The numbers look good according to the stickers. Loaded ready to go that trailer is probably looking at 1000-1500 pounds of tongue weight, and they're saying 1742 of payload. Depending on what they have for passengers and cargo in the bed they may need to keep an eye on it.


Edit: The post below brings the max tongue spec to light. That coupled with how close the payload could be, and the total makes it a no go for me. The additional payload, tongue capacity, and wheelbase of a 3/4 or 1 ton truck are a much better match for this trailer.

Just my opinion....I wouldn't do it. I'd get a 3/4 ton. Max tongue is only 950. With battery, LP, WD hitch, trailer cargo it is very likely he'll be over. Also payload....if tongue weight is 950#, that leaves only 792#. I'm assuming he has kids (bunk model). If he is 200#, wife is 150#, 2 kids total 150# you only have 292# for ANY gear in the bed or cab.

Also length of trailer is long for a 1/2 ton. Then you have the trailer frontal area that limits the towing capacity as well.

If he get's it, he'll probably be fine for the most part, especially if he just does local trips...but I prefer to have plenty of "wiggle room" when it comes to towing with my family.

You're right, I missed the max tongue spec. I was not sure I would recommend it before, but technically the numbers worked. Given that max tongue spec, that's enough strikes for me I'd also go 3/4 ton. I'll edit my post above, good catch.

The conventional tongue weight listed is the RAW tongue weight without a WDH. The payload number is used with a WDH + People + anything else added to the truck.

Axle loads must also be followed where the WDH will take care of this.

15% of the Max GVW of the trailer is 1154.25 lbs and is used as a worse case.

This leaves 587.5 lbs for people, hitch and gear in the truck if the trailer was loaded heavy to 15% tongue weight.

The truck is SAE certified to tow this trailer as long as its capacities are followed.

As trailer lengths increase, a strong cross wind will be more noticeable. Other factors such as traveling cross country, or being a weekend camper should be considered. Time towing versus the non-towing time should also be considered.
My half ton tows my 2600 RB Imagine very well but I know its there. For the DW and I, we will never go with a larger rig and I do not plan to move out of the half ton category as fuel prices are becoming another factor. Planning ahead should also be considered in where you want to end up.

Jim

thanks, and I sent him the link to this thread.

Aside from the weight, thats a long trailer to be pulling with a 1500 that probably has "P" rated tires, that tail will wag the dog for sure.

That is a long trailer but the factory tires are rated to handle the posted capacities in the door jamb. Are E rated tires better if added to a half ton? I believe so but it was not a night and day difference when I added them. If I had to do that over, I would have looked for a quality D rated LT tire. I have seen D rated tires on half tons at GM.

Jim

Thanks for the added input. I'll forward.

I'm towing a 261bh with a Ford f-150.
I've got about 250# more cargo capacity than the truck shown in the stickers. My wheelbase is 147", and I use a Blue-Ox Sway-Pro hitch. Tires are 20" Hankook Dynapro All Season. (not my favourite tire)
Things I've noticed;
1) tongue weight is 900#-1100# depending on tank capacity (and beer load)
2) sway isn't an issue. (Sway Pro doing its job? Maybe.)
3) I feel 'Truck-Suck' and wind gusts at 68mph and above. (I set my cruise at 65 on big roads, when legal. I'm not afraid to not keep up with traffic)
4) 2 lanes at 50-55mph is a pleasant experience.

Things I am basing my experience on;
-I am a retired truck driver. (Not Retired, retired. just no longer driving for a living)
-I drive my rig like it weighs 80kips. With the equivalent following distances and such.
-In my opinion, sway is when the trailer is moving separately from the tow vehicle. Getting pushed by aerodynamic forces isn't 'Sway'. If I look in my mirrors and the trailer is in-line with my fenders, I'm being pushed around by the wind, not experiencing sway. This isn't comfortable, by any means, and you must take steps to mitigate the issue.(usually by slowing down, see my 65mph cruising speed)

If you are willing to accept the weaknesses of a 1/2 ton (Although isn't 1700# more than 3/4s?) you can tow a 261bh with that truck. But you'll want a WDH, and sway control.

I have a Chevy Silverado 1500 with a gross trailer towing capacity of 9200# towing our Transcend 260RB. I use the Sherline scale to measure the tongue weight when the trailer is packed and ready to go.

Our normal tongue weight on our trips is usually between 700/800 pounds.

I've added Timken bump stops which help level it all and have the EAZ-Lift Recurve R3 Weight Distribution with 1000# bars.