Home > Camper & RV

10 Perfect Travel Trailers to Tow With Your Half-Ton Truck

These 10 camper trailers designed for outdoor enthusiasts are easily towable with a half-ton pickup like the Ford F-150. Let's dive into all that they have to offer.

Airstream Bambi 22FB(Photo/Ford)
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

We’ve curated 10 camper trailers perfect for half-ton pickups that cover a broad range of styles, construction, and design characteristics. Among this selection of travel trailers are towable habitats to satisfy an array of interests ranging from relaxed family camping to energetic backcountry exploration.

If you’re looking for something that sleeps an entire troop of family members, we’ve got that. If it’s a deep off-road reach you’re hankerin’ for, that’s here, too. If you like something a little cushy while having outdoor adventure close at hand, you’re in luck. Take a look, compare features and specifications, and then check out more options and information on each travel trailer manufacturer’s website.

Note: All prices listed are MSRP.

10 Perfect Half-Ton Pickup Compatible Camper Trailers

Airstream Bambi 22FB: $69,200+

Airstream Bambi 22FB

The Airstream Bambi travel trailer offers classically stylish aluminum construction; (photo/Airstream)
  • Base weight: 3,900 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 500 lbs.
  • GVWR: 5,000 lbs.
  • Overall length: 21 ft., 11 in.
  • Exterior width: 8 ft.
  • Exterior height: 9 ft., 3 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 4 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 4
  • LPG capacity: Two 20-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 23 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 30 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 17 gals.

The Airstream Bambi trailer line is available in four different models ranging from 16 to 22 feet in length. The Bambi is a perfect example of Airstream’s classically stylish aluminum design and sturdy construction. We chose to highlight the Bambi 22FB floorplan because it’s the largest member of the Bambi family, is easily maneuverable, and is a great fit for a half-ton pickup truck like the Ford F-150.

Airstream Bambi 22FB

The Airstream Bambi 22FB trailer features a comfortable and full-featured interior; (photo/Airstream)

Airstream has been a pioneer in the RV industry since its inception in 1931. The Bambi travel trailer line is a masterpiece of maximizing available space while still delivering top-of-the-class features and amenities. The Bambi 22FB is big enough to comfortably sleep four people.

It offers a primary front bed with a view and a fully equipped bathroom. It also offers a large storage closet, spacious and well-equipped kitchen, and convertible U-shaped dinette.

Airstream Bambi 22FB

Airstream Bambi 22FB travel trailer floorplan; (photo/Airstream)

As with most Airstream trailers, the Bambi’s exterior is a semi-monocoque aluminum superstructure instead of the more typical wood-framed camping trailer construction. Running gear includes a torsion axle suspension and ST 225/75R15 tires on 15-inch aluminum wheels.

The Airstream Bambi 22FB delivers as standard equipment a 26-inch-wide entry door, rear-view monitoring system, LED lighting seemingly everywhere, and an enclosed, aluminum insulated and heated underbelly. Equipment often on the options list of other trailers, like an LED HD television with DVD and omnidirectional antenna, are also standard on this camping trailer.

Coleman Lantern 285BH: $43,320

Coleman Lantern 285BH

The Coleman Lantern 285BH would be good for a large or extended family; (photo/Dutchmen RV)
  • Base weight: 6,611 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 869 lbs.
  • GVWR: 9,680 lbs.
  • Overall length: 32 ft., 9 in.
  • Exterior height: 11 ft., 2 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 8
  • LPG capacity: Dual 20-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 60 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 42 gals.
  • Black water tank: 42 gals.

Coleman’s iconic pop-up tent trailer that so many began their family camping experiences in a generation ago is no longer being built. However, the Coleman trailer brand and its legendary utility have been transformed under the Dutchmen RV umbrella. A fully featured line of Coleman travel trailers is now available that can serve as a perfect support system for outdoor adventures.

Coleman Lantern 285BH

A large slide-out in the Coleman Lantern 285BH carries a convertible sofa and dinette; (photo/Dutchmen RV)

The Coleman Lantern 285BH is on the larger end of our scope of interest here but remains easily towable (with a weight-distributing hitch) using a half-ton pickup truck such as the Chevy Silverado 1500. We think the Coleman Lantern 285BH camping trailer would be a good choice for a larger family or an extended family group that enjoys the outdoors.

