Fifth wheels are NEVER approved for towing with a half ton pickup...
Just want to comment on the "NEVER"...
Some manufacturers are coming out with both ultra-light 5th-wheels and ones that are designed for short beds.
I doubt I'd try even a "half-ton towable" 5th wheel with a 1500, but the weights are apparently still coming down. If payload and GVWR, GCWR, etc. are all within spec it would be "technically" OK. I don't think you'd have any reserve capacity at all, though.
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Last edited by Rojhan; 03-16-2009 at 08:29 PM.
Reason: typo
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Thanks. The towing option I was reading did apply to the 4X4. It makes sense now that you say it, that it preparing the truck to be towed.
It is funny how I thought the fifth wheel was the safest option. You have changed my mind. I will remember what I was told here before doing any more shopping. Glad I haven't bought yet.
Thanks,
Ron
It is funny how I thought the fifth wheel was the safest option. You have changed my mind. I will remember what I was told here before doing any more shopping. Glad I haven't bought yet.
Thanks,
Ron
5th-wheels actually are generally safer and more convenient/comfortable to tow. Just not with a 1500.
Second - echoing everyone elses on the concerns of the weight of the 5th wheel on the 1500
Air bags, 4.56 gears and a tuner if you do, and even then you have to watch how heavy you tow because you dont want your gears/axle/truck going CRUNCH on the highway and you be SOL in the middle of no where...
Second - echoing everyone elses on the concerns of the weight of the 5th wheel on the 1500
Air bags, 4.56 gears and a tuner if you do, and even then you have to watch how heavy you tow because you dont want your gears/axle/truck going CRUNCH on the highway and you be SOL in the middle of no where...
--Cow-Chick--
dont tow a fifth wheel at all, even under the advice above...theres a reason the 2500 3500 trucks have wider springs, more springs, bigger brakes, etc...its so they can handle a load distributed like that.
__________________
"towing with 3.55's is like pedaling a bicycle into the wind"
Silver Truck Club Member #1 2004 4x4 QC 5.7 HEMI
6" fabtech lift, 315/70/17 BFG A/T's on some eagles, TrailFX tube steps,limo tint
dont tow a fifth wheel at all, even under the advice above...theres a reason the 2500 3500 trucks have wider springs, more springs, bigger brakes, etc...its so they can handle a load distributed like that.
+1 - I'll give you this. I was just givin the advice just as a whole wide net here lol...
Ive know ppl to still do it... frigging hickstate... LMAO. I think that a tent made to accommodate the truck bed does just fine... I plan on finding one for mine... since I love to travel and camp
Some manufacturers are coming out with both ultra-light 5th-wheels and ones that are designed for short beds.
I doubt I'd try even a "half-ton towable" 5th wheel with a 1500, but the weights are apparently still coming down. If payload and GVWR, GCWR, etc. are all within spec it would be "technically" OK. I don't think you'd have any reserve capacity at all, though.
I have also seen 5th wheels that are small enough that a Toyota Tacoma was even able to tow. But I would rather not especialy since I like to use my bed for cargo and firewood ect.
__________________
07 RAM 1500 BIG HORN, 5.7 HEMI~ K&N CAI~Magnaflow exhaust~ Edge Evolution Programer~Nitto Terragraplers 275/65R20~PIAA 540 Super Whites behind the grill.
I sometimes pull a 16ft trailer with ramps and Ive pulled it from Washington DC back to south GA with a 70 Delta 88 on it. Thats gotta be close to 6000lbs right there.
I have a Mega cab 1500 (as we know means its on a 2500 frame) and I was looking into pulling a 5th wheel. No way. Will stick to my 30 foot travel trailer (max 6900 lbs) for now. If ever do want a 5th wheel, then whole new truck. The weight just does not add up to safety.
In light your advice I stopped looking at the overall weight and started to consider how much of that weight rests in the bed. I have started shopping for a tag-along.
This forum is great! I appreciate the rapid responses. Particularly like it when there is a consensus.
Ron
Last edited by RonJackson; 03-19-2009 at 04:56 PM.
Reason: grammar
