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Old 09-26-2012, 12:27 AM   #1
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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.
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Old 09-26-2012, 06:31 AM   #2
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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
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Old 09-26-2012, 03:01 PM   #3
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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.
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Old 09-26-2012, 03:15 PM   #4
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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
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Old 09-26-2012, 03:44 PM   #5
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I agree Bob.
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Old 09-26-2012, 04:42 PM   #6
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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.
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Old 09-26-2012, 07:20 PM   #7
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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.
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Old 09-26-2012, 07:33 PM   #8
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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
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Old 09-27-2012, 09:15 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by Boubou View Post
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
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Old 09-27-2012, 10:34 AM   #10
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Timbrens

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boubou View Post
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?
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Old 09-27-2012, 02:33 PM   #11
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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
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Old 09-29-2012, 06:20 AM   #12
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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.
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Old 09-29-2012, 05:35 PM   #13
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Don't expect these answers on rv.net! They like to use 1 ton dually to tow 6000 lbs
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Old 09-29-2012, 08:04 PM   #14
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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.
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Old 09-29-2012, 08:38 PM   #15
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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.
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Old 10-01-2012, 04:25 PM   #16
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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.
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Old 10-01-2012, 09:14 PM   #17
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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.
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Old 10-03-2012, 08:05 PM   #18
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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.
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Old 10-03-2012, 08:06 PM   #19
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Quote:
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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
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Old 10-04-2012, 09:57 AM   #20
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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.
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