re: RV towing with a 1/2 ton (minor update)

From OP

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Most of the time we would be taking 2 vehicles. Me and my truck pulling the RV and my wife would take her suburban with the kids, so don't factor that into payload.

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Sorry missed that part. I have been on the fence about jumping into the TT world myself. I have a 2500 gas truck and I am looking at 30’ or less I don’t think I would want a 35’+ pull behind at that point I think I would just go 5th wheel.

My first camper was a 1980 model 30 foot bumper pull. I pulled it all over the SE and a good bit of the mid west for work with a 1982 F150 short bed 2 WD with a 300 straight 6 and a manual transmission. I would bet that truck's towing capacity was lower than a Chevy Colorado today....trucks are either better designed to tow today or they are fudging the numbers but they are rated way higher than they used to be. That truck in granny gear was a BEAST....it pulled that camper fine. That camper was also way heavier than one build today. There is a guy in my area who pulls a 4 ton excavator in a 20 foot equipment trailer with a cyber truck....that trailer and tractor is probably pushing 12,000 pounds and when I see him he is keeping up with traffic and seems to have no issues....

quote:

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payload just shy of 3k

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Right, like I said they are often rated over 10k GVWR these days. That's a new thing for 2500's and the reason for it is exactly what I'm talking about - 3/4 ton diesels are for all practical purposes useless as an HD truck rated at 10k GVWR. The ones you were looking at were either gas engine trucks or rated for over 10k.

I just looked, my truck is rated for 2,039 lbs payload. A paltry 200 pounds more than OP's half ton truck. One extra fat dude is the difference between them.

Point being, "upgrading" to a 3/4 ton diesel from a new properly equipped half ton probably won't be anywhere near worth the price of admission for most people. 3/4 ton diesels do ok with gooseneck equipment trailers where the tongue weight can be managed and the payoff is in having power and exhuast brakes. With campers, the options are basically half ton, 3/4 ton gasser, 1 ton diesel.

Mostly lakes and beach in the south east. Maybe the occasional trip up to the Smokies but nothing regular. We are in central AL.

In general if it's under 3-4 hours we take 2 vehicles anyway. Wife would be towing a golf cart is the current plan.

1) start with what you have then worry about “upgrades”.

2) if you have experience towing staying under the weight limit is fine. If you don’t have a lot of experience towing start smaller perhaps. It’s not just weight you’re dealing with towing a 28’ plus trailer, the wind can be a bigger factor. Are you comfortable pulling near your truck’s max with a billboard catching all the wind crossways on the basin bridge?

I'm comfortable towing and have towed a good bit over the years. I've even towed over 30 foot RV's before.

I just wanted to get everyone's experience with it. I think of I stay 30 feet or under and 6k dry weight or under I'm not going to be pushing the limits of my truck. I know it's not a joy to tow that much with a half ton, but I'm not throwing 10k lbs behind it.

Can't answer for sure unless we know the GCWR of the truck and the weight of the truck, boat, trailer, cargo, tongue weight, and passengers. This is the number to use and not the towing capacity.

If you don't already know the GCWR is, it's the maximum allowable combined weight of a tow vehicle and its trailer, including all cargo and passengers. It should be on the yellow sticker on drivers side door.

Do not use the tow capacity, it's a useless number.


I have a F150 and my allowable towing is 1,700# under the towing capacity

Also must consider braking, I think your 1500 is too light.

Trailer brakes and weight compensation hitch/sway bars and you will be fine. F150 pulls 30' easy.