When buying a 5er payload is the number you have to worry about the most, but you need to check all the numbers. I keep seeing people saying if it was up to the weight police everyone would be towing popups with DRW 1 ton but on the other hand if up to the 1/2 people they could 20,000 lbs 5er with their 1/2 ton just add air bags.
This is not rocket science and its just simple 5th grade math. It just comes down to a numbers game and if you believe that staying within the manufacture GVWR specs and keeping you and your family safe or not.
The numbers below came from Tow Planner -
Towing Calculator based on Truck's Payload/CCC - Towing Planner
Most trucks run out of payload long before they run out towing capacity. Tow Capacity Ratings reflects TT weights which have lower payload requirements. The numbers below are from tow planner with only a 175 pound driver and 250 pound hitch and nothing else in the truck (total of 425lbs). If you added a passengers, wood, cooler and etc you must also subtract those weights. Remember not to use the dry weight but ready to camp weight when figuring the weight of you 5er.
Payload of 1500 lbs
You're adding approximately 425 lbs. to the truck. You have 1,075 lbs. of payload capacity. Fifth wheels typically have 20% - 25% pin weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 4,300 - 5,375 lbs.
Payload of 2000lbs
You're adding approximately 425 lbs. to the truck. You have 1,575 lbs. of payload capacity. Fifth wheels typically have 20% - 25% pin weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 6,300 - 7,875 lbs.
**** Most 1/2 Tons fall around 2000 or less
Payload of 2500lbs
You're adding approximately 425 lbs. to the truck. You have 2,075 lbs. of payload capacity. Fifth wheels typically have 20% - 25% pin weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 8,300 - 10,375 lbs.
**** Most 3/4 Ton Diesels and 1/2 ton HD Payloads around 2500 or less
Payload of 3000lbs
You're adding approximately 425 lbs. to the truck. You have 2,575 lbs. of payload capacity. Fifth wheels typically have 20% - 25% pin weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 10,300 - 12,875 lbs.
**** 3/4 Gas around 3000 lbs
Payload of 3500lbs
You're adding approximately 425 lbs. to the truck. You have 3,075 lbs. of payload capacity. Fifth wheels typically have 20% - 25% pin weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 12,300 - 15,375 lbs.
****Most 1 ton SRW Diesels around 3500 lbs
Payload of 4000lbs
You're adding approximately 425 lbs. to the truck. You have 3,575 lbs. of payload capacity. Fifth wheels typically have 20% - 25% pin weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 14,300 - 17,875 lbs.
*** Most 1 ton Gas around 4000 lbs but now you run in to max tow limits.
Payload of 4500lbs
You're adding approximately 425 lbs. to the truck. You have 4,075 lbs. of payload capacity. Fifth wheels typically have 20% - 25% pin weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 16,300 - 20,375 lbs.
**** 4500 lbs Start of DRW 1 ton trucks over 4500 lbs.
Payload of 5000lbs
You're adding approximately 425 lbs. to the truck. You have 4,575 lbs. of payload capacity. Fifth wheels typically have 20% - 25% pin weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 18,300 - 22,875 lbs.
Payload of 6000 lbs
You're adding approximately 425 lbs. to the truck. You have 5,575 lbs. of payload capacity. Fifth wheels typically have 20% - 25% pin weight which gives you a maximum loaded camper weight of 22,300 - 27,875 lbs.
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