Who is towing a 5th wheel with a 1/2 ton?

[ykcamom]

We have a 2010 F150 that according to the specs, could pull a small 5th wheel. We are looking at the Jayco HT 27RLTS or the 26RLS.

We have a Jayflight 24FBS now, and the truck handles it without any problems. But the 5th wheel will be heavier and the hitch weight will be more. We hate to replace the truck because she's nicely loaded, in perfect shape and only has 29,000 miles on it.

I'm not trying to bring out the weight police here (no offence to anyone). I am just hoping that anyone who does tow these "1/2 ton towable 5th wheels" could please provide me with their experience thus far. Thanks!

[Chaparral]

We have 2014 Coachmen Chaparral Lite 5th wheel model 266SAB towed by a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500, tow package, hemi and auto trans. Pickup doesn't have any problem towing camper.

[SkiSmuggs]

I tow a Cougar High Country 299RKS with a 2011 F-150 Ecoboost with Max Tow. It does a good job and I have never felt like I have too little truck for the fiver. It is rated to tow 11K and the fiver is 9500 lbs loaded. I added SuperSprings and HD shocks to help with the ride. We also looked at the Jayco models you are looking at and the Cougar is a little bigger (34') with about the same weight.

[lanerd]

Originally Posted by ykcamom

We have a 2010 F150 that according to the specs, could pull a small 5th wheel. We are looking at the Jayco HT 27RLTS or the 26RLS.

What "specs". Can you be a little more specific so we can better assess the question?

thanks

Ron

[ykcamom]

Originally Posted by lanerd

What "specs". Can you be a little more specific so we can better assess the question?

thanks

Ron

5.4L V8 Supercrew Lariat -- tow max package, 3:73 rear differential, 11,100 tow capacity and I think it's 1650 max payload.

[OR-13]

I tow a 5TH wheel with a 2008 Chevy Heavy duty 1/2 ton and I have no problem. My truck is equipped with a 6.0 gas engine, 4 speed heavy duty automatic transmission, 4:10 rear. It came with a factory installed break controller and a heavy duty tow package.
The breaks on the truck are over sized, they are the same size and type that are on the 3/4 ton, 4-wheel disc.
I will post a pic once I down load it from my phone.

[bob3346]

I have a 1/2 ton 2014 siverado high country with a 5.3L engine and 3.42 axle. The dealer salesman talked me out of the 6.2L and the 3/4 ton knowing my driving history that I would be doing mostly non camper driving verses occasional camper towing. The 2014 has 355 hp with 6 speed overdrive. He thought I would be fine with the 5.3.
He was right. the truck handles my 2014 Dutchman Danali 286 rex with no problem. I put the transmission in 5th gear and can run 70 no problem. It does shift down to 4th on hills and goes up to around 3000 rpm to maintain my cruising speed of 60 to 65 mpg. I let it drop back to 50 or 55 on really steep long grades to prevent from shifting to 3rd.
Trailer dry weight is 8400 lb with a hitch weight of 1785lb, putting me 400 lbs over weight on the rear axle. This is the only negative. My GCW is 16,600, over the truck GCWR by 600lb. If the truck had a 3.73 axle, the trucks GCWR would be 16,900. So I,m comfortable with this setup. I could load the trailer lighter if I wanted to.
I did add timbren load levelers to the truck to keep it level. GM has the high country package on 3/4 tons for 2015, so my next truck will be a 3/4 or 1 ton.

[lanerd]

Originally Posted by ykcamom

5.4L V8 Supercrew Lariat -- tow max package, 3:73 rear differential, 11,100 tow capacity and I think it's 1650 max payload.

Well, the way I see it is the payload of 1650 that might be the killer for you. What will be the pin weight of the 5er you're looking at? Add that plus you, passengers, equipment, tools, camping gear, etc...plus the hitch....and if all of that comes to less than 1650 lbs, I'd say you're good to go.

Good Luck

Ron

[lanerd]

Originally Posted by bob3346

I have a 1/2 ton 2014 siverado high country with a 5.3L engine and 3.42 axle. The dealer salesman talked me out of the 6.2L and the 3/4 ton knowing my driving history that I would be doing mostly non camper driving verses occasional camper towing. The 2014 has 355 hp with 6 speed overdrive. He thought I would be fine with the 5.3.
He was right. the truck handles my 2014 Dutchman Danali 286 rex with no problem. I put the transmission in 5th gear and can run 70 no problem. It does shift down to 4th on hills and goes up to around 3000 rpm to maintain my cruising speed of 60 to 65 mpg. I let it drop back to 50 or 55 on really steep long grades to prevent from shifting to 3rd.
Trailer dry weight is 8400 lb with a hitch weight of 1785lb, putting me 400 lbs over weight on the rear axle. This is the only negative. My GCW is 16,600, over the truck GCWR by 600lb. If the truck had a 3.73 axle, the trucks GCWR would be 16,900. So I,m comfortable with this setup. I could load the trailer lighter if I wanted to.
I did add timbren load levelers to the truck to keep it level. GM has the high country package on 3/4 tons for 2015, so my next truck will be a 3/4 or 1 ton.

Bob... you gotta be way over your payload, RAWR, and your GVWR!

Oh well, if you're happy with the way it tow, more power to you.

Ron

[SkiSmuggs]

Here is some good reference material:
5th wheel towing with F150- I am doing it!!!! - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

[ralphie]

It can be done with the right FW and properly equipped truck.

[SkiSmuggs]

Originally Posted by ralphie

It can be done with the right FW and properly equipped truck.

And THIS is what it all boils down to.

[tderouchie]

I tow a Cougar 276 RLS with a 2011 F150 5.0L. As much as i LOVE my 5L, i would kind of like the extra torque of the Ecoboost. I added SuperSprings to help reduce sag, but quickly replaced those with Airlift 5000 bags. These help immensely with sag(i know, it's a 1/2ton) and ride comfort. Would I buy another 5er with a 1/2ton, NO, but it definitely does the trick for now and I don't feel unsafe at all.

[CRHyde58]

We pull a KZ Durango 275RL with aToyota Tundra 5.7L. The trailer dry weight is 7800+. The truck does pretty good..