Grassy Posted June 20, 2017 Report Share Posted June 20, 2017 The very first 1/2 ton I bought was a used '96 RAM (with the rear seat but no doors) with a 318. It had a 5th hitch on it and the PO drove it across Canada... I used it to tow a very lite 25 foot hybrid TT with a mx bike (plus other stuff) in the back. It did have air bags in the back. On more than one occasion, it was a real handful but I was young and didn't know any better. I occasionally wonder what the trailer specs were for that 5th... Would I do it again, nope.. I believe I echo a previous poster because I now get that comment about enough truck for my 5th now..... but hey, it makes life that much better.. . Arctic Fox 29-5T . Beagle co-pilots - Faffy and Lulu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pinger Posted June 20, 2017 Report Share Posted June 20, 2017 Seems like some rv'ers want to see who can get up the hill the fastest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob91yj Posted June 20, 2017 Report Share Posted June 20, 2017 I'm on several internet offroad forums, I'm primarily a rock crawler/desert racer/adventure traveler, just moving in to the full time RV living genre (just bought an Outback 330RL, awaiting delivery). Regardless of what flavor the forum is, it seems there is always a question from someone asking how safe it is to overload a vehicle. When I say overloaded, I refer to exceeding the manufacturer specs. In my experience, everyone has above average driving skills, and whatever vehicle they own, with whatever modifications they have added, makes that vehicle capable of doing whatever the owner needs it to do. I have an '06 GMC 2500HD (Duramax) with a slide in pop up truck camper in the bed (approx. 1000 lbs), I also have a 24' enclosed car hauler that I stuff one of my 5000' Jeeps in to, along with tools, spare parts, etc. The trailer is rated for 10,000 pounds, it can't possibly be over 12,000 pounds when loaded for a two week trip (scared to run it across the scales). In my head, I'm perfectly safe, drive accordingly when running heavy, etc. Bottom line, I'm still WRONG! I figure I'll be marginal at best once I get the travel trailer. Reverse of the commercials...I'm an amateur driver on an open course! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted June 20, 2017 Report Share Posted June 20, 2017 If you look at the trailers from Scamp, you will find that they do build a 19' long fifth wheel trailer which could be towed quite nicely with a typical "half ton" truck of today. Quote Approximate weight 2200-2800 3500 pounds Hitch weight 400 pounds Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ol farm boy Posted June 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2017 4 hours ago, Kirk Wood said: If you look at the trailers from Scamp, you will find that they do build a 19' long fifth wheel trailer which could be towed quite nicely with a typical "half ton" truck of today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ol farm boy Posted June 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2017 Thanks, russ. I have resolved my question. I really thought that I needed a 3/4 ton truck. However, there is a lot of talk about using a 1/2 ton. The feedback has all convinced me that I need a 3/4. My next question. What is a good brand of small 5th wheel. I'm accustomed to nice things so I don't want a piece of junk. ansi want a used unit. Is there some place that I tell the world that I'm looking? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsallyh Posted June 20, 2017 Report Share Posted June 20, 2017 Too bad but of course being market driven these fivers went away. In the 70's and early 80's, Fleetwood products produce short single and tandem axle fivers under the Wilderness and Prowler names, that were no problem for 1/2 ton pickups. I also believe Shadow Cruser produced a model. From time to time in our travels we will see one sitting in a driveway or field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladimir Posted June 20, 2017 Report Share Posted June 20, 2017 Here is a small 5th wheel. http://escapetrailer.com/trailers/the-5-0-escape/ Vladimr Steblina Retired Forester...exploring the public lands. usbackroads.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted June 21, 2017 Report Share Posted June 21, 2017 7 hours ago, russ buchanan said: What is a good brand of small 5th wheel. Have you considered joining the RV Consumer Group, or at least getting a copy of their rating book? Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted June 23, 2017 Report Share Posted June 23, 2017 On 6/19/2017 at 9:45 PM, pinger said: Seems like some rv'ers want to see who can get up the hill the fastest. I prefer to get DOWN the hill the safest. Stuff enough engine under the hood and anyone can get up a hill quick. It's keeping it under control on the downhill side. That is the important thing that some people forget. 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth Bishop Posted July 4, 2017 Report Share Posted July 4, 2017 Statements similar to the one above occur every day on various social media forums. Unfortunately, these statements are not helpful and could very well lead someone to purchase a trailer much too big for their tow vehicle. I know this first hand because I learned this costly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ol farm boy Posted July 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 I now own a 29' 5th wheel and a 2014 Chevy 2500. Thanks for all the info. Thanks Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don SC Posted July 9, 2017 Report Share Posted July 9, 2017 I just traded a 2014 Ford F150 Ecoboost in for a Chevy 2500 HD because the load capacity of the Ford was only 1395lbs.dry. I really liked the truck but didn't want to tow maxed out or overloaded. The 3/4ton carries double that weight easily. 2009 Crossroads Cruiser Patriot C32BL 5er, 2018 Ford F350 Srw diesel. Curt 20Q slider hitch Lewisburg, Tn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ol farm boy Posted July 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2017 I now have a chev 2500 and a 29' fifth wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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