Half ton Fifth Wheels

htglaser · 03-18-2019, 06:37 PM

I've searched as many informative posts that I can find on this forum, and find it to be illuminating. I'm interested in knowing if anyone out there is towing an Eagle HT with an F-150. For those with F-250s, F-350s, or other larger trucks, please, I am not looking for advice on trading in my tow vehicle. It will not be towing 95% of the time, and it gets 17+ MPG. I appreciate the candor, and respectfulness of this forum in advance.

oldmanAZ · 03-18-2019, 08:22 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Scott_Trailer_Newbe · 03-18-2019, 09:24 PM

Not sure if I’ve seen a 1/2 ton towing that trailer. I have seen many 1/2 tons towing 5th wheels, but honestly 5th wheels are not a good match for a 1/2 ton. Basically once a 5th is hooked up to a 1/2 ton it is over its weight limit in one or more categories.

goducks · 03-18-2019, 09:44 PM

The disclaimer should read. "1/2 ton towable when EMPTY"

jbrnigan · 03-19-2019, 05:05 AM

Sounds like you want a confirmation that you can tow an Eagle HT w / your F-150. Yep, you probably can, but, those with larger trucks know why you shouldn't. FWIW

Marshall 28.5 · 03-19-2019, 05:11 AM

I think some of the small eagle hts have light enough pin weight if the truck is equipt with Max tow package. I would definitely check and double check the weight vs your trucks payload capacity.. be safe , have fun

Mopar_Earl · 03-19-2019, 05:13 AM

Which model of HT? Some of those get pretty heavy. The smallest one empty might do it. But you can't camp in an empty trailer. May want to stick to a small travel trailer. Or a very small ultra light 5th wheel from another brand.

Earl

Fyrehuntr · 03-19-2019, 05:44 AM

I had an F150 3.5L Ecoboost. Its max payload was about 1850lbs. Even the smallest HTX Eagle (new line) has a posted dry pin weight of 1450 lbs. That only leaves 400 lbs fpr passengers, wood, or anything else in the cab and or limited space in the bed. The max payload package on the F150 may offer more payload. Check the yellow sticker on the B column of the drivers side of the truck to see your actual rating. There is alot more that goes into figuring out what you can safely tow. Other members have more knowledge. Keep looking on this forum. Don’t go by the towing capacity of the truck alone. I would look at an F250 or comparable truck. Gas or diesel. For comparison...I currently have an F350 with a 6.7L diesel and average 15+ mpg in town, and 18+ highway. Have not towed our new Eagle 321rsts any distance yet to determine highway mileage while towing. When I was pulling my previous Whitehawk with the F150 3.5L Ecoboost I only averaged 9+ mpg. Those twin turbos love to drink when towing! If you absolutely don’t want to change tow vehicles, maybe look at other brands that are lighter and less pin weight. Pull behind travel trailers may be an option. Above all, be safe!!

Jim Smyth · 03-19-2019, 05:48 AM

I did it in the beginning because I thought I would get better gas mileage and it fit in my garage. The problem came when I was literally getting blown all over the highway in a violent manner. I tried Timbrens, Super Springs and then LT tires. They all helped but didnt solve my problem.

Buying the smallest/lightest 5th wheel which was a 28' and a supposed 1028# pin weight and all the mods I did, didnt correct the problem of a very unsafe ride. Can you do it, Yes. Will you be safe, Probably. Will it be legal, No. I was over on Max Vehicle weight, Payload and Rear max wheel weight. Will it be a fun safe enjoyable towing experience, mine was not.

I used to have a 2017 Ford F150 Eco SB 4X4 Lariet with the max Tow Package. I didnt know the max Payload package existed when I bought the truck. That option would have given me a extra 1000 pounds on all my numbers and I would have been in limits legally. However the ride still may have been terrible.

IMO from my experience the F150 doesnt have enough weight to stabilize the 5th setup and if it does your really over weight!

htglaser · 03-19-2019, 08:26 AM

I'm towing a 2018 Jay Flight 31RKS now.

htglaser · 03-19-2019, 08:26 AM

Thanks - I am definitely looking at trading to an F-250, or downsizing my expectations.

barryg · 03-19-2019, 08:29 AM

Wont say you should or shouldn't tow a 5th with a 1/2 ton up to you so this is just FYI of real world weights. My 2016 Eagle HT 27.5rlts has a GVWR of 9950lbs, dry pin weight of 1450lbs per the brochure and I can say loaded up on the way home so not totally fully loaded but really just food missing and with a little water (8-10 gallons), empty waste tanks the pin weight was well north of 2k very close to 2300lbs (that does include my B&W hitch though which is about 200lbs and less than 50lbs of misc crap in the bed that isn't normally there when I have weighed the truck empty.

Mopar_Earl · 03-19-2019, 08:54 AM

Factory specs are always off. So never trust those! Treat them as a very rough estimate. None of my RV's we're ever close to factory specs. Your unit will be heavier than the online/brochure specs. Especially pin weights.

Earl

bdreinv · 03-19-2019, 09:46 AM

Could add an extra leaf spring,temporary fix!

Loboclone · 03-19-2019, 10:08 AM

Look at the Winnebago (Minnie Winnie), many Fifth wheel floor plans and meant to be towed by F150

goducks · 03-19-2019, 11:17 AM

I don't get why anyone would want to settle for a mediocre 5er when you can get a much nicer TT that can be towed easily with a 1/2 ton.

wags999 · 03-19-2019, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdreinv

Could add an extra leaf spring,temporary fix!

Adding something, springs, air bags etc doesn't change what the vehicle can carry. Axles etc determine how much you can carry, your only masking the results of overloading. Like putting a band aid on a cut, you may not see the cut, but it's still there.

Ohiofinlander · 03-19-2019, 04:05 PM

Welcome to the forum!

nynethead · 03-20-2019, 01:23 PM

The new f-150 with the max payload option gives the truck a 2380lb payload. This would be good for most of the HT trailers. My 29.5bhds is 1780lb. Was looking but the issue is still comfort in driving and stopping. 1/2 ton trucks have smaller brakes, lighter duty transmissions and lighter rear ends. 3/4 - 1 tons are made for towing. I use a 2006 2500HD chevy and have been very happy with it.

KillerIsMe · 03-20-2019, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goducks

I don't get why anyone would want to settle for a mediocre 5er when you can get a much nicer TT that can be towed easily with a 1/2 ton.

We ordered an Eagle HT 27.5. Jay Flight 29RLDS is almost the same floor plan, less weight, way less money. Reason for the 5er is ceiling height. I'm 6-1 and the 81" ceiling feels claustrophobic to me.

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