DogFather Posted September 16, 2015 Report Share Posted September 16, 2015 As I look through Trailer Life's towing guide I notice no 1/2 ton big 3 truck comes w/4.1 or better rear axle. Toyota Tundra comes with a 4.3 rear axle, but still can't tow that much. You really need about 14K lbs or more, to pull a 5er all around the country. Kinda seems to me, the big 3 wants you to spend the extra money on a 3/4 truck, if you want to tow a 5er. Is there a reason Chevy can't put a 4.1 rear axle in a Silverado? I also wonder why Toyota's 5.7L V8 w/401 ft-lb torque, is only rated to tow about 11,000 lbs? Despite have a 4.3 rear axle. If I could tow a 5er with a Silverado, or similar truck. I could use that for everyday and still tow a 5er, that I would like to have. Anyone have any answers or suggestions for me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark and Dale Bruss Posted September 16, 2015 Report Share Posted September 16, 2015 There is axles loads, brake capacities, frame capacity. There are reasons that 1/2 pickups are rated low and it is not just to get you to buy a larger pickup. Please click for Emails instead of PM Mark & DaleJoey - 2016 Bounder 33C Tige - 2006 40' Travel SupremeSparky III - 2021 Mustang Mach-e, off the the Road since 2019 Useful HDT Truck, Trailer, and Full-timing Info atwww.dmbruss.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis M Posted September 16, 2015 Report Share Posted September 16, 2015 Rear axle ratio is probably the least important consideration in towing capacity. GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight) being the most important; followed by towing capacity, axle weight ratings, etc. There are small fivers (admittedly very few) that can be towed by 1500 trucks. Dennis & NancyTucson, AZ in winter, on the road in summer.1999 Volvo 610 "Bud" 425 HP Volvo, Super 10 spd.2005 Mountain Aire 35 BLKS2013 smart fortwo CityFlame riding on Bud(Replaced '05 smart first loaded in '06 and '11 smart that gave it's life to save me!)Our Travel Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogFather Posted September 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Rear axle ratio is probably the least important consideration in towing capacity. GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight) being the most important; followed by towing capacity, axle weight ratings, etc. There are small fivers (admittedly very few) that can be towed by 1500 trucks. Perhaps you would like to share who makes 5ers that can be pulled by a 1500 Truck. I would like to consider that, as a possibility. The problem with small is that cabin fever sets in after about 2 to 3 weeks. This has been the case when RVing alone, with another person and with my dog. My dog didn't want to go back in the camper after a while either. In the past, I did have a small RV. Any 5er would be bigger than that I would think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ed6713 Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Here are some ideas http://www.trailerlife.com/rv-trailer-news/half-ton-fun/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deezl Smoke Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Axle gearing has pretty much nothing to do with capacity. You can get low 3s in a one ton. But axle sizing, suspension sizing, and tires will be the larger deciding factors. Today's engineers leave much to be desired, but as a rule of thumb, the so called 1/2 ton pu will ride the full rear weight on the axle shaft between the bearing race and the wheel flange. A proper 3/4 ton and above will have the axle shaft do nothing more than apply torque, and the weight of the rear of the vehicle will be supported by the axle housing which extended in the wheel hub and have 2 bearings running in gear lube. As you may already know, commonly called a "floating axle" design. Back in the ol' days, gm had some brilliant engineers on staff that really brought production efficiency to a new high when they uses the very same frame, suspension mounts, and all other components except the rear axle and front axle ends in the 1/2 and 3/4 ton pu. Many 70s and early 80s 4x4 half tons were converted to 3/4 ton for a very small price. The 1 ton dually was only a 2" frame belly and rear axle from the same set up as the 3/4 ton. I think ford now boasts the largest towing capacity? Something like 9,500 lbs? I'm a work'n on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXiceman Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 The so called "1/2 ton towables" are generally withing a properly equipped trucks range of weights PROVIDED: -you have a stripped down truck, -no passengers, other than one small driver. -no cargo in the truck. -no options in the trailer like, A/C, awning, television, -no personal clothing and food in the trailer. Having a 4.1- or 4.30 axle will increase the amount of weight you can tow, but it will not increase the GVWR or rear axle GAWR. A 5er is heavier on the pin and loads the bed of the truck which is GVW and GAW. WHy not just step up and get a 3/4 ton truck and then no worries on the smaller 5ers. Ken Amateur radio operator, 2023 Cougar 22MLS, 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4 Off Road, Sport trim <br />Travel with 1 miniature schnauzer, 1 standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trailertraveler Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 The maximum towing weight for the current Chevy 1500 is 9500#. The Ford 150 can go as high as 12,000#. Where the 1/2 ton trucks usually run out of capacity first with fifth wheels is with payload resulting in exceeding the GVWR or the RAWR of the truck. The Chevy has a maximum payload of about 1900# and the Ford about 3000#. The listing of half ton towable fifth wheels linked to only lists the "dry weight" of