Towing a 5th wheel
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 728
From: Calgary Canada
Well good for him. if he isn't asking for advice, I guess don't try to give him any. I was always more concerned with stopping and steering then acceleration, but if he's not worried, then just make sure you don't drive in front of him!
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 717
Likes: 188
Disclaimer: I’m not condoning or suggesting anything.
Met a guy yesterday that was towing a 2014-2015 Rockwood ultra lite fifth wheel with his Chevy 1500.
It’s GVWR was 8990. I believe the tongue weight of ultra light fifth wheels are designed to be 17-18% instead of 20%. So 1530-1620 lbs (if he is fully loaded) on the pin plus fifth wheel hitch.
He was in his 80’s and it was just him and the wife that were full timing. The truck sat perfectly level so I assume airbags. I met him In Illinois and he said he had towed to Georgia and Florida and back a few times to visit family in the summer.
Met a guy yesterday that was towing a 2014-2015 Rockwood ultra lite fifth wheel with his Chevy 1500.
It’s GVWR was 8990. I believe the tongue weight of ultra light fifth wheels are designed to be 17-18% instead of 20%. So 1530-1620 lbs (if he is fully loaded) on the pin plus fifth wheel hitch.
He was in his 80’s and it was just him and the wife that were full timing. The truck sat perfectly level so I assume airbags. I met him In Illinois and he said he had towed to Georgia and Florida and back a few times to visit family in the summer.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,438
Likes: 732
From: Wisconsin
Its definitely going hit the cab. I told him to be aware of this ... he had no idea of it being an issue. He spent some time on a vacant parking lot and tried all angles...he is very limited on the radius
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
That’s too bad, as that is one of the major benefits of a 5th wheel or gooseneck. Did he at least get a sliding hitch? It won’t solve his problem with a 5.5’ bed, but it will buy him a little room.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 376
My guess is the son-in-law hasn't towed very far yet. I-64 through West Virginia should be fun (lot of up and down with curves) along with those long grades through Nebraska or facing a stiff headwind in Oklahoma. I'd forget about I-70 through Colorado...
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,438
Likes: 732
From: Wisconsin
No he did not......, basically the way it came from the previous owners set up is the way it still is....says he's "learning all these things" lol
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
Haha! The previous owner realized their mistake and moved on. I guess if he likes the truck, he can sell the big trailer and get a small one designed for half tons, the Scamp is pretty nice. Since it's only him now he doesn't even need that much room anymore.
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