Most folks repeat the old mantra; no 1/2 ton can pull a FW. It's not true because today's 1/2 tons are not our grandfather's 1/2 tons. But, you must fit the FW to the truck. The Tundra is not out of the question. Go with a small FW, with the lowest loaded weight and no more weight on the pin than the truck can carry as a load. I'm borderline with my signature rig, but would not be with a smaller FW.
2002 Keystone Cougar 286, 8,400lbs loaded, pulled with a 2004 F150 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 gears. Retired and enjoying life
IT all depends. The more weight of a fifth wheel hitch is more likely to overload the truck. Yet a bumper pull type will have a much lower hitch weight to overall weight ratio.
Because you are shopping for both truck and RV, you can select a combination that will work together.
One thing to consider is that the rear tires do take a lot of side to side sway if not the correct type and width, and make for uncomfortable driving while going downhill on a two lane mountain road with a lot of curves in it. Steel sidewall tires can help out with a lot less side to side sway, not are not on all trucks. Many 1/2 ton trucks even have passenger rated tires, not something ideal with towing a trailer.
I know that many are impressed with the F-150 and maximum towing capacity, especially when equipped with the 3.5L Ecoboost engine, or even the 5 liter V8.
I would lean 3/4 for the simple reason if you ever want to upgrade the size on your Fiver, you won't have to upgrade your truck at the same time. But I also understand for the sake of mileage and the possibility you many not camp often, a more economical vehicle may work better for your situation. A penny for my thought and I issue refunds.
You can spend a lot of time researching exact weights, calculating cargo capacity, and comparing 1500 series truck ratings. In the end you may find a combo where the numbers just barely work.
OR . . .
You could buy any 2500 series truck and be assured that it would safely pull and stop most any FW in your size range.
Always buy more truck than you need, because you WILL need it. Windy day, up or down a steep grade, upgrade the camper, etc. all good reasons to go with the 3/4 ton.....
Sorry but nobody BUILDS half ton or 3/4 ton trucks now days (and haven't for a number of years). For most trailers in the size range you mention you would be able to tow them with many compact sized trucks, and 150/1500 size truck from any manufacturer would easily handle the job. Of course the SuperDuty, HD Dodge or GM products could also easily handle the job so you have the opportunity to choose just about brand you like for your trailer and almost any size (with the exception of some of the 4 cylinder models).
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR - 2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles) 2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
I won't get into the specifics of different trucks, but I will tell you that my f250 pulls my 5700lb dry 26 foot 5er as if it was not pulling at all - except when I need to STOP. And then it's good to know I've got the brakes. For years we pulled a small 5er with a f150 and it always got us there, but the drive was not nearly as enjoyable.
If the pin wt (trailer gcwr x 20%) is less than payload of truck minus passenger plus gear its fine.
I looked very hard at f150, but went with the f250 because I knew I was getting such a large trailer. I didn't want to run with payload being maxed out, plus with the f250 there's room for larger components like radiator, brakes, full floating axles, etc.
What's your rationale for fiver vs TT? Generally speaking, you can pull a roomier TT with the same size half ton due to the lower hitch weight.
2012 Ford F-250 XLT 6.2 FX4
2012 Keystone Cougar HC321RES
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