1/2 ton flatbed...

[Evansdmax]

I’m seriously thinking about taking my stock bed off and putting a 6’ flatbed on... I can’t find a single picture anywhere of a 19+ mine is a 19 trailboss leveled with 35’s I’m planning on doing air bags and getting a small 5th wheel camper next spring upgrading from a 20’ tt we have now!! 

[calgator73]

How important is it for you to remain within your GVWR or your axle limits?

[Imcrazy]

I wouldn't do it..

[Jav_eee]

Saw this on a FB group




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[Donstar]

A couple of times in my life, I've entertained buying an older 1ton flat deck for my all purpose vehicle. I definitely see the appeal of a light duty flat deck but I wouldn't Frankenstein a new vehicle to achieve this goal.  Sell your truck and with the proceeds buy a gently used professionally/purposefully built flatbed 3500.    You'll be much happier with your towing experience!  BTW Welcome to this forum!

[AlaskaErik]

Some companies market a 5th wheel as half ton towable, but they're full of crap.  The pin weight on a 5th wheel is around 20 to 25% of the trailer's weight.  That will use up most, if not all, of your payload capacity.  I know someone with a 2018 Ram 2500 with CTD and it only has a payload capacity of 2150 lbs, so it could tow a very very light fiver.  A gas 3/4 ton can tow a bit more.  Unless you're getting a Scamp 19 I'd forget about it.  There's a reason why no manufacturer offers a 5th wheel prep package on their half tons.

Edited November 1, 2020 by AlaskaErik

[Jav_eee]

There's a reason why no manufacturer offers a 5th wheel prep package on their half tons.

Liability and lawsuits? [emoji3061]



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[Evansdmax]

I’ve had 2 duramax’s and a 01 7.3 6 speed truck.... I don’t tow enough to drive a 3/4 ton every day.... I take my kids to daycare so I need a decent truck every day... 

[Cruzzer]

I know this is old but figured id toss a comment in..

Ive seen several flatbed newer gen Silverados when I went to the overland expo east in Arlington va. While not super common to run a 5th wheel the kits are out there and there are several trailer manufacturers making 1/2t size  5th wheel campers. I have a friend who picked up one a few years back and tows with his F150. Camper gvw is only 6k and being a 5th wheel it makes towing much nicer. Check escape capers from Canada. They make a nice 5th wheel camper, or at least did. they had a single and double axle 5th wheel. I think those were closer to 4500 pounds gvw. I'm looking into it due to bed is rusty and a 6.5 bed is a Pia with dirt bikes. I'm thinking about a Bowen customs cargo bed but it's $$. Mine is a 2015 1500. Also if you're going to tow heavier things check which rear springs you have. some 1500's get very soft rear springs. There are many options on springs. The standard 2500 springs fit on the 14-18 and I believe the 19-25 use same rear springs. 

[redwngr]

I don't have the 2019 ratings handy (but they will be on the bottom of the doorpost on a 2019),

but for a 1500, the 5th wheel tow rating will be less than the ball hitch rating. 

 

 

A buddy retired, bought a new 1500 and a 5th wheel that was intended for 1/2 ton trucks and headed to BC from the Great Lakes area. 

 

First thing the did when he got home was dump the 1500 and bought a 2500.

Edited July 23, 2025 by redwngr