Showing why Half Tons shouldn't Tow Fifth Wheel RVs!

#rv #towing #trucks
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[@epfd217]

Finally making the correct point! You will run out of payload long before you run out of tow capacity when hauling rv's.

[@toddramsay977]

I appreciate you constantly harping on weight and showing the numbers. Most folks especially newbys don't know and can be coaxed into a dangerous situation, not only to themselves but to others on the road which you have stipulated in this video. Keep up yhe great work! You are saving a lot of lives no doubt.

[@pagosabob10]

Yes, and by Dealers anxious for a sale!

[@JohnTheRecoilJunkie]

I worked as a dealer lube tech for a while and one day I saw an F-150 come in on a massive semi tow truck. I found this rather odd as so far I could only see the front of the truck, but as it pulled forward more, I saw it. The thing was squatting nearly to the ground and had a massive fifth wheel still attached. It was his third transmission.

[@ErikReidt]

SOOOO many dealers will not tell customers this. Kudos to you sir!

[@chartle1]

Saw way too many "Half Ton Towable" signs taped on Fifth Wheels at the last RV show.

[@philmcintosh2426]

For the most part I agree. Too many people know their trailer is over the sticker they just don’t care. They think it’s just some numbers and “my engine will do it.” Although there are 5th wheels that weigh in at 8k and that’s only 1,200 lbs at 15%. That’s doable, but it’s still just safer to get a TT.

[@davidschomp4328]

FYI the Dutchman Astoria 2513RLF in the video has a shipping weight of 1,703 lbs with a hitch weight of 1443 lbs.

[@josephcirelli9642]

I learned so much from your channel. So much that I bought my travel trailer (9600 lbs) first then bought my F350 SRW (1 ton) after. Just to make sure my numbers were right. RV & Truck dealerships were not helpful. In the end, it’s the driver’s responsibility to get it right to tow safe for my family and others on the road. Because there are no mandate courses to take to tow non commercial vehicles, drivers are left on their own to tow safe. Thanks again for all you do making your videos & all the information you provide!

[@edmoore2517]

So an f350 srw is safe to tow this size 5th wheel?

[@josephcirelli9642]

@@edmoore2517 I tow a 30’ travel trailer with an empty weight of just under 9K Lbs. The video informs how to read & check the numbers for towing capacity for the tow vehicle.

[@dcm6073]

Thanks for the very well presented and logical explanation. I just wish all RV sales people were so articulate and knowledgeable. First rate!

[@genesishep]

Grand Design 150 series 5th wheel 230RL: unloaded: 6945lbs, gvwr: 9495lbs, hitch weight: 1195lbs. I've commented on your videos before asking if you would look at one of these 150 series units and give your opinion on whether they are truly half-ton towable. From a specs perspective some of them truly seem to be and I'd love for you to weigh in on it. I agree that some of them at the top of this series are pushing it but the others seem very plausible.

[@jasonbrushett3]

I agree with your comments

[@billjohnson9343]

I spent years towing within the limits of my half ton, even added air bags for more stability. Finally spent a few extra bucks and went to a 3/4. Never would have guessed the change was so big even though the tow rating was only 1500 lbs higher. 1/2 tons are made for milage and comfort, 3/4 are made for towing and hauling. The engines and transmissions are tuned/geared different and its for a reason..., ever notice they don’t post a MPG on the sticker of a 3/4? If you plan to tow, a gas 3/4 is not much more money than a 1/2, but the comfort and confidence while towing is 2 fold!

[@DanKuhn]

They absolutely post MPG on the sticker of a 3/4 ton truck. It's required on all vehicles sold in the USA.

[@matthewbeske5156]

Great video & example! As the RV dealers will tell you what you want to hear.... "yeah, it'll tow it". But if you look at the numbers, very few 5th'er's are even 3/4 ton towable and certainly not 1/2 ton towable!!!

