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.

 

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

 

5th-wheels actually are generally safer and more convenient/comfortable to tow. Just not with a 1500.

 

first off - Welcome to DF - 3rd Gen.

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.

 

+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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Thank you one and all.

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