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
to learn as much as possible about RV safety and towing, floor plans, etc. before hitting the road. One thing I’ve learned from reading RV related blogs and websites is that everyone in the RV community is so incredibly helpful and positive. It seems everyone truly loves it and everyone is an amazing advocate for the lifestyle. I haven’t yet found anyone who tells the reader to run as fast as possible away from full-time RV’ing. I’m sure it’s not everyone’s cup of tea – but apparently those folks are not out there blogging about it!