[@frostriver4547]

That RV dealer is going to ban you from the lot lol

[@coryperkins6751]

Why lol

[@rbstorms]

@@coryperkins6751 Because some RV sales people don't care what you're going to be towing with. They'll sell you a 44' DRV after you tell them you're towing with a 1989 S10, and load you up with all the gear to do it, and then laugh as you drag bumper out the driveway. I'd like to say that this kind of sales person is very rare, and that they all really care about selling you the right-sized, appropriate trailer, but I'm much more realistic than that. Having said that, we showed up at McClain RV in Fort Worth in our Kia Sorento, and bought a 34-foot 5th wheel. But only after telling the salesman that we were planning to purchase an appropriate tow vehicle. He made the same suggestions that BTBRV has done here, and we indeed buy a 1-ton Ram, after I ran the towing numbers to determine it's true capacity. I think that BTBRV is safe at this dealership. They would rather have happy repeat customers, that purchased the right RV for their tow vehicle (or the other way around, like we did).

[@jphillips7083]

I was a camp host on the Central coast for a couple years and I have seen some questionable to scary set ups. Everyone who has a fifth wheel needs to watch this. Thank you for taking the time.

[@johnnymacattack]

Rv salesmen are part of the problem too. Before we bought our Class A we looked at 5th wheels but I only had a 1/2 ton at the time. Salesmen said I’d be fine towing a 10k 5th with my 9500 towing capacity truck. Needless to say I ran not walked from that dealer! 😆

[@nc_mtbmedic1399]

Must have gone to camping world

[@GTOGregory]

I was at a local Texas used RV lot once. The salesman showed me one 5th wheel that had horrible "bubble gum" welding on the arm that extends from the chassis. That ended my walk around.

[@chadsteele1]

I agree. 90% of Rv sales ppl are the problem. All they want is their commission. Sure your half tonne can tow 12,000lbs. Should u nope

[@CopCat34]

Salesmen have one purpose. That purpose is to sell RVs and travel trailers. Technical knowledge is not required to sell a product.

[@davidschomp4328]

Most of the dealers I have been to never look past the weight of the trailer... some I have talked to didn't know what hitch weight was, and better than 50% could not tell me what the hitch weight for a unit was. Hitch weight is VERY rarely posted on a unit, and when it is posted no one could tell me if that is unloaded hitch weight or what. One manufacturer told me it was "Typically loaded hitch weight", but was unable to explain what that meant. I really wish there was some standard for that and it was included on the sticker these days. That is the most important number for 1/2 ton trucks!

[@AJohns47]

Half ton Sierra / 26ft fifth wheel just got to our campsite for the 9th year in a row. Guess I need a 3/4 ton huh?

[@regancollins1465]

I just love how we never see your face, it always reminds me of Tool Time, were Tim's next door neighbor never shows his face, he was always behind something, I think it's so cool 👨‍💻👍

[@Kevincheesepizza]

My Tundra towed a spaceship.

[@jaket2k927]

Okay now do the space ship up hill down hill over and over and over.

[@manowar5516]

Short and to the point. Now convince some 70% of old retired dudes that those numbers make sense.😒

[@rob1484]

Good luck there. Those old retired dudes towed travel trailers now need 1/2 - 3/4 ton trucks minimum.

[@TM-zh2jf]

And the young dudes with the fifth wheel, half ton, and all available space in the box stuffed with beer and bikes

[@brianpatrick8787]

The old retired dudes did the math and know that a half ton with upgraded tires has no problem towing. People forget up until 21 century 1/2 ton to 1 ton road on the same frame and engines and tranny. So the ps about frames can't take it is just that. As long as the hitch weight is with in the payload and the trailer weight is ok for the tow rateing you are fine. The only real issues is you can't get decent engine in a 1/2 ton or the right axle ratio. A after market swap to a 4.10 or 4.53 will help. So does wheel swap to shorter and wider tires.

[@BrandonContracting]

I'm not an old retired dude and 100% believe you should never tow a fifth wheel with a half ton. Tires, suspension, engines, transmissions, payload capacity, tow vehicle weight.. all too soft for fifth wheels.

