Towing with 1/2 ton trucks

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Wobbles

OC, nice setup with the case. I bought that scale, less the extra gage and the custom extension. I also watch these things for my own reasons.

I had to make the adaptor to use it on the 5er pin. Carry 4x4's in the bed to sit the Sherline on. Saves having to carry a floor jack.

[Wobbles]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

I had to make the adaptor to use it on the 5er pin. Carry a 4x4 in the bed to sit the Sherline on. Saves having to carry a floor jack.

I am not in the big weight class but for under $150, I wanted to know what was what. My dealer set me up with a 1200# WDH that is way over my needs. I did not understand why my travels were so uncomfortable.

After reading thru some confusing posts, I decided to start at the basics. My tongue weight is a way lower than 1000#. I have bought a suitable WDH with "WAY" better sway control and now have better travels.

If a member is around southern Illinois, I am willing to share the scale.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Wobbles

...If a member is around southern Illinois, I am willing to share the scale.

I left mine at the Nashville rally last summer, I don't know how many people used it, but I will loan it to just about anyone. Would definitely have to have a refundable deposit if I had to ship it to someone.

[phillyg]

A maxed out F150 ecoboost can handle a 9000lbs FW safely, but why do so when you already have the perfect TV. I had a 2004 F150 with the tow package, 5.4 and 3.73 axle, and pulled an 8400lb FW, mostly up and down 95 on the flats, and gas mileage went from 14 to 9-10. I'm not sure I would have been comfortable in the mountains.

[MeepMeep]

Originally Posted by Maron

We tow a 35' TT w a 2013 Tundra Limited for the past 2 years. Recently we got 5th wheel fever and test drove a Ford 350 Lariat. The rough ride compared to the Tundra got rid of our fever. No comparison in comfort level. The Tundra rides like a limo.

I think you may have been comparing "apples to oranges" - I had the same situation when it was time to trade the RAM 1500 5.7 Hemi for our RAM 3500 6.7 Diesel Dually. The ride difference with the unloaded dually was quite a shock at first, but once loaded up with our new 38ft Cedar Creek, we discovered a whole new ride. The bounciness was gone and replaced by a ride that was soooooo much more smooth and stable that we knew we made the right choice. (And we didn't get pushed around by 18 wheelers anymore)

Don't get me wrong, the RAM 1500 was quite adequate for pulling our 10,000lb ultra light Flagstaff 8289IWKS, but that was all it was ever going to pull.....

[Brim1162]

Very high tech bro


Brim & Dee Cary
Arlington Texas
Flagstaff 8528IKWS
GMC 2500

[OswegoLion]

Brim is your truck gas or diesel? How is it climbing and descending in mountains?

[lorocon158]

Chicagoslick, re7.8 average MPG on your trip? What was your average speed and what is BTW In regards to gas mileage?
Thanks Lorocon158

[Hef]

We just returned from our first trip with our new Flagstaff 831 BHDS which weighs 7500 dry. Not sure what it weighs loaded probably in the 9000 lb range. I pull it with a 2016 Chevy 2500 crew cab and I am VERY glad I replaced my 1/2 ton crew cab with the 2500.

I can't imagine pulling that camper with a 1/2 ton truck , 3/4 or bigger is the only way to go. I pulled some big long hills today that I would have struggled big time if I was pulling with the 1/2 ton I had previously.

[OswegoLion]

Also just replaced my 1500 for a 2016 Ram 2500 Diesel 6.6l. I love it. Just in the process of putting in the hitch and then a trip to Central New York.

