fifth wheel pulling

[two cups]

I have a 2012 1/2 ton GMC extended cab, we are thinking of going to a 5th wheel camper and have some questions.

1. for those that are pulling them with 1/2 ton's are you having problems, seems that even the light one's are maxing the weight 9600 lbs yet alone pulling a boat. I would only be pulling a boat within 1 1/2 hrs max from home.

2. Does the 3/4 ton ford and dodge get better gas mileage than the 3/4 ton GM with the 6.0 engine.

3. anyone have the heavy duty 1/2 ton GM with a 5.3, how does it work out. My last truck was a 2006 with the 4-11 rear end and I loved it. couldn't get that rear end in the new truck.

4. I'm not against getting a different truck, just would like one that gets better gas mileage that the 3/4 ton GM. Really don't want to have a work car.

5. Any information would be helpful, Thank You, Rick

[highlife4me]

I have a F150 and pull a 26' 5th wheel and usually pull my 14' boat behind too. Camper is fairly light at about 6700 loaded and boat motor and trailer is around 1250. Truck handles it just fine. I installed a set of air springs when I installed the hitch but I didn't even need them. The truck squats about 2" with the 5'er hooked up making the truck level. I am within the RAWR and GCWR but I am over my payload rating by about 150 lbs with everybody in the truck.

[K_Josh87]

i have been impressed with what i have seen out of the newer half ton fords and there abilities towing... i do not own one, and wouldn't for what i do... but it seems like it could easily fit the bill for what you are trying to accomplish

[fishingstar]

I have been pulling a 26ft 6500lb fifth wheel for 6 years now with my 02 gmc sierra. I do pull my boat lund pro sport or two full sized wheelers.

It does just fine just have to remember that it is a half ton.

Dan

[two cups]

Thank you for your thoughts. My GMC has a trailer weight limit of 9600 lbs. Just in case I don't find a fifth wheel RV that we like in that weight, Does anyone have a newer heavy duty ford they use for pulling. Could you tell me what you are getting for gas mileage driving empty and pulling. I pretty know what the GM 6.0 3/4 ton gets and I would like better. I am trying not to have two vehicles for myself. Thank You, Rick

[fishingstar]

I was in the same situation. I had to look at how much you will be pulling and how far. I only pull boat or wheelers with 5 to 6 times each year the rest just the camper. I could not justify a second or bigger vehicle. when looking for a camp you can only 28 ft or shorter weight will be around 7000lbs.

Dan

[two cups]

Thank you for your reply, we were out looking yesterday to get some idea's. We won't buy til spring so I have enough time to decide what we are going to do. I am not afraid of the boat since I will only pull it 60 miles one way at the most on flat ground. I just don't know how close to the 9600 lb towing cap a guy can go without going over with the gear. Rick

[efgh]

I have a 2011 3/4 ton ford supperduty, 6.2 v-8. for gas mileage, empty hyway 15 to 16, pulling 5th wheel camper , 29 and 1/2 foot 11 when you push it, 12- 13 taking it easy, 50 mph.

[K_Josh87]

2012 350 crew cab short bed 6.7 deisel... 40% of my miles are heavy towing and i average around 14... my dad has the same exact truck, doing 17-18 and his trips mostly consist of 4 miles back and forth to work... I can see 21+ highway milage without a trailer on...