Can I tow a Flagstaff 26SRD travel trailer with a 1/2 ton truck?

[Wingsgooter]

The Flagstaff 26SRD has these specs:

Hitch Weight
716 lb.
UVW
6,509 lb.
CCC
2,007 lb.
Exterior Length
29' 9"

Thus, a GVWR of (6509 + 2007) = 8516.

I'm buying a 2025 Ford F150 Platinum that has a payload capacity of about 1400 lbs.

A bigger truck is NOT an option for me as I can only get a 1/2 ton in my garage and I need to find a trailer to match a truck that fits in my garage, not find a truck that can pull a specific trailer.

If I assume 12.5% of GVWR on the tongue, that gives me 1064 lbs on the tongue WITHOUT A WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION HITCH.

I do plan to use a WD hitch, but even without it, I still have about 350 lbs of spare payload in my truck for passengers and other junk.

Not sure how much a WD hitch takes off the tongue.

Is this cutting it too close? Anybody out there pull one with a 1/2 ton?

thanks,

ColoFatherOf3

You COULD, but that doesn't mean you necessarily SHOULD. I have no problem towing my 276BHLE (31.5' overall) with my 2021 F-150 Lariat with max tow package. But the dry weight is only just over 6,300 lbs. Power won't be a problem at all. But I highly recommend adding a set of Road Active Suspension springs to your leaf springs. They're cheap, easy to install and very effective. Will help with stability and squat. You're probably fine, but it's no match for a 3/4 ton. I would do it, but I sometimes do things I shouldn't me doing either. If you're not very careful, you can very easily exceed payload. Really only a problem if you're way over and/or in an accident.

 

[GolfingDave]

The OP has not been back since an hour after his initial post.
At least not logged in.

 

[race3829]

payload

you will need more payload capacity. 1400 is just not enough. I tow a 259 freedom express with a 1/2 ton with payload of 1800 and I am right at the limit. Hope this helps

 

[Lanree]

No problems here

The Flagstaff 26SRD has these specs:

Hitch Weight
716 lb.
UVW
6,509 lb.
CCC
2,007 lb.
Exterior Length
29' 9"

Thus, a GVWR of (6509 + 2007) = 8516.

I'm buying a 2025 Ford F150 Platinum that has a payload capacity of about 1400 lbs.

A bigger truck is NOT an option for me as I can only get a 1/2 ton in my garage and I need to find a trailer to match a truck that fits in my garage, not find a truck that can pull a specific trailer.

If I assume 12.5% of GVWR on the tongue, that gives me 1064 lbs on the tongue WITHOUT A WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION HITCH.

I do plan to use a WD hitch, but even without it, I still have about 350 lbs of spare payload in my truck for passengers and other junk.

Not sure how much a WD hitch takes off the tongue.

Is this cutting it too close? Anybody out there pull one with a 1/2 ton?

thanks,

ColoFatherOf3

We have a 2021 F150 with max tow pkg - tow capacity of 1400 lbs, we also have a 2020 Rockwood 2606WS, pretty much the same weight and length as your camper. We have great towing and stopping ability! The truck does amazing. We went from MN to MT to WY last summer and it handled it like a boss. I drive occasionally when my husband needs a break and I have no problems. We were passing other vehicles up hills out west.

 

[Superglenn1966]

I did not read the entire thread. I did want you to know that I pull a larger trailer with a 1500 1/2 ton truck. It pulls my trailer just fine. I do recommend a couple of things.

1. Weight distribution hitch. I use the Equalizer and it is a very good hitch.
2. I consider this a must have. Airlift. Get you the airlift system. Will keep your truck from squatting. I also suggest getting the onboard air compressor. Makes your life so much easier than having to manually inflate the bags.

Good luck

Glenn

 

[Rabidawg]

why would that be?

If you are over the specs, in an accident, your insurance company may deny coverage. That is from my agent. Denial for damages, both rigs, injuries, or loss of life is too much in regard to the right TV.

 

[baseballdad27]

I have a Rockwood 2606WS weighing in about 7500# loaded and probably about 1000# tongue weight. I towed it for years with my Ram 1500 that had about 1600# payload rating, a 391 geared rear end which was great for pulling power when needed, air bags on the rear axle to get it level and support (very rough riding on stock suspension), and a Hemi V8. WDH, and all, of course. It was a good setup, the 1/2 ton pulled well and I didn't have trouble with hills or with stopping with the brake controller meticulously setup well. It was good for our max 3-4 hour travel distance camping in NC, SC and VA.

But then I wanted to go further, longer trips. I knew I was at the max with my truck and trailer setup.

So I upgraded this year to a 3/4 ton pickup after research and input told me it would make a difference with a trailer like mine. Wow, what a difference! Not so much necessarily in pulling power, though better, but in stability on the road. With the 1/2 ton wind, trucks passing, all rocked my 1/2 ton. Not even a shake in the 3/4 ton. It has been great to travel in and more relaxing to log the miles. This truck isn't an easy commuter and rides best with the load.

As you can see in this post a proper setup 1/2 ton will do even for long trips and it seems you are paying attention to all the details needed (a trip to CatScale is a must as said).

I had to give up the truck in the garage but for better safety, comfort, and towing experience so not to live at the top end of the specs but it was worth it.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Sure you can tow it. Just load it and the tow vehicle, hook it up and head off into the sunset.

Then somewhere along the way, tromp on the brake peddle. It might stop. It might not. It might jack-knife. It push you into the vehicle in front of you. A semi may pass you and suck you into their path as you fight to keep control.

The bottom line, yes you can tow it, and you WILL be liable for any damages incurred along the way.

Not in my opinion will it be safe to tow.

Bob

 

[ejl923]

Always amazed at these threads. I wish the first question the OP’s would answer is they either care about staying within mfr stated specifications, or care more about what someone says they do and get by with it.
IMO stay within mfr stated specs, and going further start with payload. My 22’ Wolfpup trailer loaded, wife and dog, bed loaded, tools, bikes grill, etc is probably over that 1400 lb payload. My actual tongue weight is 30% over its rating, and really the only thing added is a new mattress that’s up front. Just be real with payload and don’t listen to sales guys saying you’re ok.

 

[tomkatb]

I would guess your tongue weight will be over #1000 with a weight distribution device.

You and the DW are part of the payload. So is anything in the truck like Phydeaux, her purse, cooler, bed cover etc.

Thus I would expect the truck to be over payload a bit.

Ok to drive. 200 miles back and forth to the lake. On long trips the truck will stress you somewhat. On wet surfaces your stopping will be a bit more exciting. Smaller tires.

Having towed for 59 years, bigger is better. A 30’ trailer is hard to maneuver around half the gas stations. Got to be careful!

The sizes of a half ton or 3/4 are similar. However the hd truck is heavier and taller. Most will not fit in most garage doors!

Ford has models with heavier payloads. #1400 is puny.

My DW loves her hd diesel pickup. She occasionally drives our set up with a 37’ fiver weighing #15,000. It is easy to drive.