[@BobTheBreaker9]

I dont understand though... the half ton trucks today have higher ratings across the board compared to 80s and 90s 1 tons

[@trappedintexas9174]

I have a 2018 F150, Crew, Max Tow with the Ecoboost. Rating is 13200lbs. Payload is 1666. Not seen a single of these so called 1/2 ton towable fifth wheels I would ever try to tow with it :) Payload runs out way fast.

[@charlesstanford1140]

Trapped In Texas it runs out cash in my 2500HD too

[@Gratefulwon]

Trapped In Texas If you had only ordered an HDPP 150! There are a few 5th wheels I can tow with mine. Just have to be cognizant of the weights. Using an AUH and curtis double lock flip ball keeps weight down too.

[@Fudgieguys1969]

Good point. Many folks don't understand the transfer weight through the pin to truck.

[@loujohnson9512]

In a court of Law they are going to go by what is documented not what the truck maybe capable of doing.

[@myleshansel7950]

Great information, unfortunately some people including salesmen will say that the 1/2 truck is fine. We have a Heartland Prowler P289 that is sold as 1/2 ton towable, but in reality put my 3/4 ton over on the GVWR and because of that and we want a larger 5th wheel someday we also have a dually we use for camping now.

[@BIG570S]

So you’re saying I can’t tow that 5th wheel with my Colorado ZR2?? Lol

[@dedalliance1]

I saw a Nissan Frontier pulling this tiny little fifth wheel down the highway lol. It was an interesting sight.

[@ImYourHucklebery117]

Y'all haven't seen nothing this guy doesn't even need a truck kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4iYo2qop7eSg8k Trucks: I can tow anything SUV: Hold my Beer!!! 🍻 Wait, Hold my independent front suspension

[@cm01]

@@ImYourHucklebery117 does the Colorado/Canyon not tow 7000? I coulda sworn it did...

[@firefighterbilly]

Now that's funny, the scary part is a lot of people looking at the Colorado don't think about size = mass lol. I was looking at the Colorado with the duramax diesel and the Chevy dealer was telling me I could tow a 7,000 lbs trailer no problems.

[@RoadRage810]

You can tow anything your truck will pull. You just can’t do it safely or for longer distances than 2 or 3 feet. I saw a Jeep Wrangler pull a semi out of a snow drift. That counts as tow capacity right? 😉 apparently the Wrangler can tow 80,000 pounds 😂

[@chadeisenbath7861]

Fantastic honest real world information here!!! Good work buddy!! Hopefully people will watch this video where applied!!!!!!!!👍👍👍👍

[@oldmanjim2376]

Always look at the manual for your truck. My old F150 had the towing capacity, but the manual said to NEVER attempt to use a 5th wheel.

[@wildbill23c]

The manual also is generic. You really need to look at the sticker on the door or the door pillar to get real world numbers based on the features added to the vehicle...those massive towing capacities that these 1/2 ton commercials tout are actually in the base model 2WD regular cab pickup with the max tow package, not the fully loaded crew cab 4x4 models, the commercials don't bother telling that.

[@davidmi1960]

Finally someone telling truth. Rv dealers should not be allowed to sell something that cannot be towed by the rig, you have to stop the thing to in an emergency.

[@Soladaddy]

My "half-ton towable" 5th wheel maxes out my dually. 99 F-350 dually crewcab 7.3 4x2 has a tow capacity of 13,200 and a GCVWR of 20,000 lbs. I hit the scales on the way out for a cross-country trip lightly loaded (No bikes, boats, firewood, dump tank, fishing gear, shelters). Just the family of 5, 2 dogs, 100 lbs generator, 10 gal gas for genny, 12 gal of water, 250 lbs of tools. The truck empty is about 7500 lbs and the trailer is 9300 dry. Loaded the truck axles were 4650 and 6000. The trailer axles were 9320. We had 30 lbs to spare.

