Is it possible to tow a fifth wheel trailer with a half-ton truck? The answer is yes! In fact, half-ton towable fifth wheel campers have become increasingly popular in recent years, with some manufacturers offering specific trailer models – even entire model lines, designed specifically with the half-ton pickup truck in mind.
However, there are some very important considerations and you should definitely do your research as to your particular half-ton’s towing capacity, etc. Just because you have a half-ton doesn’t mean it necessarily can tow a fifth wheel trailer, as configurations vary widely, even within particular makes/models.
For example, here’s the range of towing capacity for the following half-ton trucks:
- 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500: 8,800 – 9,500 lb towing capacity
- 2023 GMC Sierra 1500: 8,700 – 9,500 lb towing capacity
- 2023 Toyota Tundra: 8,300 – 12,000 lb towing capacity
- 2023 Dodge RAM: 6,180 – 8,320 lb towing capacity
- 2023 Ford F-150: 5,000 – 11,300 lb towing capacity
Make sure you do diligent research on your individual half ton’s specifications. A truck with a towing package or heavy payload package should be able to handle towing more weight. You should also consider the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR ratings.
Fifth Wheel Trailers and Short Bed Pickups
Short beds require a sliding fifth wheel hitch, that allows you to manually ‘slide’ the hitch towards the rear when attempting to maneuver in tight quarters so you don’t hit your truck cab with the trailer. Amazon actually offers a broad range of slider fifth wheel hitches, and you should be able to identify hitches that fit your specific half-ton pickup make/model.
Alternatively, a pivoting pin box can be used which is more common now with ½ ton fifth wheels, which gives increased turn radius maneuverability up to 90 Degrees.
Long Bed Pickups
A long bed half-ton (usually around 8 feet), should be able to use a fixed fifth wheel hitch.
Ultralight Fifth Wheel Trailer Brands/Models for Half-ton Trucks
While some half-ton rated fifth wheel campers weigh upwards of 10,000+ lbs., below are a collection of fifth wheel trailer brands and models that fall within our criteria for the article, of an Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) under 8,000 lbs.
Grand Design RV Reflection 150 Series Half-Ton Fifth Wheel Trailer
Touted by Grand Design as “Half-Ton Towable Redefined”, these are the lightest fifth wheel campers on our list, with a few floorplans actually coming under the UVW 7,000 lb mark.
Specifically designed for short-bed half-ton trucks, the Reflection 150 Series 5th wheels include a turning point swivel pin box, which allows 90 Degree turning radius for even 5 ½ ft bed trucks, without the need for a slider fifth wheel hitch.
The Reflection 150 Series models that come in under 8,000 lbs. mark include:
- Grand Design 226RK – 7,204 lbs, 26’11”
- Grand Design 260RD – 7,534 lbs, 29’9”
- Grand Design 270BN – 7,876 lbs, 29’11”
Forest River’s Arctic Wolf Lightweight Fifth Wheels
Named ‘Best in Show’ by RV Pro, the Arctic Wolf brings a clean, contemporary look to the classic fifth wheel camper design. The Arctic Wolf offers luxury amenities at an entry level price point. There’s about a dozen models, ranging in UVW from about 7,350 – 11,700 lbs. One model comes in under the 8,000 lbs mark:
- Arctic Wolf 261RK – UVW 7,348 lbs., length 30’7”
Rockwood Signature Fifth Wheel Trailers
Designed as a light weight fifth wheel trailer, Rockwood Signature Fifth Wheels by Forest River come equipped with a electric auto leveling and a central vacuum, the interior feels like a modern home. There are 2 models that come well under the 8,000 lb. mark:
- Rockwood Signature 2442BS – 7,950 lbs., length 28’1”
- Rockwood Ultra Lite 2445WS – 7,764 lbs., 28’11”
Forest River is massive and has other brand name fifth wheel trailers/models that fall under the 8,000 lb mark. Learn more about Forest River’s 5th Wheel Brands
Jayco Eagle HT Fifth Wheel Series
It’s a safe bet that “HT” stands for half-ton! Jayco touts their Eagle HT 5th Wheel Series trailer as towable by half ton pickup trucks, with features many of the amenities seen in larger, heavier trailers. 10 Eagle HT Models are available, ranging from 7,805 – 10,465 lbs. with two of these models coming in/at 8,000 lbs:
- 24RE – 8060 lbs, length: 29’1”
- 26RU – 7805 lbs, length: 29’7”