[lorocon158]

We picked up our 27rlws on Tuesday 4/12 from a dealer in Fulton NY with a TV 2015 Ford 3.5liter ecoboost. Averaged 10.3 mpg at 60mph with no difficulty whatsoever. Very happy with trailer and TV performance.
Lorocon158

[tmsimmons56]

Originally Posted by porkchopjack

I am new to this forum but I have seen a lot of people that are towing with 1/2 ton trucks? I have a 8528RLWS 5th wheel that has a weight 7200 dry and 9100 wet. This seems to be a lot for a 1/2 ton truck? Wright now I am using my F350 Ford diesel dull rear wheel to tow with. Use to have 4500 lbs of Lance Truck camper on the truck. I guess what am asking do these light weight trucks do the job? Would think a 3/4 ton with 410 axle and large Gas motor would be required or a diesel ?

I've been using my 1/2 ton 2008 GMC for towing my V-Lite with the same basic specs, it's 34.5 ft long. Just means I go a little slower up hill! Really depends on you and not all of us.
I've been wanting a diesel Dodge 2500 for a while, but when it came time to get a new truck I did the 2015 Chevy 2500 HD 4x4 gas. It makes a big difference in the hills and works great for me. I have friends using the Tundra and they love it. I wanted the larger bed with the full quad cab. But you will get everyones ideas, but yes a gas engine will work fine. I drive for a living and go to Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and Bodega Bay and I see many 1/2 ton trucks pulling 5th wheel trailers up the hills at a pretty good clip.


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[Majicdoor]

I'm pulling 8100 lbs. with my Ford F-250 and was not sure if I should go to a F350 but not sure what the difference is between the 250 and the 350 gas 5.4 engine

[uhduh camping]

Originally Posted by Majicdoor

I'm pulling 8100 lbs. with my Ford F-250 and was not sure if I should go to a F350 but not sure what the difference is between the 250 and the 350 gas 5.4 engine

The difference is the amount of available payload. Payload equals the actual amount pounds you may put in the truck. This needs to include tongue weight/ pin weight, all passengers and all cargo. Fuel is cargo BTW.

[bruane]

Originally Posted by Majicdoor

I'm pulling 8100 lbs. with my Ford F-250 and was not sure if I should go to a F350 but not sure what the difference is between the 250 and the 350 gas 5.4 engine

The difference is the price difference between an F150, an F250 and F350. An F150 ecoboost will deal more than adequatley with an 8100 LB load when properly configured.

[B and B]

The F250 has a 6.2 l engine. That will use a lot more fuel dry than a Ff150 with a 5.4 l. A Diesel engine on the F250/350 is the way to go.

[CWSWine]

Originally Posted by bruane

The difference is the price difference between an F150, an F250 and F350. An F150 ecoboost will deal more than adequatley with an 8100 LB load when properly configured.

You are correct a properly configured F150 could tow a 5th wheel of 8100 like the OP is asking about. But it would towing right at the upper end of the F150 payload capacity. A 250/350 would be a better match for a 5th wheel of that weight - either gas or diesel.

With just a 200 lbs driver and 250 lbs hitch and camper ready to camp.
Payload = 2200
You're adding approximately 450 lbs. to the truck. You have 1,750 lbs. of payload capacity. Fifth wheels typically have 20% - 25% pin weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 7,000 - 8,750 lbs.

Towing Calculator based on Truck's Payload/CCC - Towing Planner

[Majicdoor]

I have the 250 with the towing package is that good for a 8100 travel trailer. I don' t know

[itat]

Originally Posted by CWSWine

You are correct a properly configured F150 could tow a 5th wheel of 8100 like the OP is asking about. But it would towing right at the upper end of the F150 payload capacity. A 250/350 would be a better match for a 5th wheel of that weight - either gas or diesel.

bruane's "properly equipped" F-150 includes the HD payload option that puts it in the F-250 payload range.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Majicdoor

I have the 250 with the towing package is that good for a 8100 travel trailer. I don' t know

You need to provide more info than that.

Is 8100lbs the dry weight, UVW or GVWR?
Whats the trailer's hitch weight?

Year of truck?
Diesel or gas engine?
Which cab?
4x4 or 4x2?
Bed length?
Rear end ratio?