2013 Toyota Tundra 1/2 Ton

[2Barnetts]

Which one will tow better with our Toyota, a travel trailer like the Rockwood Windjammer, or Fifth Wheel like the Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[NHFire 152]

I drive a Chevy 1500 and my Jammer tows very nicely behind it.

Sorry, can't help you on the Toyota side of things but friends of mine have Tundras and they tow a lot of things, but no campers!

[2Barnetts]

We really like the Windjammers as well. Anytime we talk to dealers about them, they all say the same thing, they can't keep them on their lots very long! What model do you have?

[Vacationman]

I notice a lot of people have Tundras on these forums. I have a 2007 crew max. You will have to get air bags no matter what you do. They have good power but the tongue weight is only 400 pounds {guess } If you go 5th wheel you lose the back of your truck. Many pros and cons for both sides

[Grizzlygibbs]

If you have the Crewmax with a shortbed the manual advises to not tow a 5th wheel. I have an 08 Crewmax with towing package and it tows very well. Good luck!

[rambilt]

Your Tundra is a capable hauler but not as capable as the diesel. Good luck!

[Jmjtx]

Originally Posted by rambilt

Your Tundra is a capable hauler but not as capable as the diesel. Good luck!

Ditto! Good luck on your trailer decision.

[Batts-toy]

Originally Posted by Vacationman

I notice a lot of people have Tundras on these forums. I have a 2007 crew max. You will have to get air bags no matter what you do. They have good power but the tongue weight is only 400 pounds {guess } If you go 5th wheel you lose the back of your truck. Many pros and cons for both sides

I have a 2013 Tundra tow rating 9700 pounds, my manual does not place a specific limit on the tongue weight it says 11% of trailer weight. I take this to mean 11% of 9700 pounds = 1067 pounds allowed toungue weight, as long as you don't exceed vehicle and axle weight limits. Myself I am pulling a Wildwood 26TBSS, when loaded, full propane, Batteries and fresh water on board I am well over 900 pounds and feel quite comfortable with this. As far as towing the load over 7,000 pounds it is not a problem for this Tundra but gas mileage sucks at about 8 mpg.

[Batts-toy]

What do you think Dave?

[Camping Buddys]

This is what I tow with my Tundra, it kills me on gas but pulls the camper good.

[Batts-toy]

Originally Posted by 2Barnetts

Which one will tow better with our Toyota, a travel trailer like the Rockwood Windjammer, or Fifth Wheel like the Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

How is your Tundra equipped? What are your weight limits? understand that then go from there.

[John4th]

Personally, I don't believe 1/2 tons ought to be pulling 5th wheels. I'm really surprised in general what folks pull with 1/2 ton trucks in general. My rule has always been 7K pounds is max for any 1/2 ton. Granted, my '12 Double cab is SAE rated for 9700 pounds, and pulls our 261BHXL like it's nothing (5500ish pounds) at 11-12 mpg (hand-calculated). But is is still a LIGHT DUTY truck.
If it's a 5th wheel with a GVWR of no more than 7500 pounds, I would consider it with a double cab (longer bed.) But the trailer would have to be no more than 26'-27' in length. I do believe that you cannot tow a 5th wheel with a crew max due to the short bed.

But these are just my opinions. I saw a couple pull into a camp ground last month with a HUGE Keystone trailer behind a double cab. Definitely over 30', say 32'-34'. At least 2 slides. Had to be a heavy trailer. I personally thought he was over loaded. But I kept to myself. None of my business to share my opinions unless he asks me directly for my opinion.

So to the OP, go with the travel trailer.

[Camping Buddys]

Originally Posted by JohnIII

Personally, I don't believe 1/2 tons ought to be pulling 5th wheels.
So to the OP, go with the travel trailer.

X2

Don't use the Tundra for a fifth wheel. Just my h.o.

[2Barnetts]

Originally Posted by Camping Buddys

X2

Don't use the Tundra for a fifth wheel. Just my h.o.

Thank you, we've decided to stick with a bumper pull. Looking seriously at the 2809W Windjammer.

[Camping Buddys]

Originally Posted by 2Barnetts

Thank you, we've decided to stick with a bumper pull.

Wise decision! Happy hunting on the camper!

[WEMig]

Originally Posted by JohnIII

Personally, I don't believe 1/2 tons ought to be pulling 5th wheels. I'm really surprised in general what folks pull with 1/2 ton trucks in general. My rule has always been 7K pounds is max for any 1/2 ton. Granted, my '12 Double cab is SAE rated for 9700 pounds, and pulls our 261BHXL like it's nothing (5500ish pounds) at 11-12 mpg (hand-calculated). But is is still a LIGHT DUTY truck.
If it's a 5th wheel with a GVWR of no more than 7500 pounds, I would consider it with a double cab (longer bed.) But the trailer would have to be no more than 26'-27' in length. I do believe that you cannot tow a 5th wheel with a crew max due to the short bed.

But these are just my opinions. I saw a couple pull into a camp ground last month with a HUGE Keystone trailer behind a double cab. Definitely over 30', say 32'-34'. At least 2 slides. Had to be a heavy trailer. I personally thought he was over loaded. But I kept to myself. None of my business to share my opinions unless he asks me directly for my opinion.

So to the OP, go with the travel trailer.

Whats the advantage of pulling a travel trailer at 7500 over a 5th wheel at 7500?

[rip]

Originally Posted by 2Barnetts

Thank you, we've decided to stick with a bumper pull. Looking seriously at the 2809W Windjammer.

I'm pulling my 2809W with my 2008 GMC Sierra crew Z71. I would not pull anything larger/heavier using a half-ton with a tow package.

The Windjammer makes a difference with wind resistance (head on) but broadside the half-ton feels it. I use common sense in cross-wind situations.

I get my cousins to slow their 3/4 ton diesels down from 65 on wet roads or cross-wind, otherwise I keep up with them. Your gas mileage will not be good, mine's from 9 to 11 depending on road conditions.

I'd rather be pulling with a 3/4 ton diesel, and may if a great deal on a used one comes by.

By the way, I got my 2809W for people space not storage space. Nice to have my four cousins over for dinner or sit uncramped to watch a show, or for me to dress comfortably back in a private bedroom.

[Camping Buddys]

Originally Posted by WEMig

Whats the advantage of pulling a travel trailer at 7500 over a 5th wheel at 7500?

The list would be long, and it's late.lol
First, the hitch weight for a travel trailer around 7,500 / 8,000 it's around 750/800 pounds. A least for mine.
For a 5th wheel it's between 1,200 to 1,500. And that will kill my Tundra!
My camper it's 36' 4", lots of room!
To tow a 5th and to be safe in the hitch, the camper won't be bigger than 30/32'.

[dvgrif]

I have an 08 Tundra and pull a 2012 windjammer 3001. Pulls well with no issues. Mileage is about 8-10

[2Barnetts]

Thanks for your input! That's encouraging to hear!