It features bunk beds, a large slide-out with a convertible couch and dinette, and a primary bedroom with a queen-size mattress. This combo makes it capable of sleeping up to eight people.

Coleman Lantern 285BH

Dutchmen Coleman Lantern 285BH travel trailer floorplan; (photo/Dutchmen RV)

An insulated structure with a metal exterior panel, wood framing with thermal insulation, and a Lauan (a hardwood plywood) interior panel is a typical trailer construction method used for the Coleman Lantern. Its roof features a Lauan interior panel, wood framing, fiberglass insulation, 3/8-inch decking, and an EPDM (synthetic rubber membrane) top layer.

Standard amenities in the Coleman Lantern include 28-inch entrance doors, a 13,500-BTU air conditioner, a power awning, interior 120V and 12V power outlets, an enclosed underbelly, and an exterior shower. The Coleman Lantern 285BH camping trailer also features a full kitchen with a three-burner cooktop, microwave, 10-cubic-foot fridge, and a large sink kitchen with a high-rise faucet.

Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 (Unplugged Package): $50,000

Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 UnPlugged Package

The Forest River No Boundaries travel trailers range in length from 12 to 25 feet; (photo/Forest River)
  • Base weight: 5,306 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 734 lbs.
  • GVWR: 7,734 lbs. 
  • Overall length: 26 ft., 2 in.
  • Exterior width: 8 ft.
  • Exterior height: 11 ft., 3 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 8
  • LPG capacity: Two 20-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 40 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 40 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 30 gals.

Forest River offers more than a dozen different RV brands and configurations ranging from motorhomes, toy haulers, fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, and pop-up tent trailers in all shapes and sizes. One of our favorites is the Forest River No Boundaries line of travel trailers that are perfect for half-ton pickups.

Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 UnPlugged Package

The Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 interior includes a 60×80-inch bed up front; (photo/Forest River)

The Forest River No Boundaries travel trailers are rugged towables, ranging in length from 12 to 25 feet, designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. They offer adaptable storage solutions for bikes, kayaks, SUPs, surfboards, skis, and fishing equipment.

Helping transport you deeper into the wild with higher than typical ground clearance, larger-diameter tires, and a nimble suspension system, the Forest River No Boundaries allows you to set up camp in locations others would find inaccessible.

Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 UnPlugged Package

Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 travel trailer floorplan; (photo/Forest River)

Our choice would be the Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 Unplugged Package travel trailer. Like all the No Boundaries trailers, 20.3 offers familiar standard equipment and a host of useful options to choose from. The UnPlugged Package model adds four lithium-ion batteries, a digital control screen, remote A/C control, and a heavy-duty solar panel.

Interior living amenities include a sofa and 60×80-inch Murphy bed up front, slide-out with a convertible dinette and well-equipped kitchen mid-ship, 52×74-inch bunk beds, and a bathroom with shower stall in the rear of the trailer. Available options start with a 13.5K-BTU AC unit, 5,500-BTU heat strip, power tongue jack, and a batwing awning.

inTech RV O-V-R Adventure: $61,880

inTech RV O-V-R Adventure

The inTech OVR Adventure travel trailer is what the RV industry calls a toy hauler; (photo/inTech)
  • Base weight: 5,700 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 1,100 lbs.
  • GVWR: 8,500 lbs.
  • Overall length: 29 ft., 3 in.
  • Exterior width: 8 ft., 3 in.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft., 6 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 11 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 6
  • LPG capacity: Two 20-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 44 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 39 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 26 gals.

The inTech O-V-R Adventure travel trailer is what the RV industry refers to as a tow hauler. It does a great job of carrying motorcycles or UTVs and at the same time providing its inhabitants with comfortable and modern creature comforts and amenities.

