More towing info please

[Guitarmanrlk]

Okay I have decided on a Jayco Eagle HT 26.5 RLS fifth wheel. Will a properly equipped Ford F-150 XLT pull it easily , or will I be pushing its limits. And if so what type of towing options do I need to make it properly equipped. If not what size truck do I need, and what towing options would you recommend. I am brand new to trailering so any info is very much appreciated. Thanks and Happy New year🎉.

[Crabman]

We would need some more info about your truck as there are many variations of the F150. Payload, towing capacity, engine, rear differential ratio, rating on tires to name a few. Welcome to the forum, I`m sure our towing guys will help sort it out.

[THABULL]

Originally Posted by Crabman

We would need some more info about your truck as there are many variations of the F150. Payload, towing capacity, engine, rear differential ratio, rating on tires to name a few. Welcome to the forum, I`m sure our towing guys will help sort it out.

Yep a lot of variables come into play and no matter what you add to your truck it doesn't legally change your factory ratings. Looks like that 5er loaded down will be at or well over 10,000lbs.

[Guitarmanrlk]

I do not have a truck yet. I am wanting to know what I need to buy to easily pull a Jayco Eagle HT 26.5RLS 5th wheel. I prefer Ford products. Jayco advertises that this model can be towed with a half ton Ford PU with the 5.0 liter V-8. I 'm sure there are other towing options required. I need to know these options. Here are the spec weights of the trailer.
WEIGHTS
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs) 6,845
Dry Hitch Weight (lbs). 1,285
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs) 9,950
Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs). 3,105
Thanks

[troutslayer]

I agree with THABULL. As one speaking from experience, I can tell you, it is no fun towing a 5th wheel at (or above) the pin weight or towing limits of a TV. I have a 3/4 ton TV that is right at my 5th wheel limits and my fuel mileage suffers, I struggle to climb steep grades (and also worry about coming down the back side of the mountain). Therefore, I am trading my existing heavy Keystone Montana for a Jayco Eagle HT 26.5 RK so that I will have no doubt about reserve towing and pulling capacity. I know many others who have no problems with towing at the maximum weights but that's not me so I gotta change. So...I'm glad to see you are concerned about this situation because that probably means that you will make the right decision

[Guitarmanrlk]

So what size truck and with what towing options do you recommend to tow the Eagle HT easily?

[THABULL]

Originally Posted by Guitarmanrlk

So what size truck and with what towing options do you recommend to tow the Eagle HT easily?

IMO if you don't go ahead and get a 3/4 ton 2500 it won't take you long too regret it. Will a 1/2 ton pull it yeh but you will be at or over the rated limits and in a emergency situation the outcome may not be good. As a trucker I have seen this way too many times and it's not a pretty site. Gas or diesel that's your choice but if your planning on doing a lot of traveling especially in mountains there would be diesel in my garage. I've never pulled a 5er but have been told with a short bed it's real easy to dent the cab in a tight spot , a slider 5th wheel may reduce that chance.

[Rustic Eagle]

To tow easily..., I would start with a 3/4 ton truck configured with the highest payload capacity. IMO the Eagle HT 26.5 RLS will have a loaded pin weight range of 1,800lbs to 2,400lbs depending on your loading habits. Also, keep in mind that the combined weights of the TV's passengers, cargo, and 5th wheel plate are subtracted from the payload capacity along with the FW's loaded pin weight.

Just food for thought.

Bob

[jal0710]

We have a 2012 Jayco Eagle HT 26.5 RLS and have towed it with both a Dodge 3/4 ton diesel, long-bed with six-speed manual transmission and somewhat de-rated and now a GMC 2500HD D/A combo short-bed, crew-cab. We also tow a 19' Crestliner Superhawk behind the FW. I believe that a HD 1/2 ton will probably tow the RLS ok, you might be right up to the maximum towing capacity with not much reserve. I was unhappy with the towing performance of the Dodge with the derated diesel compared to the GMC and you might be as well if you go with a smaller gas engine. Getting the smaller truck with a gas engine will not give you more mpg towing, but probably quite a bit less than with a diesel. I would suggest you consider a 3/4 ton to tow your FW just for the piece of mind knowing you have quite a bit of reserve capacity in the truck, whether it's a gas or diesel engine.

