Super Lite - Too good to be true?

[analemma77]

In trying to figure out what trailer to get, I discovered the Super Lite fifth wheels that claim that they are designed to be towed behind a half ton truck?  Makes me wonder if the construction will be flimsy and poor quality in order for them to make it Super Lite.  Is it too good to be true that you can tow a 32 foot fifth wheel behind a half ton?  Thanks 

 

[darsben]

What half ton truck?
The three factors behind towing are;
tow capacity of truck
payload capacity of truck
Gross combined weight rating.

You need to know the loaded weight of the fifth wheel in order to determine if it can be towed.
A fifth wheel can put up to 25% of its weight onto the bed of the truck.  This weight plus the weight of the passengers, dog and everything else in/on the truck should not exceed the payload capacity.  So an 8000 GROSS WEIGHT, not net weight, can put 2000 lbs onto the truck exceeding a lot of  1/2 ton trucks payload capacity.

The combined weight of  the truck and gross weight of the trailer should not exceed the gross combined weight rating of the truck

 

[Isaac-1]

There are a lot of factors at play here, are you towing an empty 5th wheel to the lake and then back 5 months later, or are you travelling  fully loaded, what kind of 1/2 ton, some of the recent 1/2 ton models with optional HD towing packages have the towing capacity of a 3/4 ton from 15-or so years ago.

 

[NY_Dutch]

Of course there's a lot more that goes into the truck decision, but most of the Super Lite specs I've seen show hitch weights between under 1500 lbs, and dry weights under 10,000 lbs.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Would a 32 ft 5W light enough for a half ton truck be flimsy?  In my opinion, YES!

Others have already mentioned that pin weight is the limiting factor for a half ton towing a 5W.  I've yet to encounter a half-ton with a payload much above 2000, which pretty much limits any 5W to 8000  lbs actual gross weight.    There used to be some fairly good-sized 5w in that weight range, but equipment and amenities expected in even a base model trailer these days makes 8000 lbs the weight of a typical 26-28 footer.  Even the so-called "lite" or "half ton towable" models.

 

[grashley]

BE VERY SUSPICIOUS!!!

Often, the FW advertised as ? ton towable means the base FW with no options, no water, no propane and maybe no battery, and absolutely no cargo ...  will be light enough for a base pickup with the heavy suspension and no other options, carrying no cargo and no passengers to tow safely.

If the weight of the FW goes up because you carry propane, sheets, towels, clothing and a little food, you will be too heavy.
If the payload of the truck goes down because the truck is a crew cab with power seats, windows, locks and mirrors, the camper will be too heavy.

Towing an empty FW home from the dealer, you might be okay, and that is all they care about - you buying the FW and towing it off their lot.  It makes great advertising!