A lightweight but sturdy all-aluminum frame and body supported by a torsion axle suspension team up to help better manage irregular road surfaces on the way to your outdoor adventure destination.

inTech RV O-V-R Adventure

The inTech OVR Adventure toy hauler also packs a full kitchen and large front bedroom; (photo/inTech)

The versatile interior design utilizes every inch of the space inside the inTech O-V-R Adventure trailer. The voluminous trailer box has a cargo hold length of 13 feet, 3 inches, but can easily be converted from toy hauling duty to living, dining, and sleeping space in a matter of minutes. The well-equipped modern kitchen, wet bath (enclosed shower stall with a porcelain toilet), and large (60×80-inch memory foam queen) front bedroom are static.

inTech RV O-V-R Adventure

Fold-up couch/beds in the inTech OVR Adventure make room for ATVs or motorcycles; (photo/inTech)

Standard equipment for the O-V-R Adventure trailer includes a power tongue jack, 25K-BTU furnace heater, 15K-BTU ducted air conditioning system, and a heated underbelly with line heaters and tank heat pads. The ramp door is 7 feet, 1 inch wide and 6 feet, 7 inches high.

Available options are few because it’s already loaded. However, a pair of 75-inch foldup couch/beds for the interior dinette, an 18-foot power awning with wind protection that auto retracts, and an Off-Grid Package that includes a 400W solar power system with a 2,000W inverter perfectly round out the inTech O-V-R Adventure toy hauler trailer.

Jayco Jay Feather 26RL: $52,275

Jayco Jay Feather 26RL

The Jayco Jay Feather 26RL is a perfect fit for a Ford F-150 or any half-ton pickup truck; (photo/Jayco)
  • Base weight: 6,115 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 690 lbs.
  • GVWR: 7,500 lbs.
  • Overall length: 31 ft., 11 in.
  • Exterior width: 8 ft.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft., 8 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 6 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 4
  • LPG capacity: Two 20-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 55 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 31 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 31 gals.

The Jayco Jay Feather 26RL travel trailer is a perfect fit for a Toyota Tundra or any of the half-ton pickup trucks available today. The Jay Feather 26RL was designed to offer a large open space in the rear of the trailer with a wide pull-out holding a convertible dinette, a big fridge, and a pantry closet.

Opposite the 26RL trailer’s pull-out is a full kitchen with an L-shaped counter and overhead cabinets, a dual sink, a three-burner stove, and a microwave. An entertainment center and LED TV are integrated into the kitchen area and can be seen from the dinette or from the theater seats (optional) along the back wall.

Jayco Jay Feather 26RL

Jayco’s Jay Feather 26RL interior features a large kitchen and luxurious theater seats; (photo/Jayco)

A 60×75-inch queen bed and plenty of storage space make up the roomy front primary bedroom that can be accessed from inside the Jay Feather 26RL trailer or from the outside through a second door. The bathroom in between the front bedroom and main living area is generously sized with an enclosed shower, a separate flush toilet, and a large sink.

Jayco Jay Feather 26RL

Jayco RV Jay Feather 26RL travel trailer floorplan; (photo/Jayco)

Standard equipment includes desirables like a 35K-BTU furnace heater, a 15K-BTU A/C, an 8-cubic-foot fridge, ball-bearing drawer guides, residential-style kitchen countertops, and a 20-foot awning.

Jayco’s Jay Feather 26RL travel trailer is built on an I-beam main frame with an integrated A-frame structure for strength and durability. The trailer body is made up of a welded-aluminum-framed, vacuum-bonded laminated side. Its rear walls have a fiberglass exterior siding that is lightweight yet sturdy and well-insulated.

The floor is a 2-inch vacuum-bonded panel with foam insulation, and the waterproof and insulated roof is based on trussed wood (2×2-inch studs) and plywood construction that offers high weight-bearing performance.

Lance Camper 2445: $89,024

Lance Camper 2445

Lance Camper builds a full line of high-quality slide-in truck campers and travel trailers; (photo/Lance Camper)
  • Base weight: 6,605 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 605 lbs.
  • GVWR: 8,700 lbs.
  • Overall length: 29 ft., 10 in.
  • Exterior width: 8 ft., 3/8 in.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft., 5 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 8 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 8
  • LPG capacity: 20-lb. tank
  • Freshwater tank: 45 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 40 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 40 gals.

The Lance 2445 travel trailer is another great match for a half-ton pickup such as the GMC Sierra 1500. If the name Lance Camper sounds familiar, it should. Lance has been building one of the RV industry’s best slide-in truck campers and continues to do so. A few years ago, Lance also began building a full line of high-end travel trailers with the same attention to detail and quality that made its truck camper a bestseller.

