Community Forums

HRvindeb · 06-09-2023, 11:01 AM

In between rvs once again and looking at Class A vs buying a fifth wheel.
Presently my tow vehicle is a 2014 Chevrolet LT 1500 , 5.3 ltr, 3.42 rear,
payload 1710lbs. 6.5ft bed. Specs on towing capacity says max 9500 lbs.
I know safety wise no more than 75% capacity should be utilized.
Most pin weights on half ton fivers are 1200-1400 lbs on 7500 to 8000 lb rigs.
Really don’t want to upgrade to 3/4 ton, but realistically that’s probably what most will recommend. What say you?.?

Thanks
Vin

CaptainYARRR · 06-09-2023, 11:21 AM

Sounds like you already know what you need to do

Old-Biscuit · 06-09-2023, 11:38 AM

150/1500 trucks and 5th wheels .......not a good match
Wet pin weight vs trucks RAWR and payload capacity just do not add up for a good towing match

Either go to a 250/2500 (350/3500) for 5th wheel towing
150/1500.small Travel trailers and boats

vito.a · 06-09-2023, 12:21 PM

I think you probably already know the answer. If you press your 1/2 ton pickup into 5th wheel towing duty you will be replacing the transmission very soon.

Ed Soares · 06-09-2023, 12:30 PM

I had the exact same truck. Pulling a 6000 pound travel trailer, it shifted constantly.
The constant shifting, pulling high rpm, 6 to8 miles per gallon, drove me crazy.
I’ll never pull anything without a diesel again.

HRvindeb · 06-09-2023, 02:06 PM

Thanks you all for the responses which I kind of figured that the RV manufacturers are just trying to sell some products to half ton owners hoping for a lighter rig that would work.

fischer76 · 06-09-2023, 07:08 PM

as always
I don't care what you can tow and how fast you go
---
HOW QUICKLY can you STOP safely
Just found out my 8 ton 5th wheel brakes non-existent
had to do brake job on F350 and now brakes on 5th wheel
---
been going up and down 8% grades with switchbacks

TXiceman · 06-10-2023, 08:19 AM

You already know the answer. Only a very few smaller 5ers are suited to a 1/2-ton truck.

The issue with a1/2-ton trucks is the limited rear axle GAWR and cargo capacity. Wit the 1/2-ton truck you need to look at travel trailers and a good weight distributing hitch with sway control.

Ken

RangeMaggotBob · 06-10-2023, 08:29 AM

Blah blah blah. Just get the right truck. You know what it is.

JIMNLIN · 06-11-2023, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Thanks you all for the responses which I kind of figured that the RV manufacturers are just trying to sell some products to half ton owners hoping for a lighter rig that would work.

I see 1/2 ton trucks pulling smaller 5th wheel trailers. I've done it as many others since the 5th wheel rv trailer hits the streets in the '60s
However not all 1/2 ton trucks are the same. Nothing wrong with your 1500 GM truck pulling the right size 5th wheel trailer.
The right size trailer (weights) for your particular GM 1/2 ton may not be the trailer size/weight in your dreams.
I would look for 6k/7k gvw 5th wheel trailers. Yeah not may to choose from out here anymore.

Half ton trucks come with gvwr ranging from tiny 63xx lbs up to 8600 lbs. And rawr from 3300 lbs up to 6000 lbs for carrying hitch loads.

Your 1500 GM weight capacities/tow capacities sits some where in the middle of all 1/2 ton trucks.
Many folks bought a std duty 1/2 ton truck or didn't choose the right size trailer for their particular 1/2 truck. Leads them to falsely claim all 1/2 ton truck can't pull a trailer.

You have the truck so fit the right size 5th wheel trailer to match the truck.

Edd505 · 06-11-2023, 11:00 AM

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...n-f-150-a.html

Skip426 · 06-11-2023, 11:13 AM

JMHO: 3.42 gear is wrong for towing; ( 5er or TT) , that's a highway , running empty, fuel milage ratio.

Old-Biscuit · 06-11-2023, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

JMHO: 3.42 gear is wrong for towing; ( 5er or TT) , that's a highway , running empty, fuel milage ratio.

Depends on which transmission.........6 speed works for towing but should stick to TT...........NOT 5rs

mtofell · 06-11-2023, 06:11 PM

"half-ton towable" stamped on the side of 5th wheels is one of, if not the most, misleading bits of marketing ever done by manufacturers. Sure, you "can" do it as long as you have essentially nothing in the truck or 5th. Or, you could find one of the purple unicorn "HD" 1/2 tons that has a high payload but even that is a pretty crappy setup IMO. Basically, it's a half ton with a beefed up rear end... at that point why not just get the right HD truck with all the other safety/performance enhancements?