Can I Tow a Fifth Wheel with a Half Ton Truck?

[@frankzicari784]

Back when i was 10 which was 1967 my father towed our 18ft travel trailer with our ford country squire station wagon. In the wagon where my father and mother and me and my sister, the dog and lots of other stuff. Thi is the way people towed, the family sedan or station wagon. The big difference is speed the speed limit was 55 and my father would go 50,now you see guys towing going 70, 75 even 80. I get the point about staying within the payload but how come there are very few if any videos about staying within the speed limit or slower.

[@Mattman2500]

I have a 29RLI. That's marketed as a "half ton" towable. My pin weight is all but 1,800 lbs.

[@WpgAndroid]

You missed a couple of key components, like how is the truck optioned out. My F150 has the Heavy Duty Payload Package, my Payload is 2500 lbs. It has a higher rear axle rating, E rated tires, better springs, sway bar etc. I can tow a 5th wheel.

[@dperreno]

Not to mention that the bed floor and frame of a half-ton are not reinforced for a fifth wheel hitch in the same way that the 3/4 - 1 ton pickup beds are. They just aren't designed for a fith wheel.

[@topjames-b8e]

But if you get the Escape 5.0 fifth wheel or the scamp 19 fifth wheel most half tons can do it easy .I did both and used the Anderson hitch and no problems but to be fair these fifth wheels are very light .

[@Michael-B41]

well that depends on the truck my ram has a boxed frame so pretty stout. its mostly suspension transmission and braking

[@josephmcclary9667]

The only 5th wheel I’d tow with a 1/2 ton truck is the Escape 5.0.

[@donalexander6674]

I came to exactly the same conclusion when I was considering a truck and trailer to buy. Fifth wheels and half ton trucks seemed to me to be consistently over (or optimistically just inside) the max cargo capacity of the truck. We’re happy with our 22MLE and Tundra.

[@TwoTravelingTeachers]

The 22MLE is a great trailer.

[@dlsimes]

Great video! Thanks!

[@TwoTravelingTeachers]

Glad you liked it! Safe travels!

[@bobdrawbaugh4207]

There’s only two fifth wheels I would consider for a 1/2 ton. The little fiberglass fifth wheel and one made by wennabago, now discontinued. It was only 5 thousand pounds with a pin weight well under 1000 pounds.

[@danielboulanger5230]

Don't forget the hitch weight. That can add upwards of 100 lbs. thereby decreasing the pin weight available.

[@richardkoch8752]

I'm retired L.E. If you don't think a accident reconstructionist isn't going to check your door frame weight tags and your RV's weight you're playing a fools game. Then consider your insurance Claims Adjuster who wants any way possible to keep from paying a claim, the other vehicle's insurance investigator who is looking for anyway possible to place the majority of guilt on you. It's not worth the risk. There's a big difference between being able to do something and should be doing something.

[@TwoTravelingTeachers]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Michael-B41]

well with all that said a small 5th wheel is more safe that a bumper pull and dont argue with me i have pulled both

[@Michael-B41]

a pull behind the same weight as a 5th wheel i had was horrible the pull behind felt like i was going to be upside down in a bar ditch somewhere

[@vivillager]

2:22 "that would leave me with 343 lbs for me, my wife, all our cargo..." Honey... time you start cutting calories

[@TwoTravelingTeachers]

Lol 😆 shhhhh🤫 Actually, I make up 210 lbs of that weight and I have a fair amount of cargo.

[@chrislindholm2255]

The 2020 F150 fuel capacity is 23-26 gallons which weighs between 180-200lbs

[@alvinbrown4295]

Half ton trucks are nice but they're not designer to tow heavy loads. If you can get your self a 1-ton Dually long bed with a Diesel motor you will love it. Average large fifth wheels are right around 20,000 pounds or less so you'll never have to buy another truck. When you go in the mountains you will love your engine break. PS I learn the hard way. Half ton trucks are nice, but not for fifth wheels.

[@TwoTravelingTeachers]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ourrvsunsets]

Every time I see something advertised as "Half Ton Towable" I cringe. Even if it is truly half ton towable I wonder of cheaply it is made to keep that weight down.

[@TwoTravelingTeachers]

Thanks for dropping into our channel. We’re finishing up a busy school and are ready to get back on the road. Watched your season 4 kickoff last night and we’re excited about your new season.

[@niveknospmoht8743]

I would never tow anything long term with a 1/2 ton truck. Trans cooler is not rated for it. Brakes are not rated. Tires are not rated for it. A V6 engine----forget it. That truck is going to be overworked the whole time. Trucks are not built like they were 30 years ago. It is all about comfort, bells and whistles. Even some of the 3/4 tons are not up to the task of towing a 5th wheel safely

[@adventuresontheroad1969]

What he said!!!!

[@Redfour5]

Sure you can... Now the consequences should be considered as they could kill you but hey...