Will My 1/2 Ton Pickup Be Able To Pull a 7800 Pound 5th Wheel Trailer?

by Calvin
(Texas)

I have a 2009 GMC Z71 half ton pickup I bought in October of 09 with a 5.3 315 hp engine with a 3.42 rear end. Towing capacity is 10,700 lbs. and the pay load weight is 1900 lbs. My question is would it pull a 7800lb 30ft. 5th wheel, and would it be safe. I know a 3/4 ton pickup would be a better tow vehicle, but I bought this truck before we decided to look into buying a RV.

ANSWER: Greetings Calvin thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

As long as you do not exceed the Towing Capacity Rating of the truck it will be safe. I am assuming that the 5th Wheel weight you are giving me is the empty weight. As long as the weight of the trailer when full does not exceed the towing capacity of the truck you will be OK.

Yes a 3/4 ton truck would probably do the job better and give you more towing capacity to play with, but what you have is fine for your current needs. For further details on what you need to be aware of when towing a Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel Trailer you should read the article RV and Trailer Weight Demystified

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Hope this helps.

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RVing Al

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