Fifth Wheel vs Travel Trailer

[bosworthj]

This is probably a loaded question, but here goes. Is there a fifth wheel that is safely tow-able by a 1/2 ton truck? I have a 2007 Sierra 1500 with the tow package and I am pretty sure my tow capacity is 7700#. My wife and I have an 18' TT, but would like something closer to 24'. We would like more space for when it rains and a bed we can both sleep in 🙂 instead of everyone (including the dog) having a separate bed right now. We are also confused by what appears to be the lack of windows in TT's these days. The wife really digs how a lot of 5th wheels have the big window in the back (which is why we are considering them). I know most people I see pulling 5th wheels have 2500's or 250's or better. I also know I probably won't get a straight answer from a dealer. So here I am.

Thanks in advance!

[Community Alumni]

When it comes to 5th wheels there's two numbers that are most important, payload and RAWR. With a TT you're only carrying about 10-15 percent of the trailer's weight, but with a 5th wheel you're carrying 20-25 percent of the trailer's weight. At your max tow rating of 7,000 lbs you'll only need 1,050 lbs of available payload for a TT, but 1,750 lbs for a 5th wheel. 5th wheels eat up payload because of their heavier pin weights.

You also have to be mindful of the Rear Axle Weight Rating. The 5th wheel hitch is situated right over the rear axle. The rear axle bears the weight of pin so you need to make sure that you have a high enough axle rating to support the pin. This is one of the shortcomings of 1/2 tons.

If you want to tow a 5th wheel with a 1/2 ton then it's best to stick with short lightweight models. It's a limited market and you might not find what you're looking for. Some 1/2 tons are better suited for towing a 5th wheel like the new F-150's with the max trailering options. You're getting 2,000+ lbs of payload and higher rated axles. Your options vastly improve when your ratings are in this area. With the limitations of 1/2 tons, you really get more bang for your buck with a TT.

[rbpru]

I was told by two dealers my half ton would be to small. There are a few TTs that are compatible but many are not.

A TT is supposed to be a fun hobby not a worry. If the bigger truck is imminent, maybe; if it is someday I would wait.

[azdryheat]

You might just have to bite the bullet and get a 2500/250 to handle the 5th wheel properly.

[coolmom42]

You might consider a travel trailer with a rear living floor plan. They usually have large rear windows.

I wish smaller trailers had more/bigger windows, too.

[drsteve]

Take a look at your truck's door sticker for it's payload capacity. Subtract the pin weight of the 5er you're considering from the payload number, this is what you will have left over for cargo, passengers, and fuel. For most half ton pickups, that won't be much.

[TomG2]

Most of us get "Fifth Wheel Fever" at some point, but hold off until you have a more substantial tow vehicle. Even a small 6,000 pound 5er will use up over fifty percent more payload than a similar TT. Add in all the additional steps and loss of the use of your truck bed and you may be happier with another TT with a picture window. Lots of them have that feature.

[BillB800si]

There's plenty of 5th wheelers out there that can safely be pulled with a 1/2 ton truck. Many even have slides. The newer 5ers are made with more aluminum so they are much lighter than the older units. Another big benefit of 5ers is all that extra storage area.Plus they are much more stable going down the highway

For starters take a look here:
Forest River
Highland Ridge
Northwood
Keystone

Good luck

[Bumpyroad]

colliehauler wrote:
They make TT's with large windows in back as well.

that is one reason I bought my Ascend instead of the Rpod. when wife and I were looking at both of them, the Ascend had windows on sides and rear around dinette. the rpod had no rear window.
bumpy

[colliehauler]

They make TT's with large windows in back as well.

[bosworthj]

Thanks, that is what I figured. I'd like to upgrade to a 2500 someday, but my current truck only has 130k on it, so I think I still have a lot of life in it (fingers crossed). Like I said the main draw of the 5th wheel was the big window in the back. 🙂 probably silly I know...

[colliehauler]

Very few 5th wheels are actually half ton towable. You would not gain much size wise and still be half ton towable unless you plan on upgrading your truck. The pin weight tends to be the limiting factor.