Towing Level

[JaycoAl]

Again, the Jayco.com site advertises 11 out of 12 HT models as half ton towable. Only the 30MBOK is not advertised as such. Would I do it..probably not. But regardless, that is how they are advertised. I make no assumptions about a trucks ability, or lack of, but I did notice that some who stated they were towing level or close to level and those who had to have helper springs installed were older model trucks towing newer model HT's. My ton truck tows level with a 2900# pin weight but I expect it will need new springs and/or helper springs after 8 or 10 years.

[vcbice]

What the Jayco site advertises and what is realistic are two different things. Same as listening to a salesman telling you what a specific truck is capable of.

Yes, if you go look at 1/2T's you can find a configuration that will allow you to tow a quite large fifth wheel. Note that it will usually involve carrying NO passengers or cargo and maybe not a full tank of gas, and, it will be on one specific wheelbase with 2WD.

Our old Tundra had a 1600lb cargo capacity. It was the highest of any of the Tundra lineup by several hundred pounds and it towed our old 24ft fiver quite well. But, after 30k miles of towing that load the transmission was showing signs of distress. As time goes on the mfgs make the 1/2T trucks more capable for towing. Remember that in the old days 1/2T meant 1000lb cargo capacity and 3/4T was 1500lb. Now days many 1/2T have a 1500lb capacity and 3/4T are 2000lb.

As to which models tow level. Typically the 2WD models of trucks are lower and will tow level without mods. 4WD trucks are higher and will need something to get the trailer level. This has been true for at least ten years now, if not more. Just as mfgs start 'flipping' axles on the new models (like ours) the truck mfgs decide to build their trucks higher.

Bottom line. Every truck is different. What one person can do with their specific model truck may be far different than someone else with the same model truck. Gotta look at the details.