|
|
09-26-2012, 12:27 AM
|
#1
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Perth-Andover, New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 14
|
Anyone Hauling A 5'er With A Half-ton?
I'm hauling a '03 28' RBS Eagle with my '04 GMC 1500 SLT 4x4, with an Airlift airbag kit on rear suspension. I will admit I am a little under-sized but the truck was bought before the camper and I was a Newbie. I do all right towing but I sure take some ribbing on my truck size! Problem is... I'm proud of how my little truck performs and would like to know if there is anyone out there that has to get by with what they have at hand? Do you haul with a half-ton? Would like to hear a little support instead of all the ridicule.
|
|
|
09-26-2012, 06:31 AM
|
#2
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
|
deerhuntr,
Welcome to the Jayco forums
I'm sure your not alone with your 1/2 ton possibly being over it's limits, but I bet there are equally as many 3/4 ton TV's out there towing a little above their limits as well
Bob
__________________
2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
|
|
|
09-26-2012, 03:01 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Maplesville - Home Base
Posts: 3,059
|
I don't usually get into discussions of this type, but I can say I am not over loading my rear axle or rear tires. Close, but not overloaded. This is based on actual weight on a Cat Scale. Enuf said.
__________________
Ed
KM4STL
2006 GMC 2500HD CCSB 4x4 Duramax/Allison, Titan 52 gallon fuel tank, Prodigy Controller, B&W Companion Hitch
2010 Jayco Designer 35RLTS, Cummins/Onan RV QG 5500 EVAP, Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X, TST Systems 507 TPMS, RV Flex Armor Roof
|
|
|
09-26-2012, 03:15 PM
|
#4
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by edatlanta
I don't usually get into discussions of this type,.....snip
|
Funny you mentioned it I normally stay clear as well.., but considering this is JOF (non-confrontational) I felt comfortable responding.
Bob
__________________
2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
|
|
|
09-26-2012, 03:44 PM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Maplesville - Home Base
Posts: 3,059
|
I agree Bob.
__________________
Ed
KM4STL
2006 GMC 2500HD CCSB 4x4 Duramax/Allison, Titan 52 gallon fuel tank, Prodigy Controller, B&W Companion Hitch
2010 Jayco Designer 35RLTS, Cummins/Onan RV QG 5500 EVAP, Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X, TST Systems 507 TPMS, RV Flex Armor Roof
|
|
|
09-26-2012, 04:42 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Where ever the boss says we're going.
Posts: 16,111
|
We towed a 30' for several years with a 1500 extended cab, never had any trouble. It all depends on how the truck is rated and the weight of the FW. If it works why care about what others say? Just remember an "ex spurt" is a drip under pressure.
__________________
DISNEY LOVERS
|
|
|
09-26-2012, 07:20 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Luray, VA (central Shenandoah Valley of VA)
Posts: 1,430
|
No ridicule here ! If you are comfortable with the rig, just be careful, know your limitations, and go for it. Most 1/2 tonners can tow the load, but the main downside is braking in a panic stop. Again, just use common sense with speed and following distance. Good luck.
__________________
2003 Ford F-350 V-10 Crew Cab 4WD Long Bed
2004 Jayco Designer Medallion 29 RLTS 5th wheel
Bill, Gayle, Teddy (Jack Russell terrier), and Honey (Beagle)
Retired at last !
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
|
|
|
09-26-2012, 07:33 PM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 626
|
We tow the 2013 Eagle HT 23.5 with a 2010 Ram 1500 4X4 Quad cab HEMi and have no problem. Lots of power and breaks no problem. All temps stay well within range. We changed the wrangler HP tires (p rated) for Michelins LT tires and added timbrens and tow mirrors. We are in the same boat as you are, didn't know anything about towing, bought this truck, I thought they were all the same so I picked a pretty one hahaha! (woman here). Was really concerned about the combo but after towing it 4000 miles this summer, I have no reservation on this combo. i don't know how your numbers compare but if it feels good... And not straining ...
Seen a LOT of 1/2 tons towing 5th wheel in Quebec and Nova Scotia
|
|
|
09-27-2012, 09:15 AM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 273
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boubou
We tow the 2013 Eagle HT 23.5 with a 2010 Ram 1500 4X4 Quad cab HEMi and have no problem. Lots of power and breaks no problem. All temps stay well within range. We changed the wrangler HP tires (p rated) for Michelins LT tires and added timbrens and tow mirrors. We are in the same boat as you are, didn't know anything about towing, bought this truck, I thought they were all the same so I picked a pretty one hahaha! (woman here). Was really concerned about the combo but after towing it 4000 miles this summer, I have no reservation on this combo. i don't know how your numbers compare but if it feels good... And not straining ...
Seen a LOT of 1/2 tons towing 5th wheel in Quebec and Nova Scotia
|
Aren't the HT models specifically designed for 1/2 T tow vehicles? http://www.jayco.com/products/fifth-wheels/eagle-ht
__________________
2011 Dodge 3500 DRW CC
2015 Open Range JT337RLS
|
|
|
09-27-2012, 10:34 AM
|
#10
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 83
|
Timbrens
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boubou
We tow the 2013 Eagle HT 23.5 with a 2010 Ram 1500 4X4 Quad cab HEMi and have no problem. Lots of power and breaks no problem. All temps stay well within range. We changed the wrangler HP tires (p rated) for Michelins LT tires and added timbrens and tow mirrors. We are in the same boat as you are, didn't know anything about towing, bought this truck, I thought they were all the same so I picked a pretty one hahaha! (woman here). Was really concerned about the combo but after towing it 4000 miles this summer, I have no reservation on this combo. i don't know how your numbers compare but if it feels good... And not straining ...
