Towing a small 5th wheel with a 1/2 ton truck
I am thinking of trading in my TT for a 5th wheel.... I have a Dodge Ram 1500, 4.7L V8 with towing package. The specs show that I should be able to tow 7300 lbs. Do you see any problems with towin...
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The 2009+ Ram 1500's have the lowest payload in the half ton class. It's not the IRS specifically as the 2014 2500 also has IRS with over 3000 pounds of payload and somewhere around 10k GVWR. The 1500 Springs are just weak, and I'm not sure where the axle ratings stand with respect to GVWR/loading. Ram offers the air suspensino for 2013+ models now, but GVWR is still 6800 pounds at most, less that a comparable standard 7200 pound GVWR Ford/GM truck. Then Ford/GM offer higher payload improving options that no one else does.
If you insist on a half ton, then the Ford Ecoboost with HD payload/8200 pound GVWR is a good choice for what RV companies claim as "half ton towable 5ers". 1000-ish pound dry pin weight. Going to a 3/4 ton gasser adds about $2000 to a comparably equipped (like web site build and price) half ton last time I speced them out. Diesel options are another $8-9k, so $10k more for a diesel 3/4 ton over half ton is about right. There are plenty of 3/4 to 1-ton gassers happily pulling 10-12k pound 5ers.
If you insist on a half ton, then the Ford Ecoboost with HD payload/8200 pound GVWR is a good choice for what RV companies claim as "half ton towable 5ers". 1000-ish pound dry pin weight. Going to a 3/4 ton gasser adds about $2000 to a comparably equipped (like web site build and price) half ton last time I speced them out. Diesel options are another $8-9k, so $10k more for a diesel 3/4 ton over half ton is about right. There are plenty of 3/4 to 1-ton gassers happily pulling 10-12k pound 5ers.