[@bullnpcola]

Aside from the weight, the forces on the front cap from wind resistance dictates a heavier truck

[@chrish5096]

bullnpcola well correct me if I’m wrong but as far as safety when towing a big load the main concern is how much weight can you stop not what you can get going

[@chrisludwig9783]

@@chrish5096 the main concern is towing it safely.

[@rossbowman202]

Why doesn't Ford, GM, Dodge and Toyota share this information? They are creating a false sense of security that these trucks can do it. Wish they would step up and let owners know what is safe to tow. Thank you for what you do.

[@via0con0dois]

Well my pops pulled a 5th wheel behind his 2016 f150 limited thru the mountains at 75 and didn’t run into any issues. These trucks are more than capable of doing so, you just need to have a idea about what you’re doing

[@joeo7257]

"If" they say you can, doesn't mean you should.

[@The.Real.Timmii]

my Tundra does just fine, just heed the weight limitations

[@m.fheagle3286]

Phenomenal breakdown using the numbers, I’ve found it incredibly difficult to get a straight answer regarding what the safe limitations of my vehicle are regarding towing. Thanks for sharing this.

[@mikesimmons9930]

Great video. I see so many people towing campers with an under-rated truck. I love reading the comments about the guy that proclaims his truck can tow twice the weight of what it is rated.

[@JoseMedina-fu5yc]

Its paying off to hear again this topic as I'm understanding better truck towing capabilities. 👍👏👌

[@jesseurane5620]

I have a “half ton towable” fifth wheel.10k gvwr, 8k dry weight and 34ft. No way i would ever tow it with a half ton. I tow it with a 2019 f250 cc 4x4 with the 6.2 gasser and it does the job perfectly.

[@chiefsnarlsnortz1610]

The lay down shower is tuff! Lol 😂

[@nramirez314]

Very Informative. Thank you Nice Truck, Nice Trailer. its always better to be safe than sorry

[@StogiePalace]

Great as always. Would’ve driven the point home more with the actual payload and pin weights, not the estimated range of what most pin weights are percentage-wise. I know all trucks are different with their payloads based on trims, options, etc but it’d be cool to see actual numbers of trucks you check out, and pin weights on 5’rs, too.

[@richardjeun]

Maybe the most important thing about safety is preventing the RV manufacturers from putting a sticker on the RV that says, “half ton.”

[@toddroush6944]

Thanks for sharing this. Never tow above 70%, less is better.

[@thatguy1321]

Nah sometimes you have to do more with less. I've towed a dodge 1500 on a trailer behind my jeep grand Cherokee. Was it practical? No. But it got the job done and towed close to three times its maximum weight with 0 problems.

[@dmb25108]

I have a 5th that would be truly half-Ton towable, but it only has a tare weight of 3000lbs 5000lbs gvwr. The trailer is 21 ft long and 30 years old no slides

[@joecool509]

You sir are a true public safety advocate. Thank you. Cargo capacity is usually the limiting factor on most 1/2 ton trucks.

[@bigjaydogg3384]

Looking at 3/4 tons, it seems as if payload is the limiting factor there as well. It’s surprisingly easy to go overweight after adding passengers, tank capacity, fuel, etc., especially if you calculate using 20-25% weight transfer figures.

[@brianrobertson8808]

@@bigjaydogg3384 Ford F250 payload ranges from 3500 to 4200 lbs, depending on cab configuration and drivetrain

[@billb6606]

@@brianrobertson8808 not true watch TFL video comparing towing 9000 lbs F250 vs F150 I think they show F250 payload at 2040lbs.

[@genemcdaniel8514]

I wish every trailer dealer ship would talk to there customers, and don't sell them units like. You are 100% correct. I think this is the reason we are seeing so many wrecks on the Highways now. Because them big trailers will push small truck all over in high winds, and steep inclines or up 4% grade or larger. It's not save!!! I enjoy your KZbin.

[@Canadian.tanker.yanker]

Another great point to note, the weight of the hitch is measured at rest, which in some cases might be under the trucks capacity, but now in travel conditions, bumps and heaves, or even an emergency braking situation causes the transfer of weight back and forth, which changes the weight applied to the hitch. A good jarring bump, could see as much as 3000lbs transferred to the hitch in the truck (in this example, almost 1210lbs over the trucks rated capacity), which is where the damage is done to the trucks suspension or ability to control both truck and trailer in an emergency situation.