Seen a LOT of 1/2 tons towing 5th wheel in Quebec and Nova Scotia
|
Boubou
How well do your timbrens work, are they stiff when empty? DId they make your truck not sag?
Camper 10
|
|
|
09-27-2012, 02:33 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 626
|
Yes the HT are for 1/2 ton
And the Timbrens sit about 1 inch and 1/2 above axle so they do not affect the unloaded ride at all. They only come into play with a load on and prevent the truck from sagging too much. Of course with airbags, I could go back all the way up, but could not anyways because the truck is already too high for the 5th wheel and it would be too unlevel. Truck goes down about 1.5 inch with 5th wheel hitched up and rides great. I wondered how I would like them and was ready and willing to add airbags if necessary but it's great the way it is.tires make a huge difference too
|
|
|
09-29-2012, 06:20 AM
|
#12
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Perth-Andover, New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 14
|
Thanks to all responders, you have made me feel better about my set up. If the big haulers look down on me again, they'll see me smiling back at them. May take me longer to get there or get up that hill, but I'll be just as proud! There was some real good advice sent about knowing your limitations- I'm still learning mine while trying to remain on the safe side. I have work to do on my distance behind vehicles but my wife helps me with that! One more thing, If I ever upgrade to a bigger hauler, I will NEVER look down on any small hauler, ever! "When you are used to looking 'up to', you will never look 'down on'!" -unknown.
__________________
2003 28' RBS Eagle Fifth Wheel
2004 GMC Sierra SLT 4x4 Hauler
"If something sounds too good to be true, walk away 'cause it'll burn ya!" -deerhuntr
"Nothing gives an adrenaline rush like racing"
|
|
|
09-29-2012, 05:35 PM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 626
|
Don't expect these answers on rv.net! They like to use 1 ton dually to tow 6000 lbs
|
|
|
09-29-2012, 08:04 PM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 273
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boubou
Don't expect these answers on rv.net! They like to use 1 ton dually to tow 6000 lbs
|
Boy isn't that the truth.
__________________
2011 Dodge 3500 DRW CC
2015 Open Range JT337RLS
|
|
|
09-29-2012, 08:38 PM
|
#15
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: North Idaho/Arizona
Posts: 5,446
|
Ok, that's it. I'm calling the Weight Police. OOOoopppss, we don't have one. If you are only getting an inch and a half of sag you should be good to go.
__________________
2011 Eagle 330RLTS with just about every option.
2017 Silverado 1500 4x4 5.3 with tow package. (no, we don't tow the Jayco with it.)
2018 Surveyor 265RLDS well equipped.
Life in the slow lane is still life.
|
|
|
10-01-2012, 04:25 PM
|
#16
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Winnipeg, Mb. Canada
Posts: 31
|
I've done the towing a 5th wheel with a half ton and never again... pushed me all over the place and it was only a 22 foot, and my trailer was level.
Weak transmissions, not enough brakes and lots of frame twist. I moved up to a Chevy 2500HD and never looked back, and now I'm up to a 26 foot Jayco and I barley even feel it behind me.
__________________
Craig Winters
1998 Jayco Eagle 26 foot 5th wheel (30th Anniversary Edition)
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax Diesel, Allison 5-speed auto, crew cab short box (460,000km and going strong)
|
|
|
10-01-2012, 09:14 PM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 141
|
If you have ever pulled anything with a dually you will know why they are the best for towing. Very solid, holds corners like a sports car. I haul hay in the winter for my horses & my 5th wheel in the summer. Never a white knuckle minute. Just a very solid vehicle for towing. I have had a single rear wheel & that's my experience.
__________________
1998 Jayco Eagle 323 RKS Fifth Wheel
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab Dually long box Cummins HO
Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel to gooseneck flip ball hitch
|
|
|
10-03-2012, 08:05 PM
|
#18
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 626
|
I'm not against upgrading to a 1 ton. That will be our next vehicle. But right now, the 1/2 ton we have does a great job towing our small 5th wheel. If we felt uncomfortable or im danger, we would trade up. The OP question was more if it could be done or not.
In our cae, will upgrade to 1 ton so that we can get ourself a large 5th wheel in10 years when we retire. So this 1/2 ton and small 5er will have to last us a few more years yet.
|
|
|
10-03-2012, 08:06 PM
|
#19
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 626
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by 255eagle
I've done the towing a 5th wheel with a half ton and never again... pushed me all over the place and it was only a 22 foot, and my trailer was level.
Weak transmissions, not enough brakes and lots of frame twist. I moved up to a Chevy 2500HD and never looked back, and now I'm up to a 26 foot Jayco and I barley even feel it behind me.
|
That would be your experience, but not our's. Did you have LT tires and airbags?
the Ram has lots of power to tow and we've had not trouble breaking
|
|
|
10-04-2012, 09:57 AM
|
#20
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Turner Valley, Alberta
Posts: 91
|
I'm pulling a 2012 23.5 HT with a 2008 Toyota Tundra and it feels like it was made for the truck! In fact i'd feel a bit silly pulling it with a one ton and I certainly don't want the expense of a bigger trailer nor do I need the room. This one is just right for me and the dog, oh the wife does come along as well. Besides I can park this rig almost anywhere.
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|