isuhunter

Hey guys I'm looking at a pickup that was owned by an older gentleman and he put a fifth wheel hitch in it to pull a camper. What are your thoughts on a fifth wheel in a 1/2 ton? I've used them to pull one or two steers around but never a camper, not sure how hard it would be on the trucks.

ATOM

what motor? did it have a tow package? year? mileage?

cole_ford

Im buying an 04 on tuesday that had a fifth wheel plate. I know the truck, and know he only towed the camper about twice a year at the most. So I am not worried. Only thing that bothers me is that there are four holes there. But I can plug those.

isuhunter

2004 5.4 Lariat 4x4 tow package 56,000 on it -- i don't think the seats were heated but i may have over looked that -- would that be possible?

the fifth wheel was put in at 42,000 mi

the guy traded in for an F-250 for pulling camper

ford4wd08

well it depends on how many trips he made and where, there is prob a reason he went to at 250.... but if you have ever pulled with a 3/4 or 1 ton truck its a hell of a difference, i think it should be fine seein that it hasnt been on there that long, make them service the tranny in the deal a complete flush and filter change, it will help ease your mind if he did tow alot he might have made the fluid wear out quicker or "burn"

ATOM

not sure on the seats. personally i would never buy a truck that had a 5th plate especially one that was traded in for a bigger truck. i would venture to guess, he bought too big of camper and needed a bigger truck. 1/2 tons that have towed alot usually have issues with the rear seals leaking in the rear end, but not always, also you never know how warm the tranny got when towing. does the fluid smell burnt? is it at the dealer? fresh tranny flush?

isuhunter

Good point ATOM & Ford4wd... I'm going to do a bit of investigating and see. I know they did a tranny flush at 50,000 miles but they have put on miles since then. I have a friend in the area where the truck came from. I will have him do some looking at what size of camper this guy has.

ATOM

yea i would do that, you might save yourself some trouble. also if he did the work at the dealer, i know alot of older folks only let the dealer do the work, you can get the vehicle's repair history.

isuhunter

Yep he bought/serviced everything at the dealer. (including fifth wheel) I got to see the service records on it. He bought tires some where different and they seem worn some (Goodyear Wrangler AT/S) i wish it had the BF Goodrich Rugged Trails on it

ford4wd08

yea there are some fairly small trailers that are 5th wheels/ goosenecks now adays, ive seen some that are as short as 12ft but it is easier pullin a trailer like that it distributes the weight better and they are easier to drive and manuver most of the time