[Diesel Donnie]

In my opinion, you can never buy too much truck because there will be a bigger, heavier fiver in your future- JMHO- DD

[tinlizzie23]

Our 5er is right at 11,000# fully loaded, and we got an F350 to tow it with. Tows very nicely, and have never had any sense of not being in control. Have never regretted getting a larger truck than absolutely necessary, so as to have a comfortable margin. One thing, though - I would highly recommend an 8 foot bed over a short bed & slider hitch. The slider will work, but becomes a pain after a while. I have a full sized locking box in the front of the bed, but it fits down between and flush with the rails, so there is never an issue with tight turns. It takes up 2 feet, so I still have 6 feet for hauling other things around the 5er hitch. JMHO

[Guitarmanrlk]

Thanks so much for all the great advice. It is very much appreciated.

[Guitarmanrlk]

Do I need a 4WD? I will be in the Rockies camping, but not exclusively. Thanks for all the info.

[THABULL]

Originally Posted by Guitarmanrlk

Do I need a 4WD? I will be in the Rockies camping, but not exclusively. Thanks for all the info.

Towing abilities of 2WD and 4WD versions of the same truck are very little or nothing. So again that is something you will need to determine for yourself if you need or want it. Where I live I need 4WD but if I didn't I still wouldn't own a truck without it , goes back to that ole saying " better to have and not need than to need and not have ".

[dg1971]

My thinking is that if you are sure you will be on pavement 100% of the time, probably not. If you find yourself in an unimproved State Park or a grass or dirt RV camp or a place with a lot of sand, or if a rainstorm turns the dirt roads into mud, you will be glad you have 4WD because you may need it.

[Bob Landry]

Even with a "HD" package, the pin weight on the fiver is very likely to exceed the payload capacity and possibly the rear axle rating of a 1/2 ton truck. You are setting yourself up for a marginal towing experience and probably not a comfortable one. I've seen fivers pulled with 1/2 tons and it didn't look like a lot of fun. I think the payload and tow capacity of a 2500 or 3500 is even more important than that of the the gas vs diesel argument. Your big payback is going to be the heavier suspension unless you tow on a frequent basis, then the diesel and all of expenses associated with it begin to make sense. JMHO.
I'm pulling an 8K lb Outback with a Tundra, and while it's not close to being uncomfortable, I think it would be with anything larger and the truck is rated to tow 10,000 lbs.

[Seann45]

Originally Posted by Guitarmanrlk

Do I need a 4WD? I will be in the Rockies camping, but not exclusively. Thanks for all the info.

No you do not. 4X4's just suck fuel.. but trying to find one (not 4x4) in 3/4 ton or larger is almost impossible.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Seann45

No you do not. 4X4's just suck fuel.. but trying to find one (not 4x4) in 3/4 ton or larger is almost impossible.

Seann,

I hope you aren't upset that some members replied with the option that a 4X4 may meet the OP's needs..., in the end the OP will weigh the pros/cons. I guess I wasn't sure how to interpret your bold, large font post

Bob

[Denise]

Reminder to members that use of large or bold font could indicate to others a strong opinion, shouting, or appear as an attempt to make a personal stand regarding your reply to another members post (especially when prefaced with the word "no..."). This type of interaction to increase the emphasis of wording to make a point at JOF is discouraged. When deemed necessary by mod/admin, a post will be edited or removed by staff.

[FoxFanRay]

Just throwing this out there for what it is worth. My Ford F-150 with max-tow package, 3.73 gears, and 3.5 Eco-boost is rated at 11,200# trailer capacity.