[@THETOPGLOCK]

Thanks for touching on this topic again. It’s important and needs to be out there. I’m sitting right now at a KOA in Indiana and as I look around I would say 90% of these TVs are overloaded. I educate when I can but some had no idea they were maxed out including friends in our group. Too many are only focused on the towing capacity.

[@SweetBearCub]

Too many people don't WANT to acknowledge that they are over their rated tow limit because it would bust their dreams of using a cheaper truck. Tow limits are a function of not just tow capacity, but also payload capacity, GCWR, and similar.

[@elfwithabike]

One of the things i never get tired of you repeating. As well as the 3/4 tons and single wheel 1 tons hauling the 35 to 40+ foot fifth wheels. To many tow over the limits or on the edge of there 3/4 tons. I was one of them for a few years until i could afford the new f350.

[@duke9173]

Ask yourself, does my truck manufacturer offer my 1/2 ton truck with a fifth wheel prep package? No, then it’s not designed to do so.

[@ALMX5DP]

Jason Bookheimer Ford lists official fifth wheel towing specifications for the F-150 though.

[@gvsukids]

Titan does

[@jmgaming1224]

Nissan Titan does

[@nismo4x4n]

@@jmgaming1224 the new titan isn't a half ton its somewhere between a 1/2ton and a 3/4 ton.

[@jmgaming1224]

Corey Allen there’s two new titans, the XD (which is he heavier duty, less than 3/4 but more than 1/2) then there’s the regular half ton titan

[@AliBaba-cf4iu]

This dude knows what he's talking about, listen to this guy people, thanks...

[@palco22]

99.9% correct. all things considered. As you said, the only 5th wheel that "could" be ½ ton towable is the Winnebago Micro Minnie 2405rl at 5,700 lbs dry and GVWR of 7,000 lbs. I'd be comfortable with those numbers but no other "½ ton towable" comes within proper safety limits for the majority of ½ tons ! Well done !

[@geo_walters]

So much information and education. Thank you for this public service.

[@sean2148]

My rule of thumb is when the trailer gets to the 7500# area I’m bumping to 3/4 ton. All the claims in the world won’t make a big difference when the 1/2 ton is put in a bad situation because of what it’s “capable” of. But it’s all about how much faith you have in that vehicle vs what your life, your families, and the innocent people you endanger are worth. I won’t let pride or a dealer’s claims make me have a regret for a bad decision.

[@pagosabob10]

Those you tube sites saying a 1/2 can be used to pull a 5th wheel are so misleading, It's criminal!!

[@joevigil5274]

GVWR is not the actual weight of the trailer. The Dry weight + contents are the weight. For a 1/2 ton truck rated at 9500 lbs towing the tongue weight is not 2500 lbs and the tow weight is actually something less for this trailer. I have been towing a 31’ 5th wheel for years and always within truck specifications loaded. How do I know, I weighed the trailer. That is the only way you know your in spec. Not some erroneous assumptions made in these videos.

[@davidlabrenz7230]

A lot of interesting comments remember that if you have excess truck the odds of having a problem is less always more enjoyable to pull with more truck than you need

[@joesainato8051]

You always have good information. My buddy is going to sell his house. Him and his wife are going to buy a big 5th wheel and new truck. I told him about your channel and said it’s a much watch for excellent information and safety tips.

[@DnSAdventures]

Another great video and hit the nail on the head. Hope this reaches as many ears as possible! Thanks for the info - Shane

[@johnhoy5198]

I have the MBOK 30.5 Jayco HT, half ton towable according to Jayco. I tow with 3/4 ton Dodge diesel and I definitely not tow it with anything smaller. I also wonder if these lighter new half tons would not be pushed around by these 5 th wheels. Like the tail wagging the dog. Love the channel!!!

