![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Kunsan AB, South Korea
Posts: 187
|
Anyone towing 5th wheels with 1/2 ton?
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.
__________________
1971 C-10, 406ci, restoration begun! 406ci sb; zero decked, bored .030, edelbrock aluminum e-tec heads, edelbrock performer RPM intake, comp 268 cam, comp 1.6 pro-magnum roller rockers, MSD street fire HEI, MSD 8.5mm wires, Holley Street demon 770, Hedman LT headers. 10.6:1 compression, Air Ride Tech bags on all 4-corners. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colfax-California
Posts: 8,526
|
Re: Anyone towing 5th wheels with 1/2 ton?
Coil or leaf in the back?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
|
Re: Anyone towing 5th wheels with 1/2 ton?
Personally, i would never do a 5th wheel in a 1/2 ton. That kind of equipment is made for one ton rigs.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: harvard, il. USA
Posts: 389
|
Re: Anyone towing 5th wheels with 1/2 ton?
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. .... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Kunsan AB, South Korea
Posts: 187
|
Re: Anyone towing 5th wheels with 1/2 ton?
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.
__________________
1971 C-10, 406ci, restoration begun! 406ci sb; zero decked, bored .030, edelbrock aluminum e-tec heads, edelbrock performer RPM intake, comp 268 cam, comp 1.6 pro-magnum roller rockers, MSD street fire HEI, MSD 8.5mm wires, Holley Street demon 770, Hedman LT headers. 10.6:1 compression, Air Ride Tech bags on all 4-corners. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 1,302
|
Re: Anyone towing 5th wheels with 1/2 ton?
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.
__________________
1968 LWB C20 / AC / Wood Bed |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
|
Re: Anyone towing 5th wheels with 1/2 ton?
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 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
TOTY 2006
![]() Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Magalia CA USA
Posts: 2,270
|
Re: Anyone towing 5th wheels with 1/2 ton?
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. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 1,302
|
Re: Anyone towing 5th wheels with 1/2 ton?
Hmm, good to know!
__________________
1968 LWB C20 / AC / Wood Bed |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: duluth mn
Posts: 108
|
Re: Anyone towing 5th wheels with 1/2 ton?
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.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|