Wondering if there are small 5th wheel TH's out there. I have a Ford 2001 1/2 ton V8 . Max towing is 8,300 lbs. I like the concept of 5th wheels but don't think I have seen small ones. Anyone have a clue? I am an old broad and don't want alot to handle. Will be carrying a Honda Rincon 680.

Most time will be spent in norhtern Nevada Sierras.
Thanks for any and all input.

 

Weekend Warrior made a 28ft Superlite 5th wheel that weighed 5390lbs. They have gone out of business, but you might be able to find a dealer with one. They might even sell it for a good price under today's circumstances. Good luck with your search.

 

Thanks will begin the hunt!

 

Warrior, I think, ceased operations.

Anyway, with a 1/2 ton, you'd be looking at something REALLY light.

5th wheels put up around 20% of their weight on the hitch. Add the weight of the hitch, and people in the truck, and you will generally overload the rear axle on 2500's and even 3500 SRW's before you exceed published towing capacity.

I had been running a 30' seperate garage type toyhauler. It lists a hitch weight of 1900 pounds, dry and empty. I'd guess 2100 or so would be more realistic.

That one is now for sale as I upgraded to a 40' one. Before I started shopping for 5th wheels that big, I sold my one ton single rear wheel truck, and snagged a dually....

 

if he could find that 5300lb trailer, that would leave him about 3000lbs of load. plus, being a FORD [img]i/expressions/beer.gif[/img] he's probably good to 9.5K or better.

 

I always liked the idea of a short, small, light 5th wheel trailer. I had a 32ft 5th wheel trailer and really liked the way it towed. However, I have been told by many people that the short ones tow horribly and are squirrely. You may want to try to tow one before you buy it to be sure.

I now tow a 28ft travel trailer. It is a lightweight gulf breeze brand with a large slide and still weighs only 5k pounds! Still have my bed open for a quad!

 

My little 30' one actually tows very nice.

In some ways, though, it's easier to back the 40' one. Kind of easier to see what way the trailer is going, and it reacts to corrections a little slower.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: JeffinTD

My little 30' one actually tows very nice.



In some ways, though, it's easier to back the 40' one. Kind of easier to see what way the trailer is going, and it reacts to corrections a little slower.</end quote></div>

LOL! I don't consider 30ft a small one! LOL! And your 40ft is a tajmahal! I was referring to some really short 5th wheels I have seen that look to be about 20ft or so, very short. But it is good to know that the longer you get the easier it may be to tow. I guess when you live in a 40 ft trailer everything else seems small! LMAO!

 

Thanks everyone for the excellant feedback, it now seems like a no brainer that I go with a 20-22 ft toyhauler bumper pull. Spring is teasing us here in the West hope it is a great fun summer for everyone.
Cathy

 

Yeah, that would be what I'd suggest. With a 1/2 ton, you will be able to tow something reasonable size w/o overloading anything.

K-Z i think makes a 19' and a 23'.