[@ALMX5DP]

Where does Jayco state that it is 1/2 ton towable? I couldnt find any mention on their website or that trailer's brochure.

[@johnhoy5198]

My sales guy said the HT stood for half ton towable

[@ALMX5DP]

John Haughey oh that could be. I mean the weights are quite a bit less than the normal Jayco lineup, so they could be, but they still look rather large to be towed by a 1/2 ton.

[@wildbill23c]

You are spot on with the tail wagging the dog issue, and most people aren't around to tell about it either, as well as the other people on the road they took out along with themselves due to their lack of towing knowledge....or just plain do not care...they bought that damn $60k truck and $60k trailer that damn $60k truck will pull anything because they paid $60k for it mentality is why there's a push to require people towing trailers or driving motor homes to be licensed for such...and I'm starting to agree with that more and more given the increased number of accidents involving RV's and trailers. They go out and buy that truck and trailer, use it a couple times a year and really have no idea what they're doing, and the no idea of what they're doing will eventually catch up with them and most likely not in a good way.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@wildbill23c You definitely are correct about some people's mentality and inexperience, but that can plague 1/2 ton buyers as well as 3/4 or 1-ton buyers. I think education and gradual experience are key regardless of what you own.

[@bellaandelf]

Well, that looks like my truck. I was just starting to explore fifth wheels too. Never would have thought towing accommodated larger trailers. Thank you for explaining the issue.

[@darrenwarren1730]

Not only the cargo capacity people tend to forget about the GCVW of the truck. My truck weights 6,880 lbs per the title. It is rated to tow 12,000 lbs. So if I have a 12k lbs trailer and I get in, I’m only 135 lbs, I’ve exceeded my GCVW of 19,000 lbs by 15 pounds.

[@cameronf2758]

My camper is a 27ft at about 6900 lbs dry and pin weight at about 1000. Hope my half ton can tow it lol

[@dougsmith7195]

You can tow an Escape 5.0TA Fibreglass Trailer with a Tacoma or Frontier and they last 50 years, Fibreglass shell trailers are the best trailers.

[@jamesm568]

The owner manuals has specifications for fifth wheels weights and fifth wheel mounting location.

[@jadedengineer]

James M GM doesn’t list fifth wheel ratings for 1500 series trucks. GM only rates fifth wheel and goose neck ratings for 2500 and 3500 series trucks.

[@jpfitpro]

jadedengineer 2019 manual has weight ratings for 5th wheel listed for 1500 pickups. Just looked at mine recently. Might get a scamp 5th wheel, but that doesn’t really count, lol

[@tractorboy31]

Mom pulls a fifth wheel with her small 8 2wd standard cab pu that dad and her bought it in 02. No slides and generally doesnt haul water. Dad did put some overload springs on it that added 500 lbs of spring for the pickup camper and pulling the bass boat. Trk doesnt struggle or really squat the rear. I then pull a 13k pintle trl with my 97 f350 dually that some might say is too much. Just last night i was pulling it and had some orange lights and i can stop it like a champ would like more tongue wieght but im looking to get a pickup camper and then ill say im maxed out

[@GMtransmissiontech74]

That’s why I traded out of my half ton for a one time SRW

[@McR45]

Saw this first hand going up and down I5 in California this week. Even my 13 year old son said “dad it looks like the bed is going to fall off of those trucks”.

[@dennisb7132]

This is why I traded to a ram 3500. The 2500 would pull and run good great,I was overweight by as much as 700 to 1000Lb. Love my new ram! Great video

[@deltabravo1257]

Very informative video. I wish that RV manufacturers would ditch the marketing term of "half town towable"

[@Gratefulwon]

With the payload capacity of my super crew 150 being 2500 lbs, there are a few half ton towable 5th wheels we can choose from. 25 to 26.5, with overall length less than 30. Empty pins about 1400, loaded 1800 or so, leaving 700 lbs for me and my wife, dog, and whatnot. It’s possible. Just have to ORDER the truck, you’ll never find it on the lot.

