30TS

[speckchaser]

I recently bought a 30ts. I have it placed on the texas coast so we can go back and forth when we want. I have owned several trailers but never anything this large. I had it towed down there, so I have never pulled it. I have a half ton 4/4 chevy pu. I know this is not enough to travel around with if the day comes when I want to. My question is if I needed to pull this trailor about a hundred miles to get away from a hurricane could I do it with my truck? If I decide to buy a bigger truck, what am I going to need? Thanks

[Future Fulltimers]

Just by what you have said in your post... you could tow it in an emergency. However it will burn the transmission out eventually. If you were to buy a larger truck, a 3/4 ton would work. I use a dually to pull mine but I like the added stability of the dual wheels.

[bfast54]

It appears Traveler 11 has the same model, so he could give you more specific answers.

HOWEVER, you would be unwise to spend the money to install the fifth wheel hitch, in your 1/2 ton truck (unless the hitch is already there) simply because that is way too much RV for that truck. If you NEEDED it moved, in an emergency, I would 'Hire It" done.

A proper set up 3/4 ton should be able to handle it..........................But, then again, if in the future you are thinking about "Full timing" it, or extensive travel.......I would MOST Deff. go with a Dually ...................(I Did), the extra stability, and peace of mind are well worth it.

[PapaJoel55]

speakchaser i have the 30 le and i have a 3/4 ton chevy with the duramax and i dont have any problems with it.plenty of power and handles very good and it also sounds like you dont plan on towing it alot.good luck and have fun with that new rig.
Joel

[Traveler II]

We used a 3/4 ton diesel to pull our 30TS and it worked great. We also over 4 years put on about 45,000 miles. In your case you are asking about something for emergency use. If you had to, your 1/2 ton would work, but it would be hard on it. A few miles of level travel would be best. Only do it if you really need to. If you need to buy a hitch, I suggest you get one that you could put into the proper size truck when you get it.

By the way that is a nice model, enjoy. Where did you buy it?

[Chief409]

speakchaser, I don't think pulling with a 1/2 ton would work out for long. A 3/4 ton at least is best. There is lots of new and used ones out there. 'Sides, you'll get the itch to "hook up and go", probably sooner then later! Enjoy your Cardinal!

Jeff

[bop11]

IMHO until you can get a new truck I would try to find someone to haul it for you. It would be cheaper than the damage you might incure on your 1/2 ton.

Welcome to the club!!

[campswithcritters]

Before I spent a summer in Michigan I would have agreed with everyone saying you need at least a 3/4 ton. Now that I have spent a summer up here I will say that yes you can use a 1/2 ton, there are more 30+ foot fivers being towed around up here by weekenders with 150s & 1500s than I have ever seen. If you do decide to use it for emergency tows to avoid hurricanes be sure to get a good brake controller for the truck as you will need every bit of the brakes the trailer has, and consider air bags on the rear suspension to keep weight on the front end by way of keeping the truck level. I do not recommend this, but am seeing it done on a daily basis up here.

[bfast54]

Before I spent a summer in Michigan I would have agreed with everyone saying you need at least a 3/4 ton. Now that I have spent a summer up here I will say that yes you can use a 1/2 ton, there are more 30+ foot fivers being towed around up here by weekenders with 150s & 1500s than I have ever seen. If you do decide to use it for emergency tows to avoid hurricanes be sure to get a good brake controller for the truck as you will need every bit of the brakes the trailer has, and consider air bags on the rear suspension to keep weight on the front end by way of keeping the truck level. I do not recommend this, but am seeing it done on a daily basis up here.

Bruce.................. Remember you are in "Da-UP" .........................They are known for doing things a "Bit different" than us other people

[rpfan]

If you want to see how a 1/2 ton truck will react without buying a hitch, put 3K lbs in the bed and see how it drives. That would also be without dragging another 10 K behind it. Not something I would do or recomend. Find someone to move it for you. Just because people use a 1/2 ton truck to tow with, does not make it a smart move.

Rich

[campswithcritters]

Before I spent a summer in Michigan I would have agreed with everyone saying you need at least a 3/4 ton. Now that I have spent a summer up here I will say that yes you can use a 1/2 ton, there are more 30+ foot fivers being towed around up here by weekenders with 150s & 1500s than I have ever seen. If you do decide to use it for emergency tows to avoid hurricanes be sure to get a good brake controller for the truck as you will need every bit of the brakes the trailer has, and consider air bags on the rear suspension to keep weight on the front end by way of keeping the truck level. I do not recommend this, but am seeing it done on a daily basis up here.

Bruce.................. Remember you are in "Da-UP" .........................They are known for doing things a "Bit different" than us other people

Mark, up here they call all of you trolls because you live under the bridge! I found that one hilarious being that it was told by a little old lady running a pasty shop. I never said they were smart up here in Da-UP doing that kind of towing, but most of them are farm boys and I will say they can backup a trailer better than 60% of the more southern crowd we see.

[bfast54]

OH Yea, I like being a "Troll", at least it's better than being a "Flat-Lander"................. ( For those who don't know, it's what people in the "Plains" are called by some)

[Double D's]

"Flat Landers" would be US, down here in Illinois...... No problem....