree that a 5er pulls better because the truck carries so much weight, but that is also why the truck itself is a big consideration.

Personally I would not pull any gooseneck or fifth wheel trailer with any 1/2 ton truck, but there may be a combination that works.

FWIW, it isn't just 5ers that are like this--my "1/2 ton" capable Lance 815 also overloaded my 1 ton SRW. Don't believe anyone's marketing!