[@BigTruckBigRV]

I'm concerned you may be misinformed. I just looked up the highest cargo package available on an F150 Super Crew and it's 2066lbs if you get the 5.0 v8 in an XL work truck package. This was from Ford's towing guide: Ford › fleet › towingguidesPDF Towing Guide - Ford Fleet

[@Gratefulwon]

Google up F150 HDPP

[@Gratefulwon]

Well?

[@fenkellmoney8034]

Don’t know if you have but please make a video showing what a half ton can tow. Love this video and the knowledge it gave me thanks

[@stevoetyler9544]

Unfortunately you will have go over this every so often....some people are hard to sell on this and the rv dealers are working against your message... ..Winnebago 2405 micro minnie (1060 lbs) pin weight and kz sportsman 231rk (860 lbs) pin weight and scamp fifth wheel are the only ones that look like I would even consider but I'm going to opt for a TT that's standard pull behind....Dont listen to dealers they will say anything to sell 2012 F150. 1700 cargo 1100lbs tow

[@iviaverick52]

I appreciate your time doing the math in your videos. It's helped me greatly in shopping for a travel trailer for my '07 F150

[@donlea5594]

95% of the people I talk to including dealers have no clue what the payload sticker actually means

[@strategicbushcraft6391]

Scamp makes a 5th wheel that would be ideal on a 1/2 ton truck. Most of them you would want 3/4 ton or higher.

[@kevinj8258]

Strategic Bushcraft - scamp is the 1% left beyond the 99% of 1/2 towable 5th wheels mentioned.

[@fedguy9182]

Yep. Half ton can generally pull it but also has to be able to carry it. This would be a good match for a 2500 0r a 3500 SRW truck. Good video

[@charlenedunne9307]

Thank you so much! I understand it so much better.

[@curtis1951]

All things being equal, wouldn't a fifth wheel be better on a half ton truck then a conventional travel trailer because the weight is in the bed and not behind it?

[@dylanluhowy]

Yes.

[@machfive916]

Thank you for posting this video and bringing light to a potentially dangerous towing situation.

[@gujyjk9075]

I ran into the same issue. I really wanted to limit myself to a high capacity half ton and small 5th wheel. bought the truck. But then couldn’t find a suitable 5th wheel due to payload issues. The good news: a travel trailer has much less payload. Got a Grand Design 2950. I’m roughly 85% of payload and towing capacity. Trailer maybe the answer if you want a half ton but also want RV space.

[@davidwhat7169]

My 5th wheel has a 1159 lb on hitch dry weight is 6345 lb pull it just fine with my Tundra, it's 27 fee long

[@james2042]

Just looked it up, a crew cab king ranch f150 with a max tow package is rated for over 11k lbs tow and 2400lbs payload, so assuming a 2k pin weight it would leave 400lbs of payload for passengers. If its only 2 people that is very doable, especially since all payload ratings account for a 150lb driver

[@johntlarkin]

Where did you look that up?

[@james2042]

@@johntlarkin fords towing and payload guide

[@tonik9724]

Thank you! Thank you! The salesmen on RV lots need to be slapped! Before I bought anything, I did a ton of viewing models and checking specs for my Ford 150 and found those salesmen lied to me. I ended up with a hybrid, have no worries about hauling it. I cringe when I see half tons pulling 5th wheels.

[@toddswenson]

Has to be one of your best most important videos. Thanks and good job.

[@rob1484]

Just watched a Tundra towing one of those while on my way to work. Couldn't believe my eyes. A fifth wheel hitch or gooseneck prep and Anderson will add 200 lb minimum. Assuming upgraded suspension and tires, my bigger concern is the rear GAWR. Load the trailer and I'm pretty sure you'd exceed that as well. Doing that really can cause a problem.

[@wildcatoutdoors]

The answer is yes some are half ton towable because they are made from literal toothpicks. Almost guaranteed to fall apart about the time the warranty runs out

[@roadgeneral]

Well stated. Thank you for addressing this. Keep it up!

