Half-Ton Towable RV Buying Guide

The term “half-ton towable RV” is a bit confusing. It doesn’t actually refer to the weight of the camper itself, but to the fact that these RVs can be towed by half-ton trucks. Since most pickup trucks fall under the half-ton truck category, this makes half-ton towable RVs a middle ground between smaller towable RVs with fewer features and larger models that are too heavy for most trucks to haul. If you’re interested in half-ton towable RVs and want to find the right model for you, check out this guide from RV Outfitters of Texas.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Funnily enough, the term half-ton truck is itself inaccurate. Modern half-ton trucks can usually handle much more weight than that, meaning it’s not unusual to find half-ton towable RVs that weigh more than 1,000 lbs. That’s why you need to keep your tow vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating or GVWR in mind. The GVWR is the total weight that a vehicle can safely haul. If the combined weight of your trailer, your passengers, and your cargo exceeds the GVWR, chances are good that you’ll end up damaging someone or something. Be sure to keep a close watch on total weight calculations when loading your RV. If your half-ton truck has a lower GVWR, you might want to consider purchasing a lighter RV. 

Hitch Type

There are many different types of hitches used for half-ton towable RVs, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, fifth-wheel hitches place the weight above the truck bed and generally provide a very smooth towing experience. Gooseneck hitches are very similar, but are overall less intrusive, allowing you to utilize your truck bed when you are not hauling anything. Think about what you need in a hitch before you start shopping. 

Know State Laws

Different states have different laws regarding trailers. For instance, some states require that towable trailers that weigh a certain amount be equipped with a braking feature. If you plan to cross state lines with your half-ton towable RV, you’ll need to comply with the state laws for both your home state and the state that you are visiting. 

Shop half-ton towable RVs at RV Outfitters of Texas in Nacogdoches, Texas. We’re proud to serve communities like Lufkin, Texas. We also offer financing, servicing, parts ordering, and consignments.