Anyone towing 5th wheels with 1/2 ton?

[Irishpilot]

This is an inquiry as I'm a little unsure of the weight I can pull with my truck. This isn't a stock truck, so I'm not sure what the best way to go about this is.

The truck has:
406 sb with 4-core rad & HF water pump
power disk front/drum rear
air ride front bags, firestone towing rear bags
TH350 with 3000 stall

The truck would need to be wired for trailer brakes and I would install a variable controller.

From reading past threads, it looks like the 12-bolt in the 1/2tons is a limiting factor. Does putting the weight over the wheels allow for heavier pulling?

I am looking at a few trailers with max gross between 8000-10000lbs.

Is this even feasible? Thanks for the help.

[kwmech]

Coil or leaf in the back?

[Longhorn Man]

Personally, i would never do a 5th wheel in a 1/2 ton. That kind of equipment is made for one ton rigs.

[don t. - 72gmc]

Your truck will pull it. The real question is....will it stop b/4 something bad happens?

JMHO, and that's all it is, an opinion, 1/2 ton trucks of our age should not tow anything over 5K lbs, 3/4 ton max of 7k lbs. I've gone over this limit on a few occasions, and had someone pull out infront of me. All was well, but I changed my shorts when I got home.

HTH..Play safe....don t. ....

[Irishpilot]

Yeah, I'm leaning towards keeping limiting my hauling to an aluminum car hauler for my Vette. That is right at the 5000 lbs. That trailer comes with with brakes so I'm not too concerned with stopping that.

I was out and about looking at 5th wheels and just the sheer size of those trailers next to my 1/2 lowered truck was enough to make me think twice. I know I've got the power to pull heavy stuff, but the weight of the truck just isn't there.

[crakarjax]

The 3/4s just have different differentials and springs, for the most part. Correct? Since you are on bags you must be worried about your diff/brakes. The diff itself isn't going to go anywhere, but you could probably pull it off if you convert to rear discs.

[Ackattack]

On thing, on a 12 bolt rearend the axle shafts themselves support part of the weight, where as the 3/4 tons have full floating axles that don't support the weight, only turn the wheels.

Also, a SWB truck has an awefully short wheel base for towing much. A LWB is better, but IMO the longer the better.

I wouldn't pull a 5th wheel with a 1/2 ton

[John Fabris]

The 68 chevy 1/2 truck i just parted out had a 5th wheel hitch in the bed. Coil spring rear Dana44 and it had a set of big rubber pads for the bumbers between the bottom of the frame - top of the rear end.

Not sure that I would have used it in any case.

[crakarjax]

Originally Posted by Ackattack

On thing, on a 12 bolt rearend the axle shafts themselves support part of the weight, where as the 3/4 tons have full floating axles that don't support the weight, only turn the wheels.

Hmm, good to know!

[neba]

you could do it but not safely.you would also be a magnet for cops and DOT. ever notice those trailers and trucks parked for days at the weight stations? when you get caught overweight you do not pass go.