Questions about pulling a fifth-wheel with a half ton TV

[LeBout]

I know from getting Trailer Life Magazine that there are half-ton towable 5th Wheels being made, but what I don't know is if they are practical. And I have a short bed F-150 (Supercrew) and although I've heard that some hitches with work with a short bed I've never talked to someone who actually does it. Is there anyone here who has that kind of experience who can answer my questions?

[theoldwizard1]

The option list for towing on the F150 is long and complicated. Maximum towing can only be achieved with the right combination. Because you have a Supercrew you need to know your LOADED vehicle weight and rear axle ratio.

Refer to page 15 of the Ford 2013 Towing Guide

[B_O__Plenty]

rhagfo wrote:

ScottG wrote:
I would not want any truck/fiver combo that gets within 80% of the trucks GVWR. Only because you may end up hitting the bump stops on a regular basis and that doesn't make for a very nice ride and can be really hard on the hardware.

I would love to know the person that started the 80% rule!
I carried a 32’ 12,500# 5er with our 2001 Ram 2500, I was 1,700# OVER GVWR and just under rear GAWR, don’t ever recall hitting the bump stops, heck hardly got to the overload springs!

I agree. The 80% thing is a total myth. I don't believe it for a minute. If that was the case then the engineers that designed the trucks would just say "This truck was designed to pull 20,000# but don't pull more than 16,000# with it." Total nonsense.
B.O.

[Jayco-noslide]

For 10 years we towed a 25 ft. 5th wheel with Chevy half-tons. But the trailer had no slides and was short and lite for a 5er. Eventually we got a slider hitch to prevent careless damage. Of course some newer half-tons have more towing capacity than our 2007 Chevy but still you will need to stick to only the shortest trailers and not many are made today. But the final authority is your vehicles tow rating in the manual and the loaded weight of the trailer. You would be better off going with 3/4 ton.

[goducks10]

Grand Design Reflection 150's use the Turning Point pin box. It rotates at the bolt on area. It allows for the 5th wheel to be used with 5.5 beds.
As far as an F150 sitting level, thats what bags are for.

[cavie]

rhagfo wrote:

ScottG wrote:
I would not want any truck/fiver combo that gets within 80% of the trucks GVWR. Only because you may end up hitting the bump stops on a regular basis and that doesn't make for a very nice ride and can be really hard on the hardware.

I would love to know the person that started the 80% rule!
I carried a 32’ 12,500# 5er with our 2001 Ram 2500, I was 1,700# OVER GVWR and just under rear GAWR, don’t ever recall hitting the bump stops, heck hardly got to the overload springs!

OP is asking about 1/2 ton. Not 3/4 ton.

[rhagfo]

ScottG wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

ScottG wrote:
I would not want any truck/fiver combo that gets within 80% of the trucks GVWR. Only because you may end up hitting the bump stops on a regular basis and that doesn't make for a very nice ride and can be really hard on the hardware.

I would love to know the person that started the 80% rule!
I carried a 32’ 12,500# 5er with our 2001 Ram 2500, I was 1,700# OVER GVWR and just under rear GAWR, don’t ever recall hitting the bump stops, heck hardly got to the overload springs!

My post has nothing to do with the 80% "rule" (which I have NEVER promoted). And that rule was generally about not pulling more than 80% of your trucks rating.
You were also using a HD truck. A half ton is more likely to hit bump stops because the suspension is setup for a better ride.
For anyone to actually suggest someone exceed their GVWR is bad advice.

Well I never suggested that others exceed their GVWR, just a situation I was in and that in my particular case I didn't have an issue, and that one should be able to carry full GVWR as long as it doesn't exceed either GAWR.
I will point out that the TV in question had;
Front axle rating of 5,200#
Rear axle rating of 6,084#
Total axle was 11,284#
TV GVWR was 8,800#

Now days 1/2 tons have GVWR that are so close to the total axle ratings, that you can be within GVWR and exceed rear axle rating.
I didn't like being that far over GVWR, even though the package towed, handled, and stopped just fine.
I solved my issue with a 2016 Ram 3500 DRW, now I have 1,300# of spare capacity.

[ppine]

Best of luck to you.
Your luck will improve when you get a bigger truck.

[Edd505]

Pull that with the 1/2 ton and find a buddy has a 3/4 of 1 ton and tow it. You won't want to go back to the 1/2 ton city truck.

[MFL]

Your short 5.5 bed truck may work with the right fifth wheel trailer, and a sidewinder type pinbox. I think some of the 1/2 ton towables come with this pinbox. Your sig page mentions max tow pkg on truck, which adds payload, and a bit more RAWR.

Jerry

[LeBout]

I really appreciate the comments. Thank you!

[romore]

If you have the 5 1/2' box you won't be able to tow a fifth wheel. With the hitch over the axle the trailer nose will be too close to the cab to allow turning. My current fiver, an old 25' Prowler, grosses at 5600# which puts close to 1200# on the hitch probably maxing out your truck. IMHO, stay with a tt or get a heavier tv.

[rhagfo]

I will add as a park host we see some pretty crazy setups towing 5ers, many of the 1/2 tons don’t look bad. Lighter 5ers that might be pushing GVWR, but as long as tire is good, almost all are level!

[ScottG]

rhagfo wrote:

ScottG wrote:
I would not want any truck/fiver combo that gets within 80% of the trucks GVWR. Only because you may end up hitting the bump stops on a regular basis and that doesn't make for a very nice ride and can be really hard on the hardware.

I would love to know the person that started the 80% rule!
I carried a 32’ 12,500# 5er with our 2001 Ram 2500, I was 1,700# OVER GVWR and just under rear GAWR, don’t ever recall hitting the bump stops, heck hardly got to the overload springs!

My post has nothing to do with the 80% "rule" (which I have NEVER promoted). And that rule was generally about not pulling more than 80% of your trucks rating.
You were also using a HD truck. A half ton is more likely to hit bump stops because the suspension is setup for a better ride.
For anyone to actually suggest someone exceed their GVWR is bad advice.

[rhagfo]

ScottG wrote:
I would not want any truck/fiver combo that gets within 80% of the trucks GVWR. Only because you may end up hitting the bump stops on a regular basis and that doesn't make for a very nice ride and can be really hard on the hardware.

I would love to know the person that started the 80% rule!
I carried a 32’ 12,500# 5er with our 2001 Ram 2500, I was 1,700# OVER GVWR and just under rear GAWR, don’t ever recall hitting the bump stops, heck hardly got to the overload springs!

[ScottG]

I would not want any truck/fiver combo that gets within 80% of the trucks GVWR. Only because you may end up hitting the bump stops on a regular basis and that doesn't make for a very nice ride and can be really hard on the hardware.