I have been researching RV’s and trucks for several months now and I am no closer to making a decision than I was from the start! It’s complicated! At least towing is.
Here’s my dilemma
I still can’t decide whether or not to purchase a fifth wheel, which I feel I could easily live in full-time. To do that I’d need a 3/4 ton truck (read on). I almost got laughed out of a Chevy dealership because I said that I was told I could pull a fifth wheel with a 1/2 ton truck. Their response was – “there’s no way in hell you can pull a fifth wheel with a 1/2 ton truck.” The tongue/pin weight was over capacity in this case. Not sure why they were laughing at me – that’s what I was told. Sure, you probably could pull it, but you’ll be right up against the maximum towing capacity – and that’s not safe, they said. I’ve also read that from numerous sources.
I think a 1/2 ton truck would be better for me as far as daily driving when I’m not RV’ing, but I feel that a 3/4 ton truck would definitely be better for towing anything over 8,000 lbs. fully loaded.
Who is right?
I’ve read on many RV blogs and in RV groups on Facebook, etc. that to be on the safe side, you should never tow more than 80% of the trucks’ max towing capacity. I can only assume that’s correct – at least my gut agrees. I just want to make sure I have enough power to get in and out of the mountains without tearing up my truck, or falling off the side of a mountain because I can’t stop on the way down!
I’m looking at an ad right now that boldly states that the fifth wheel is 1/2 ton tow-able. It’s dry weight is 7,000 lbs., GVWR is 10,000 lbs. Most 1/2 ton trucks can’t pull that weight except the EcoTec3 6.2L V8 w/max trailering package (or a similar truck). The Chevy dealer I talked to told me the 6.2L V8 with MTP is very rare and very hard to find, so unless you’re lucky enough to find one get the 2500, he said. Sure, I could probably order one, but I can’t afford a brand new truck.
I’ve also been told that I could simply add airbags to a 1500 and be just fine vs buying a 2500. After further research I have learned that adding airbags does absolutely nothing to increase the max towing capacity of the truck, or how much weight the rear axle can safely bear. The max towing capacity of the truck is on a sticker inside the door and in the owners manual. The most airbags will do is make your ride a bit smoother.
Safety first!
If you are thinking about purchasing an RV – please, please, please – do the research on towing. Make sure you are towing safely – not only for you and your family, but for others around you on the road as well. I’m no expert, as you can tell. So please do the research required for safe towing.
Finally, if you are towing over capacity, you are putting yourself at risk of not being covered by your insurance company in the event of an accident. Not to mention being sued by anyone injured in a crash. Some States even stop and inspect rigs for legal towing, so keep that in mind.
Do the research! As frustrating and confusing it may be, I feel more comfortable knowing, with a fair amount of certainty, that I will be safely towing.
It will all come together!
I’ll figure it out eventually, but I think I’ll stop stressing over it for a couple of months. February will give me plenty of time to find what I want before July (when my apartment lease expires). Besides, Christmas is coming fast, and I don’t want to be worrying about trucks and RV’s.
If you have any helpful hints or suggestions they will be most welcome. Comment below, please!
Safe travels and happy holidays to all!
-Deb
types of RV’s and floor plans for a few months now and I still can’t make a decision. One day I’m convinced that I’ll buy a 25′ fifth wheel, the next I consider a 25′ travel trailer, and the next I’m considering a Class C and towing a small car. One thing is certain (for now), I don’t want a Class A. For some reason the thought of buying a Class A lasts only a nanosecond.
I’ve also joined several Facebook groups related to RV’ing. Along with all the positive energy out there, there are also some horror stories being talked about. There is also a ton of good advice to be found. 
of fun! My main goal for now, since we’re not hitting the road until Spring, 2019, is to find a floor plan that I absolutely love! RVT.com has become my main source simply because I’m only looking at floor plans (and weight) and their site is the easiest to use that I’ve found. I can watch units I like for price changes or sales, and save my favorites to Pinterest to refer back to later. 
they say about practice, right? The more you do it the better you become. Not only will your writing get better, but you’ll start thinking about writing topics on everything you see, do, touch and feel. Keep a notepad handy! I started a blog several years ago about