Quote:
Originally Posted by Kens toy
We have returned from our trip to Texas a week ago. Again on this trip we have had no problems. We have just towed our Sportsmen 5th wheel to storage for a few months. On a level section of the lot I looked at whether the truck was riding level, as I normally do each time we tow. The Tundra was level front to back, indicating it was handling the weight just fine. I do however add a few pounds extra to the rear tire pressure (35 lbs). Always have, it seems to allow the tires to roll easier, but do not go over the sidewall rating. The only sugestion I have is that you reconsider the 5th wheel you plan on towing, to get a weight that is in your comfort zone or since this weight is so close to the 1680 lbs which is your trucks limit, get the short leaf type of add on springs. Some of these spring are adjustable in 500 lb and 1000 lb settings this will give you the extra capacity you are looking for. The Tundras axle has a lot of reserve built into it. This is what I did to make the Dodge 1500 ride level and they worked great. I used just the 500 lb setting. By the way my hitch weight is 1337 lbs per the factory. I have not weighed our combination as it rides level, to actually see what is on our rear axle.
I believe the choice is yours. Add a spring set or look for a lighter hitch weight trailer. The Tundra will pull a 8800 lb trailer. This I believe would be the heaviest 5th wheel I would try to pull. In my experience of 14 years it is not just the weight you try to pull, but also the height of your unit that will take away from your tow capacity. The larger the frontal area the greater the air resistance. If the Tundra cannot pull this unit, then you are out of luck using a 1/2 ton truck of any make. (Sorry) However, the Tundra will pull this trailer in 4th gear with no problem, just don't expect the best gas mileage.
Personally I believe you should get a 3/4 ton truck, especially with a heavy 5th wheel. Believe me a 8800 lbs dry weight could be well over 10,000 lbs by the time it is loaded and wet. With 10,000 lbs. get a 3/4 ton any brand will do.
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Thanks for your input. After some research on the internet, a lot of it in this forum, I have come to the conclusion that the Jazz I was looking at is just too much trailer for the Tundra. I have since looked at lighter trailers, more in the vicinity of 7400 lbs dry weight or less. There are fair number on the market. It's hard to get over the heavy hitch weight however. Even the light 5vers seem to have hitch weights at or near 1400 lbs. Lighter hitch weights for a 5ver is hard to find.