Lance Camper 2445

Modern styling and upscale appliances highlight the interior of the Lance 2445 travel trailer; (photo/Lance Camper)

Part of a 12-model line of Lance travel trailers running from just under 15 feet to nearly 30 feet in length, the Lance 2445 travel trailer offers a primary bedroom up front with Lance’s SkyView dual-pane radius windows, a slide-out carrying a convertible dinette, and bunk beds in the tail end.

Built upon an aluminum frame, the Lance 2445 travel trailer’s construction features high-density foam block insulation, dual-layer Adzel composite (no wood) panel, and a crowned roof topped with a synthetic membrane.

Lance Camper 2445

Lance Camper 2445 travel trailer floorplan; (photo/Lance Camper)

Standard interior features of the Lance 2445 travel trailer include an enclosed glass shower stall and porcelain toilet. The kitchen offers a 21-inch oven, three-burner range, microwave, 6-cubic-foot fridge, and undermounted residential-style sink.

Electrical equipment includes ducted A/C, a heater, exterior solar quick connect (SAE port), systems monitor panel, and USB, 120V, and 12V power ports. Among your choice of options for the Lance 2445 travel trailer are a 1,500W inverter, a 190W solar panel, and Lance’s own easy-loading roof rack. The optional shock absorber package can make dirt roads easier to manage on the way to find some adventure.

Opus Camper OP15: $65,000

Opus Camper OP15

The Opus OP15 off-road hybrid travel trailer is a good choice for the serious overlander; (photo/Opus)
  • Base weight: 5,159 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 410 lbs.
  • GVWR: 6,393 lbs.
  • Overall (closed) length: 23 ft.
  • Exterior width: 7 ft.
  • Exterior height (roof closed): 8 ft., 10 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 5 in. (open) / 5 ft., 5 in. (closed)
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 4
  • LPG capacity: Two 20-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 63 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 17 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 10 gals.

Called an off-road hybrid caravan by its builder, the Opus Camper OP15 is a serious overlanding machine designed for those outdoor enthusiasts who like getting far away from it all while having all the comforts and amenities of home. Newly reengineered for severe off-road environments, the independent trailing arm suspension system underneath the bomb-shelter-sturdy Opus OP15 trailer’s cabin features dual shock absorbers and larger springs repositioned for improved performance.

Opus Camper OP15

A pop-top roof and rear slide-out add living and sleeping space to the Opus OP15; (photo/Opus)

The interior of the Opus Camper OP15 trailer increases in size dramatically once it’s parked and the pop-top roof and rear slide-out are extended. Inside the OP15 you’ll find a king-size bed, bunk beds, a dining lounge with plush seating and an adjustable table, plenty of storage space, and a full bathroom with shower, sink, and flush toilet.

The OP15 trailer’s outdoor slide-out kitchen delivers a stainless-steel sink, a four-burner stainless steel stove, and a food-prep deck. A second outdoor slide-out carries a 12V fridge/freezer combo.

Opus Camper OP15

The Opus OP15 trailer features a king-size front bed, full bathroom, and dining lounge; (photo/Opus)

The Opus Camper OP15 scores more off-road points with its 360-degree articulating trailer hitch and large all-terrain tires (including two spares). A fully galvanized welded chassis and drawbar, stone guard, heavy-duty safety chains, and electric brakes are standard equipment.

Fully loaded for off-grid adventure the OP 15 also offers three 100A AGM batteries, a 300W solar panel setup, and utility storage for two 6-gallon fuel cans as standard. You can boost that capability with options such as a DC charger, or lithium batteries and an upgraded charger.

Outdoors RV Back Country Series 24KRS: $80,060

Outdoors RV Back Country Series 24KRS

The Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS trailer was designed for long-term adventures; (photo/Outdoors RV)
  • Base weight: 7,430 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 965 lbs.
  • GVWR: 9,995 lbs.
  • Overall length: 28 ft., 8 in.
  • Exterior width: 7 ft.
  • Exterior height: 11 ft., 6 in.
  • Interior height: 6 ft., 11 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 6
  • LPG capacity: 80 lbs.
  • Freshwater tank: 100 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 80 gals. 
  • Black water tank: 40 gals.

