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Tip Wanting to get travel trailer what is most reliable half ton for towing

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Gary63

RVF Newbee
Joined
May 3, 2023
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Wanting to get travel trailer what is most reliable half ton for towing will match trailer to truck
 
How many people have opinions? The question is unanswerable!!!
 
I would strongly suggest buying the trailer first and then buying a truck capable of pulling the loaded trailer. Don't trust the RV salesman because he'll assure you you can pull a 40-foot fifth wheel with a 6-cylinder half-ton pickup.
 
Good point Tex! Heavy metal makes the best tow vehicle.
20ft lite trailer is acceptable with a half ton truck. Biggest limit will be weight capacity and the tongue weight needed for safe travel. If small is enough to keep you happy, then don't be talked into more, but be sure small will keep you happy. As you know, trucks are to expensive to throw money at till you get it right.
 
The most reliable halfton is definitely the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra. That being said, as discussed above, you need to be sure your trailer can be handled safely by the truck before buying either truck or trailer. In particular, you should be aware that the Tundra's payload can be lower than some of the competitors', which limits the tongue weight of trailer that you can safely tow and how much stuff you can bring with you.
 
Gary, knowing what I know now, I wouldn't even consider a 1/2 ton for the purpose, unless you're going with a small fold-down or short hardside camper. Getting a 1/2 ton with travel trailer towing in mind is really going to limit you on trailer choices to fit the load capability of the 1/2 ton.

(Sidebar); My definition of a "camper" is a fold down, or hardside of no more than 14 ft. to 16 ft. in length. A "travel trailer" starts at 16 ft. and gets longer and heavier from there. (Although you might be hard pressed to find a 16 or 18 ft. "travel trailer" nowadays.)

My '04 F150, (with factory tow package) has a 7050 GVWR, and it was a bear to find a 5er light enough to stay at least marginally within the weight specs.

Start with a 3/4 ton, and your choices for "living" quarters will vastly improve.

Roger
 
I've been towing with a half-ton for 13 years with two different travel trailers. One had an empty weight of 3,400lbs. The other, I currently use, has an empty weight of 4,800lbs. Fully loaded with water and cargo it weighs 5,400lbs.

I tow with a 2010 Toyota Tundra with a tow rating of 11,300lbs. As others have mentioned, everybody has an opinion. My personal preference is to cut 50 percent off whatever the vehicle manufacturer says I can tow and use that number as my guide.

I've never had a problem in the 13 years I've owned my truck. I attribute it to good maintenance and having a lot less wear and tear.

hope this helps!
 
Gary, knowing what I know now, I wouldn't even consider a 1/2 ton for the purpose, unless you're going with a small fold-down or short hardside camper. Getting a 1/2 ton with travel trailer towing in mind is really going to limit you on trailer choices to fit the load capability of the 1/2 ton.

(Sidebar); My definition of a "camper" is a fold down, or hardside of no more than 14 ft. to 16 ft. in length. A "travel trailer" starts at 16 ft. and gets longer and heavier from there. (Although you might be hard pressed to find a 16 or 18 ft. "travel trailer" nowadays.)

My '04 F150, (with factory tow package) has a 7050 GVWR, and it was a bear to find a 5er light enough to stay at least marginally within the weight specs.

Start with a 3/4 ton, and your choices for "living" quarters will vastly improve.

Roger
Consensus among most reasonable halfton owners is that you should be able to go up to a ~25 ft travel trailer and still be within the capability of your truck (obviously depending on the specific truck and trailer and how much gear you have).
 
Consensus among most reasonable halfton owners is that you should be able to go up to a ~25 ft travel trailer and still be within the capability of your truck (obviously depending on the specific truck and trailer and how much gear you have).
You don't listen to Tim the tool time Taylor.
 

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