What size Truck?

[delinpa]

First post on this forum, so hello everyone. I,m looking to buy a 27 ft. fifthwheel that has a GVWR of only 5171 lbs. Can I get away with a 1/2 ton truck w/ gas engine? Thanks to all that reply

[Steven]

The answer to your question is yes or no and it depends.

Looking at the 2009 towing guide for Chevorlet Silverado 1500's just for example; depending how a truck is equipped the max tow rating can be 4,800 lbs up to 9,000 lbs.

Much depends on what engine, transmission and differential gear ratio is built into the truck as well as if the the truck is equipped with a tow package.

Never rely on or accept a salesmen's word for whether or not a particular truck on the lot is capable of towing your trailer.  Only rely on what is printed in the manufacture's brochures and other information.

Every dealer should have a brochure that provides tow ratings for all it's truck models and what is required equipment. And that's the only thing you should rely on.

Information on tow ratings for older trucks may be available from the dealer or manufacture and can often be found online.

It's always a good idea to have a truck with a tow rating grater that what you will be towing.  First the truck won't have to work as hard so it will last longer and two, your will almost always overload the trailer or try to carry more stuff in the truck itself.

[delinpa]

Thank you for replying. The one i"m looking at is a 2005 crew cab w/5.7, towing package, z-71. I have no info on the specs of the truck as of now. What should I look for?

[Steven]

If you're considering a specific truck then you need to look at the specification plate (decal) on the drivers-side door pillar. It will tell you GVRW and Tow rating as well as tire pressures and paint numbers etc. for that truck.

The dealer may be able to use the VIN to look up the specifications and equipment package for the truck as well.

[delinpa]

First off, thank you Steven for all this help. Had to give up on the Chevy. This one is a Dodge 1500, 390 h.p. hemi, gvwr is 6800, towing cap. 8450, rear end ratio is 3.73. The trailer i'm looking at has a gvwr of 5171. Thats about all the info I can obtain. Thanks again.

[delinpa]

Also, 1850 max. payload and 9000 lbs. max. trailer towing package.

[Steven]

First off, thank you Steven for all this help. Had to give up on the Chevy. This one is a Dodge 1500, 390 h.p. hemi, gvwr is 6800, towing cap. 8450, rear end ratio is 3.73. The trailer i'm looking at has a gvwr of 5171. Thats about all the info I can obtain. Thanks again.

Seams like the dodge will do the job will some capacity to spare.  That's what you want.

Good luck!

[thommmy]

My wife and I are looking into getting a Fifth wheel Trailer for family camping. We have been getting by in a small pop up camper and its fun and everyone enjoys it but we need more room we have four kids. I was wondering if a GMC Sierra 2500HD 4x4 would be sufficient to pull one?

I have a chance to buy my company truck in a few months.

[Steven]

If you're considering a specific truck then you need to look at the specification plate (decal) on the drivers-side door pillar. It will tell you Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ( GVRW ) and Tow rating as well as tire pressures and paint numbers etc. for that truck.

Once you know the GVRW of the truck you will be able to compare weights of various fifth wheels to the truck to see if they are a good match. You may want to read the article listed below:

RV Tow Vehicle Basics... weight ratings, tow packages & hitches
Why You Should Know Your RV Travel Trailer Weight
How to Weigh a Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel RV