Towing 5th wheel with 1/2 ton pickup

Larry &Sue · 07-18-2021, 07:52 AM

Hello, I currently pull a travel trailer. We are considering an upgrade to a Grand Design 295RL UVW 8,800 lbs, hitch weight 1400 lbs. Does anyone have experience towing a 5 th wheel of this size with a 1/2 ton pickup? Tow vehicle F150 3.5 ecoboast with max tow package…14,000 towing capacity. Is this enough truck or do I also need to upgrade truck?

Thanks for any advice and guidance on this topic.

Larry

Notanlines · 07-18-2021, 11:37 AM

Larry, you aren't looking at the real figures here. The gross weight of the RV is actually: Empty Weight 8,496 lbs. 1,699 lbs. 10,195 lbs. Gross weight. The pin weight of this loaded RV will be 2400 pounds. Let's assume your four passengers weigh 600 pounds, your hitch weighs 200 pounds, and 100 pounds of miscellaneous baloney. All of a sudden you're toting around 3,300 pounds in your F150. Can it be done? Sure. Should it be done? Not on your life nor on your family's lives.
You are far, far from having a proper vehicle. Just jump to a 350/3500 and relax.

GTM · 07-18-2021, 12:37 PM

Could it tow it sure. Will it tow it safely and well. Probably not. Step up to at least a 2500, better yet a 3500. Better brakes, better suspension

Larry &Sue · 07-18-2021, 05:06 PM

Huge thanks for your input! I thought we might need to upgrade our truck to ensure we have plenty of capacity to safely haul a 5th wheel, really appreciate the detailed response.

Safe travels and thanks again for the quick and helpful reply, Larry

hclarkx · 07-26-2021, 04:12 PM

Good advice above. I bought a half ton towable fifth wheel and looked for a truck. Even the most stout half ton with towing options was too weak in some parameters. I mention parameters because there are several that need to be sufficient. They include truck plus fifth wheel weight, truck payload, truck rear axle rating. You are supposed to be within all of these ratings and most of us want some margin. Dealers (truck or RV) are rarely of any help. It's pretty much up to you to be sure all requirements are met and you should confirm any recommendations you get from a dealer. There are threads on the various forums that go through the calculations in great detail. Learning the intricacies is time well spent.

BTW, if you order a new truck, you will know only approximately what the truck's capabilities are until it arrives and you can see the yellow sticker on the driver's door jamb. If you buy used, and have determined your needs, the first stop will be a look at that yellow sticker to be sure the truck is adequate in all respects.

Good luck.

CALinSC · 07-28-2021, 03:12 PM

There's always a way. Here's one of them, LOL!

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