[@eugeneenslow8563]

Saw an F-450 yesterday on I-90 Thruway in upstate NY towing a TRAVEL TRAILER with WAY too much weight forward of the trailer axles. Trailer nose down and truck bumper sagging. Very unstable downhill swaying excessively. Thankfully they exited at the first rest stop, hopefully to adjust the trailer load.

[@garyto6210]

As always, very informative. Thanks for the info... I'm in the market now looking for a rig and 5th wheel. Your videos are very informative. Keep up the great work.

[@XploreAz]

Went camping this weekend in northern Arizona and saw 2 Toyota Tundra's pulling 30'+ fifth wheels.

[@lonespartan31289]

I once saw an early 90s 4cyl 2 wheel drive ranger towing a 3 axle 34ft min length goose neck, that guy should not be allowed on the road again lol.

[@Brian-fq6ku]

I will go on and say you probably should not tow a fifth wheel with a half ton, it it can be done. I did it and I did not have any problems what so ever. I have since upgraded my truck to something heavier. I was towing a 290bh with it, I was within the trucks ratings. With that being said I did add helpers to the rear of the truck upgraded the brake controller, brakes on the truck and tires. Honestly the truck handled it just fine I drove it from Ohio to California through the mountains and everything. It never overheated, transmission stayed in acceptable ranges and braking was never an issue. The truck had power accelerating and was never pushed around or felt unstable even in the plains of Wyoming and South Dakota. During the time with that truck I put over 10,000 miles on that set up. When I was towing the vehicle was averaging around 8mpg. To basically sum it up, if it’s that all you have you will probably be fine, but that depends on you and your abilities. If you are experienced at driving and towing and comfortable towing large objects, you will be fine. Experience says you should probably have a heavier vehicle so you are not towing at higher ends of your vehicle ratings for extended periods, and when I had the opportunity to upgrade my tow vehicle I did.

[@williambeasley2582]

I know a guy who drives a v6 dodge Dakota and pulls a 34 foot airstream trailer all over the usa.

[@label1877]

Long wheel base, regular cab, two wheel drive offers the most payload and towing capacity among half ton trucks.

[@danielc5205]

You also need to account for parasitic drag, grades, and high elevation, all which can strain your tow vehicle to death. Lastly, since the "heavy duty" pickups are the same price as the half ton trucks, why would you even consider a half ton truck in the first place nowadays?

[@mrmichaeltscott]

If it had 3rd axle, doable. But 5th wheels should have 3axles period and towing trucks 6 wheels.

[@bobmoeh12]

Thanks for finally answering the question

[@SULLIEDASP]

Mine is 1,800 payload for Chevy Silverado Texas edition 1500 mine 5th wheel camper 5,500 unloaded up to 14,000. We did have 2500 but it kept breaking down.

[@Dakattack98]

I bought an 07 Silverado 1500 Classic. The previous owner said he pulled a trailer. Didn't think anything of it because it had the tow package. A week or so after I bought it I climbed into the bed and couldn't figure out what wad undet the bed liner. I looked under to find the 5th wheel rails. It comes down to just because you can put a 5th wheel in a 1/2 ton doesn't mean you should.

[@daviddouglass7662]

Very good explanation. I have a Grand Design 337RLS and went to a 1 Ton mainly because of Payload. One must also look at GCWR, tire capacity and what your registration says.

[@hardeehamlin47]

Half tons can tow smaller fifth wheels. But an HD truck is a good idea even with a smaller fifth wheel if you’re not very experienced, or maybe a bit nervous or scared about towing near the max capacity of a half ton.

[@dylanluhowy]

I think the real lesson here is that not all fifth wheels advertised as HT towable are actually towable by most half tons. That’s different than saying half tons shouldn’t tow fifth wheels.

[@deannaswenson185]

I hope you are correct; otherwise about half of the RV park we frequent is out of ratio.

[@scz718645]

While I agree with you point 100%, using a trail boss with larger tires, and a leveling with blocks in the rear probably wasn’t the best example.