Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer

I'm looking for advice and suggestions on towing a 5th wheel travel trailer with my 2023 Tundra SR5 with a 6.5' bed. I've crunched the numbers, and it seems as if it is definitely possible, but I'm hoping someone has some experience actually towing a 5th wheel with their Tundra. For a trailer, I'm looking at the Keystone Cougar 23MLE, which is a half ton trailer.

https://www.keystonerv.com/product/cougar-half-ton/premium-fifth-wheels/floorplans/23MLE

The Tundra payload capacity is 1835 lbs, and the hitch weight of the Cougar is 1200lbs. Even with the added weight of the 5th wheel hitch, there is still 300+ lbs if payload capacity left over. As far as towing capacity, the Tundra will do 11,200 lbs, and even decked out, the GVW of the Cougar is 9,149 lbs. This is not even taking into account the fact that I don't boondock, so we would not be towing with full tanks. Have I missed anything? Can anyone recommend a good 5th wheel hitch with auto slide?

 

While that is big and heavy, with a few modifications like airbags, what have you put in the rear, e rated tires, maybe upgraded brake pads. The truck will do fine and be a much better towing experience than equivalent or slightly larger tt. With my '18 pin weight was almost 1830....

 

You confirmed the 1,835 capacity on your door sticker?

 

Nope, not a single 3rd Gen with that payload in the door tag.

Now if you look at the notes on the published payload numbers you will see some type of verbage that the listed weight is for "advertising comparison only".

My configuration on the 3rd Gen should have the highest payload of 1980(?) ish, door sticker is 1550 .

 

pullrite is a sweet auto slide hitch. It’s extremely simple with very few moving parts. I have one for my 1 ton. I have a long bed crew cab but still prefer to auto slide setup.

I’ve towed a lot with both trucks. Personally I’d be looking at a bigger truck for what you’re proposing to do. In my experience towing with more than you need is superior to towing at or above capacity.

 

I’d have no qualms with it. But that’s me. 1200# pin would handle much better than a 1000# tongue weight, IME.

 

Seems impossible that your truck has 1835 payload. Check the sticker inside the driver door for your trucks actual payload based on its configuration and any factory or dealer add ons.

 

@farmer_jon You'll want to confirm your payload is actually 1835 on the door sticker. That seems like the unicorn payload that nobody can find. Never ever ever trust when a RV manufactures says "1/2 ton rated/capable" to mean it lines up with anything in the real world. 5th wheels are going to run tongue heavy and you're probably going to be riding the line with trailer and 2 passengers on pay load.

I would highly suggest if you go this route, you verify via scales how much actual tongue weight with hitch and passengers you have to make sure you aren't grossly overloading the truck. Depending on where the tanks are in the trailer it may actually help a little having liquid in them (probably not but hard to know without sticking your head under the trailer).

Can you tow it with a 1/2 ton? probably, would it work better with a 3/4 ton or 1 ton? More than likely. Basically what @ScenicRoute said....I made that mistake one time buying a trailer that was 1/2 ton rated (bumper pull) and it put me over on payload and I was at like 90% rated towing as well and it was miserable towing that thing anywhere but perfectly flat. I second that in my experience if you are at all close to weight or payload capacity its time to look at going to 3/4 ton or 1 ton, you'll be glad you did. That or get a smaller trailer and you'll be happier too.

 

100% the most well thought out response in any of the towing threads of the entire forum! Yessss!!!

 

Hey Gang,
I have reached out to the OP, but still wanted to ask here. I have a 2021 Tundra Limited with a tow package. I am looking at a similar, but smaller trailer to the OP. It is a 2024 Cougar RK100 Sport. Cougar Sport Comfort Fifth Wheels - Model 2100RK Floorplan - Keystone RV While it looks like it should work fine, I am worried I am too close to the limits. I have never pulled a 5th wheel, so I wanted another opinion. I have pulled a hitch trailer for 4 years, with a GVWR of 6841. WDH and it pulls fine. Thanks for any input!

 

Take the back seats out, never put more than 1/4 tank of fuel in the truck, load nothing but helium balloons in the 5er and hire a Jockey to drive your truck. A nude Jockey. Yeah, you're golden.

 

Thank you for your input.

 

I don’t think you’re going to have any issues. I just purchased a Grand Design 22RK which is very similar in weight and size. I chose the Grand Design over the Cougar because I could access the upper deck when the slide was closed. Also the Grand Design has auto leveling and ABS brakes. I installed a Pullrite SuperLite which only weights 50lbs and leave my bed open.

I’ll add that the fifth wheel you’re looking at will tow better than the 6,800lb travel trailer you previously towed. The fifth wheel platform is just a better towing experience.

 

Agreed ^^^^


I’m already overweight with my setup, which still tows wonderfully. But, if I had the option of being overweight with a 5th wheel instead of a bumper pull, I’d choose 5th wheel every time.