My husband and I are moving out west with a 32', 6500 lb. Keystone Cougar 5th wheel camper (2002). We currently own a 1/2 ton, regular cab, 2005 Chevy Silverado K1500, 4800 V8. Not 100% sure of the axle ratio, whether it's 3.42 or 4.10. According to the mfg. the maximum trailer weight for this vehicle is 7000-8000 lbs. and the GCWR is 12000-13000 lbs (depending on axle ratio).People keep telling us we'll be fine to tow this camper with our vehicle and that I'm overreacting. I've seen so many people saying the Keystone Cougars are "1/2 ton towable." However, I still think we need a bigger truck...especially given that we're going to be driving several thousand miles just to get to our destination. Am I wrong about this?If I'm right, I'm going to try and convince my husband to get a better truck. Any suggestions as to an affordable truck that can pull a 5th wheel of this size? We don't mind buying used. I appreciate any insight you guys can provide. I'm new to both trucks and RVing.

If you have been pulling that camper with that truck where you currently reside, you will be fine pulling it for a couple thousand more miles. If you really want a new truck, any 3/4 ton will easily handle it.

bobx2 wrote:If you have been pulling that camper with that truck where you currently reside, you will be fine pulling it for a couple thousand more miles. If you really want a new truck, any 3/4 ton will easily pull it.We are buying the camper from a friend who moved it to our property for us because we don't have a hitch. We've never towed a camper with this truck...it doesn't even have a hitch on it. Just don't wanna invest money into getting the ball/hitch put on the Silverado, only to find out it's not gonna work.

That sounds a little light for a 32 foot fith wheel. But if it were me I would not tow with that truck. I think you need a bigger truck. I have a 2000 1/2. With the 5.3 and 3.73 rear end and would not want to tow that TT across country.

bakkenblack wrote:........ 32', 6500 lb. Keystone Cougar 5th wheel camper (2002).........Don't know specs on 2002 but 2014 32' Cougar has ballpark dry shipping weight of 9000#. Add your pots, pans, dishes, fill the pantry, load in clothes, tools, outside stuff like chairs, full propane tanks, a few gallons of water in the fresh tank, etc.. and you on average will have additional 1800# of stuff. I would say 3/4 ton in any brand. Randu

By the time you get to Kellogg Idaho, you'll know if you need a bigger truck. Many to chose from there. Have a safe trip.

Tow Vehicle Advice - Silverado and a 5th wheel | Good Sam Community

bobx2
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
If you have been pulling that camper with that truck where you currently reside, you will be fine pulling it for a couple thousand more miles. If you really want a new truck, any 3/4 ton will easily handle it.
bakkenblack
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
bobx2 wrote:
If you have been pulling that camper with that truck where you currently reside, you will be fine pulling it for a couple thousand more miles. If you really want a new truck, any 3/4 ton will easily pull it.

We are buying the camper from a friend who moved it to our property for us because we don't have a hitch. We've never towed a camper with this truck...it doesn't even have a hitch on it. Just don't wanna invest money into getting the ball/hitch put on the Silverado, only to find out it's not gonna work.
Majja13
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
That sounds a little light for a 32 foot fith wheel. But if it were me I would not tow with that truck. I think you need a bigger truck. I have a 2000 1/2. With the 5.3 and 3.73 rear end and would not want to tow that TT across country.
Randu
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
bakkenblack wrote:
........ 32', 6500 lb. Keystone Cougar 5th wheel camper (2002).........

Don't know specs on 2002 but 2014 32' Cougar has ballpark dry shipping weight of 9000#. Add your pots, pans, dishes, fill the pantry, load in clothes, tools, outside stuff like chairs, full propane tanks, a few gallons of water in the fresh tank, etc.. and you on average will have additional 1800# of stuff. I would say 3/4 ton in any brand. Randu
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
By the time you get to Kellogg Idaho, you'll know if you need a bigger truck. Many to chose from there. Have a safe trip.
msjdbman
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
I have owned 3 different 4.8 L Chevy's, all with the 3.73 rear gears. All of the trucks were 4 speed autos. No way would I pull a 6500 + lb fifth wheel with one. YMMV!
the_bear_II
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
"If I'm right, I'm going to try and convince my husband to get a better truck. Any suggestions as to an affordable truck that can pull a 5th wheel of this size? We don't mind buying used."

Most husband won't need convincing to get a bigger truck.....

However, if you choose the right time to travel (cool, light wind, no snow), a route with as few large grades as possible, pay attention while driving and stay at 55 - 60 MPH, use good braking techniques when going downhill you'll do OK with the 1/2 ton.
45Ricochet
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
coolbreeze01 wrote:
By the time you get to Kellogg Idaho, you'll know if you need a bigger truck. Many to chose from there. Have a safe trip.

:B

Your biggest concern will be payload for your truck. Might look at the drivers door pillar and tell us the GVWR listed. You should also have tire rating for your vehicle.
Years ago we had a 1500 with a 24' Cougar and it was white knuckle at times. But it made it without killing anyone. The truck did have a tuner and extra spring in the rear and bigger tires.
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
Double check the weight on that RV. I think you are about 4000 pounds light.
APT
Explorer
Aug 26, 2014
Start here and compare with all your truck's ratings. I suspect you are over more than one of the truck's ratings. But knowing exactly where you stand now makes it easier to decide what needs to be upgraded. Until then, we internet users are all guessing.

Any RV that says half ton towable means there exists at least one configuration of half ton that can tow it under all the trucks' ratings. That does not mean all half tons can tow it safely or under all the truck's ratings. In other words, they may work for the most capable half tons. You do not have one of the more capable half tons.