the trailers. This is pretty useless in selecting a trailer for long term use since you will not tow it empty. The GVWR of the trailer should be used in determining the truck required to tow it. The amount of carrying capacity (difference between the GVWR and the dry weight) is important for long term use. Keep in mind that a fifth wheel will put 20-25% of the weight of the trailer on the truck. A 10,000# fifth wheel will require a truck with 2000-2500# of payload capacity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yarome Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Anyone have any answers or suggestions for me? I think you would find a 5er driving the 1/2 ton more than the other way around. When I was still in a S&B I had my 3/4 ton TV, but only used it when needed. For every day use I had a little sedan. It was cheaper to own a second gas friend daily than to drive even a 1/2 on a daily basis. It's also a much safer strategy than trying to tow beyond your trucks capabilities... for you as well as for others on the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdonlybob Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 I mean no sarcasm to you personally.. However, a Volkswagen could tow a fiver, if properly set up.. Stopping is the problem. 1/2 ton pick ups are no more than cars with a box on them today.. Perhaps I am bias, as I used to tow my fiver with a Volvo semi. Cheers, Bob 1989 Safari Serengeti 34'Towing a 1952 M38A1 Military Willys Past HDT owner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis M Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 We towed a 25' Terry with '97 Dodge 1500 for a number of years with no issues. The Dodge was a loaded extended cab, leather seats and all the options. With the Terry loaded for travel we were within 500 lbs of the GCVW on the Dodge. Capable? Yes. Comfortable? Not really. No comparison with the comfort of towing with the HDT. Not to mention capability and safety margin. Part of the distinction is are you "camping" or "RV'ing?" Dennis & NancyTucson, AZ in winter, on the road in summer.1999 Volvo 610 "Bud" 425 HP Volvo, Super 10 spd.2005 Mountain Aire 35 BLKS2013 smart fortwo CityFlame riding on Bud(Replaced '05 smart first loaded in '06 and '11 smart that gave it's life to save me!)Our Travel Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
filthy-beast Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 For a 5th wheel even the 3/4 or 1 ton single rear wheel versions can only handle the smallest of 5th wheels, you really need duallies. I pull a 31ft 12,500# TT with my F250, but I'm limited with a 5th wheel. The pin hitch needed in the bed reduces payload and what's left over after you include passengers , fuel and misc stuff is not enough for the 15 to 25 percent of trailer weight on the pin. 2020 Platinum F350 6.7L CC DRW, 2021 Riverstone Legacy 37mre 5th wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trailertraveler Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 However, a Volkswagen could tow a fiver, if properly set up.. and they did!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappy Yokum Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 Rear axle ratio is probably the least important consideration in towing capacity. GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight) being the most important; followed by towing capacity, axle weight ratings, etc. There are small fivers (admittedly very few) that can be towed by 1500 trucks. Check the load carrying capacity of any 1500 pickup - *NOT* what the mfgr rates it to TOW.. Even the smallest 5th wheel probably will have a 1,000 pound (dry) pin weight. That will increase as "things" are added to the 5th wheel - water, propane, your "stuff", etc. To that, you must add the passengers, fuel, and items yhou carry in the pickup. VERY easy to exceed a 1/2 ton pickup's load carrying capacity. Then look at the weight of the potential 5th wheel -vs- the weight of the pickup. Compare the size of brakes on a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 1T pickup - from *any* mfgr. When stopping - will the tail (the 5th) wag the dog (the pickup)? A Toyota briefly towed the Space Shuttle from LAX to it's museum location in L.A. - - but how well could it - *STOP* - the shuttle, from say....65mph?.. Other than internet "Gee Whiz" - when did you ever see the VW bug towing the/a 5th wheel? Design for disaster!.. ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whj469 Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 If I wanted to tow a fiver with a 1/2 ton pickup it would be a Scamp or Casita fiver. I once had a fiver that they said could be towed with a 1/2 ton pickup, not for me. Good Luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
filthy-beast Posted September 17, 2015 Report Share Posted September 17, 2015 run your numbers on this calculator http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-fw.shtml 2020 Platinum F350 6.7L CC DRW, 2021 Riverstone Legacy 37mre 5th wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdonlybob Posted September 18, 2015 Report Share Posted September 18, 2015 and they did!! Great reply... I actually remember when I was VERY young traveling with my parents pulling a 16 foot trailer with a '36 Ford seeing an example like that, but it was not a VW....That would have been back about ~1948 or so Cheers, Bob 1989 Safari Serengeti 34'Towing a 1952 M38A1 Military Willys Past HDT owner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ed6713 Posted September 18, 2015 Report Share Posted September 18, 2015 I had a 2000 F-250 with theV-10. A very good TV. Not that much more than a dressed up150 but with more towing ability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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