drrjpow Posted March 6, 2020 Report Share Posted March 6, 2020 I have a Class A gas 31 ft motorhome and plan to sell it with the idea of downsizing to a small lightweight trailer. I haven't purchased the trailer or tow vehicle yet. I'm looking at a trailer with GVWR of 5795 lbs and hitchweight of 428 lbs. I'd like to pull it with a 1/2 ton pickup with 1750 lb payload and 9550 max trailer wt rating. I see a lot of discussion on the forum about getting larger trucks and you can never get a truck too big. I'm hoping to stay with the 1/2 ton truck to get better mileage as I'll use it full time when not pulling the trailer. But I don't want to be unsafe or lagging when driving over the mountains. Am I being realistic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWharton Posted March 6, 2020 Report Share Posted March 6, 2020 Our son-in-law is selling a small trailer and his diesel Excursion. I will get more into. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fpmtngal Posted March 8, 2020 Report Share Posted March 8, 2020 (edited) It sounds like your trailer is within the half ton truck range. Only thing I noticed was the tongue weight - I suspect that’s dry tongue weight and you would most likely be running around 650-700 when loaded for a camping trip. That’s still quite do-able with a half ton, especially if you don’t have too much stuff. I don’t know about other pickups and engine combinations, but I have an F150 with the max tow package and 3.5 Ecoboost engine. It has no problem with power going up and down mountains towing a 5500 lb trailer. The only issue I have now is that I have too much stuff. I did quite well and was under all of my weight ratings while I was a part-time RVer. I’m now full-time and am having a much harder time keeping both truck and trailer at their respective GVWR. I really should get rid of some of my stuff (hard to do) or get a 3/4 ton (that’s looking more likely at the moment). Don’t take too much extra stuff and you’ll probably be fine. Edited March 8, 2020 by fpmtngal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWharton Posted March 10, 2020 Report Share Posted March 10, 2020 (edited) Both are now posted in the For Sale section. Edited March 10, 2020 by SWharton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted March 10, 2020 Report Share Posted March 10, 2020 On 3/6/2020 at 4:36 PM, drrjpow said: I have a Class A gas 31 ft motorhome and plan to sell it with the idea of downsizing to a small lightweight trailer. We left the fulltime lifestyle several years ago after living in a 36' class A and did pretty much what you have in mind. We moved to a 20' travel trailer that weighs in at 4000# GVWR and stated out towing with an SUV rated for towing 5000#. While it did the job safely we soon learned that it was somewhat tiring to drive and the fuel consumption was poor. We now tow with a crew-cab truck that is rated 3/4 ton and it is much better. I think that you would be much happier if you went up a step in tow truck. Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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