5th wheel for Tundra

[nal13]

I own a 2007 Tundra with a towing capacity of 10,300 lbs. Currently, I own a bumper pull travel trailer (2016 rockwood mini lite 2506s) that weighs in at 5,100lbs. The wife has us looking at fifth wheels and asking what I can go up to in weight. My rule before was 7,000lbs, but now that it's a fifth wheel, I'm wondering if I can go a little higher, comfortably. I know to factor in tongue weight and cargo weight, I would add air bags just to keep everything level. Models we are looking at are: Jayco Eagle 25.5REOK and KZ Sportsmen 262RLK. I have been told by a couple people I know who own half ton pickups and went from a bumper pull to a fifth wheel that say they pull way better, even if they are heavier and that they get better gas milage. I do plan on a 1600 mile trip this summer and I tow for a living, I drive a semi, for what that's worth. Would I be safe and would this fifth wheel tow better than the bumper pull?

Also, does anyone else have any camper suggestions? We are looking for a walk around queen, couch and dinette, decent sized bathroom, black tank flush, and we need an outdoor kitchen. The outdoor kitchen seems to be the kicker for this segment of campers.

[Ralph_Cramden]

nal13 wrote:

Ralph Cramden wrote:

Ya I have seen them towing a space shuttle and sled full of blocks up a burning spiral tower. You can probably tow a DRV LX455 with one.

Then I'll order one of those.

LOL......sorry, an attempt at humor.....a DRV LX455 probably has a pin weight of 3500lbs +, it's a 24K GVW rig. But then again the space shuttle in 5th wheel configuration probably has a pin in the neighborhood of the GVW of the LX455, or a little more, so you're good.

[valhalla360]

In general terms 1/2 ton trucks can pull a heavier bumper pull trailer than they can tow a 5th wheel.

Bumper pull you are typically in the 10-12% tongue weight vs 20-25% for a 5th wheel...so with the 5th wheel, the cargo capacity gets eaten up with anything but the smallest 5th wheel.

[nal13]

htss wrote:
Others have covered weight but I would be concerned about clearance to cab. I think some beds are only 5.5' and even on a 6.5' bed the clearance to the cab can get scary on sharp turns. Maybe you have the long bed and it is not an issue though.

I would get a sliding hitch and it's a 6.5' bed. I know a guy that tows with a 5.5' bed, so I know it can be done. Good advice, thank you.

[htss]

Others have covered weight but I would be concerned about clearance to cab. I think some beds are only 5.5' and even on a 6.5' bed the clearance to the cab can get scary on sharp turns. Maybe you have the long bed and it is not an issue though.

[nal13]

Beaker wrote:
Can't make any comments about towing but $45,000???

What's $45k?

[Beaker]

Can't make any comments about towing but $45,000???

[nal13]

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
Nor will you like the Titans Payload capacity. 1364 to 1950, and usually the diesels are the ones at the low end on the payload range due to the engines weight.

gmw photos wrote:
A new Titan XD will have a 4900 pound rear axle capacity. Either gas or diesel.

Ya, that is what I keep figuring out with my research, such a bummer.

[nal13]

xtech wrote:
Do not go by your payload sticker.

MFL wrote:
Your Tundra RAWR of 4150 is pretty good for a half ton. If you keep your loaded pin weight within that number, you should be alright.

MFL wrote:
Your Tundra RAWR of 4150 is pretty good for a half ton. If you keep your loaded pin weight within that number, you should be alright.

Thank you everyone, good advice. 🙂

[gmw_photos]

A new Titan XD will have a 4900 pound rear axle capacity. Either gas or diesel.

[kerrlakeRoo]

nal13 wrote:
I have been looking into the Nissan Titan with the cummins as a truck, but I don't think I want the cost of a diesel.

Nor will you like the Titans Payload capacity. 1364 to 1950, and usually the diesels are the ones at the low end on the payload range due to the engines weight.

[nal13]

Ralph Cramden wrote:

Ya I have seen them towing a space shuttle and sled full of blocks up a burning spiral tower. You can probably tow a DRV LX455 with one.

Then I'll order one of those.

[MFL]

Your Tundra RAWR of 4150 is pretty good for a half ton. If you keep your loaded pin weight within that number, you should be alright. An Andersen hitch on rails will help. IMO, there are some FWs out there, that your truck could handle, but choose wisely. Scale your truck to see what your rear axle weighs, full fuel, passengers, and gear, to see what is left for pin wt.

Jerry

[Old-Biscuit]

YES you should go weigh truck 'camp ready'...you, fuel, passengers, backpacks, bags etc

Get your trucks real weights.....

NOW how much weight is left on that Rear Axle
Subtract actual rear axle weight from your RAWR of 4150#
Then subtract the hitch weight from that figure (70# up to 300# depending on WHICH brand of 5vr hitch you use)

Now you have a weight number left over that can be used to figure 5th wheel wet pin weight----22% of 5vr GVWR


Going to be limited to small light weight 5vr.
You WILL exceed trucks GVWR/Payload Ratings......but as long as you stay at/under RAWR good to go LEGALLY (Canada Laws do NOT pertain)

Personally when it comes to 1/2 ton trucks I prefer a 'bumper pull' cause you can get more trailer vs 5th wheel due to less tongue weights and being able to use a WDH.

[xtech]

Do not go by your payload sticker. Go weigh truck with full fuel and all that will be in it when towing. I speak from experience. As a retired Toyota tech I wanted to tow with a Tundra so bought a regular cab long box which had a payload sticker of 1849 lbs. Thinking i would be fine we purchased a 30 ft Cougar 285 with advertised dry hitch weight of 1040 lbs. Found we were when loaded up 300 to 400 lbs over trucks 7200 GVWR. When i weighted truck alone with hitch in found actually had only 1200 lbs payload left as truck weighted 6000 lbs. So what i am saying is you will find truck heavier than you think. Now as to how it handled the 10000 lbs 5th wheel it had no problem at all. Only added Timbrens. Pulled through British Columbia rocky mountains and from Alberta to Arizona 2 winters. Now pull same 5th with a Ford F250 and no difference i can detect in handling or braking etc. We went with the Ford as we travel in summer in British Columbia and they enforce rv weights using the GVWR and if over you not only fined but have to have trailer towed and i did not want to take the chance. So Tundra excellent tow vehicle but you will find practically no 5th wheel of any size you can tow and not exceed trucks GVWR. Happy hunting and camping.

[Ralph_Cramden]

nal13 wrote:

rhagfo wrote:
I have seen several Tundra’s towing 5er’s, none looked overloaded, sitting level, tires not flat on the bottom. Didn’t ask weights .

Ya, I have seen them hauling 5th wheels with boats on the back.

Ya I have seen them towing a space shuttle and sled full of blocks up a burning spiral tower. You can probably tow a DRV LX455 with one.