One of the heavier examples in this buyer’s guide of travel trailers well suited for half-ton pickup trucks is the Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS. The Back Country 24HRS was designed for the outdoor enthusiast who is more likely to camp off-grid and off-road.

Stocked with standard features such as a 36K on-board LPG-powered generator, a 170W solar panel with controller, and 100 gallons of freshwater capacity, the Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS is capable of sustaining itself and its inhabitants for much more than just a 3-day weekend getaway.

Outdoors RV Back Country Series 24KRS

The luxurious Back Country 24KRS interior proves camping doesn’t have to be uncomfortable; (photo/Outdoors RV)

Noted by its builder as designed for “mountain states and western Canada,” the Backcountry 24KRS is delivered with equipment that are options on many other travel trailers. Thermal pane windows, triple-layered roof insulation, insulated slide-out floor, insulated exterior luggage doors, and a fully enclosed, insulated, and heated underbelly make it a good choice for winter or shoulder-season camping. Off-road chops include an integrated A-frame chassis with a heavy-duty off-road suspension and beefy six-lug 5,000-pound-capacity axles.

Outdoors RV Back Country Series 24KRS

Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS travel trailer floorplan; (photo/Outdoors RV)

The Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS travel trailer’s ability to handle tough roads and long trips is countered with a host of upscale appointments and creature comforts to make the adventure easy to enjoy. A large bathroom is filled with a sink, flush toilet, and roomy shower stall. The kitchen offers a three-burner stove/oven, a large stainless-steel sink with a high-arch faucet, a microwave oven, a huge fridge, and lots of prep space.

Between the 60×80-inch primary bed, a convertible dinette, and a sleeper sofa, there’s room to sleep up to six. And the interior is built out in sturdy and attractive cabinetry that offers enough storage space for all your gear.

TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland: $57,874

TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland

The unique TAXA Mantis 5.2 Overland is another good choice for off-grid camping; (photo/Taxa)
  • Base weight: 3,486 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 510 lbs.
  • GVWR: 5,000 lbs.
  • Overall length: 19 ft.
  • Exterior width: 7 ft., 6in.
  • Exterior height: 7 ft. (closed) / 10 ft., 1 in. (open)
  • Interior height: 4 ft., 7 in. (closed) / Up to 7 ft., 10 in. (open) 
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 6
  • LPG capacity: Two 20-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 20 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 22 gals.

The TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland trailer is an admittedly nontraditional travel trailer. Its unique nature is part of what makes it a good choice for half-ton pickup trucks like the Nissan Titan. It may look a bit like a giant insect, but the Mantis 5.2 Overland camping trailer has everything you need to enjoy a comfortable middle-of-nowhere experience.

Based on the TAXA Mantis 5.2 (the company’s largest floorplan), the Overland edition retains all of the original’s creature comforts and conveniences while inheriting a higher level of off-grid and long-term camping capability.

TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland

A pop-top and swing-up rear door offer the Mantis 5.2 Overland interior a roomy and open feel; (photo/Taxa)

The Mantis 5.2 Overland travel trailer is loaded with a fully equipped kitchen, a combo furnace heater/hot water system, storage compartments everywhere, and comfortable sleeping accommodations for four people. An optional pop-up rooftop tent can sleep two more.

TAXA Outdoors added some serious rough-road handling features like a 360-degree rotation/three-axis hitch for optimum trailer control on or off-road. The Mantis 5.2 Overland trailer rides on a powder-coated steel chassis with a 5,200-pound-rated Timbren axle-less suspension system and a 4-inch body lift. This setup gives the trailer 14 inches of ground clearance, perfect for off-road camping adventures.

TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland

TAXA Mantis 5.2 Overland travel trailer floorplan; (photo/Taxa)

A mix of aluminum composite panels, Baltic Birch plywood, and an aluminum and steel structural skeleton make up the atypical shape of the TAXA Mantis 5.2 Overland travel trailer. On the long list of available features are handy items like acrylic windows with screens and shades, batwing-style awnings, and exterior hot and cold showers. An integrated 12V electrical system, wet bath with cassette toilet, and 8K-BTU A/C make long trips even more comfortable.

Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX: $51,354

Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX

The Venture Sonix X SN220VRBX travel trailer offers a large outdoor-accessed gear garage; (photo/Venture RV)
  • Base weight: 5,610 lbs.
  • Hitch weight: 570 lbs.
  • GVWR: 7,285 lbs.
  • Overall length: 27 ft., 6 in.
  • Exterior width: 7 ft., 6 in.
  • Exterior height: 10 ft., 4 in.
  • Sleeping capacity: Up to 4
  • LPG capacity: Two 20-lb. tanks
  • Freshwater tank: 78 gals.
  • Gray water tank: 30 gals.
  • Black water tank: 30 gals.

Venture RV currently builds six different travel trailer lines, each offering its own design and engineering flavor. Dozens of Venture RV trailers ranging from 3,000 to 9,000 pounds (base weight) are ideal for a half-ton pickup like the Ford F-150.

Our favorite Venture RV line is the Sonic X, of which there are two floorplans. We will focus on the Sonix X SN220VRBX travel trailer with its large rear-bathroom floorplan.

Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX

The Venture Sonix X SN220VRBX is off-road-capable and features a luxurious interior; (photo/Venture RV)

The Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX travel trailer and its SN211VDBX (rear bunk bed plan) cousin are the same length and nearly the same weight. Both feature a high-clearance off-road-capable NXG chassis and two 3,500-pound capacity torsion axles, making it easier to get the Sonic X trailer into campsites others can’t reach.

Go-anywhere standard equipment for the Sonix X trailers includes a tubular brush guard, welded tube bumper, roof-mounted LED lightbars, and off-road tires. Designed to be self-sustainable for long periods of time, the Sonix X trailers offer extended off-grid adventure with standard equipment like two 190W roof-mounted solar panels, two 250A lithium-ion batteries, and a 2,000W inverter/charger.

Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX

Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX travel trailer floorplan; (photo/Venture RV)

The floorplan of the Venture Sonix X SN220VRBX travel trailer is laid out with a 60×75-inch primary bed (or with a Murphy bed with sofa) up front. The center section of the trailer carries a slide-out holding an 88×47-inch convertible dinette directly across from a well-stocked kitchen that offers a large sink, three-burner stove, oven, and a 7-cubic-foot refrigerator.

The rear section of the SN220VRBX trailer houses a bathroom with a flush toilet, a large sink, and a 34-inch glass radius enclosed shower. A large exterior-accessed storage garage compartment for outdoor gear is standard on both Sonix X trailers.

How Much Can a Half-Ton Truck Tow?

How much trailer can a half-ton truck — F-150, Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, RAM 1500, Tundra, and Titan — tow?

As an example, tow ratings for the bestselling Ford F-150 can range from 5,000 to 14,000 pounds. This depends upon cab configuration, truck bed size, 2WD or 4WD, engine size, and the final drive ratios (ring-and-pinion gear set ratios).

In addition, some high ratings require additional payload or towing packages. All these aspects combine to establish a pickup truck’s maximum tow rating — also referred to as the maximum trailer weight rating.   

The bestselling Ford F-150 cab configuration (according to 2022 model sales) is the SuperCrew. We’ll use that as a starting point. The 2023 Ford F-150 SuperCrew short bed 2WD with a 3.3L V-6 engine and 3.55-ratio axle gears is rated at 5,100 pounds.

On the other end of the scale is the 2023 Ford F-150 SuperCrew short bed 2WD with a 3.5L turbocharged V-6 engine, 3.55 axle gears, and optional payload package scores a 14,000-pound tow rating.

Detailed tow ratings are listed in your truck’s owner’s manual. Tow ratings for some older trucks can be found on RV.com. The Ford Motor Company website also offers a Towing Guide to help find your truck’s maximum trailer weight rating. 

Travel Trailer Terminology You Should Know

There are a few terms that trailer manufacturers use in their specification charts that you should know and understand.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum permissible weight for a trailer, including all cargo, fluids, LPG, and optional equipment.

Unladen, Dry, Tare, or Base Weight: These all mean the same thing — the total weight of the unloaded trailer in standard equipment trim, with no cargo, fluids (freshwater), or LPG.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): Sometimes referred to as Rated Cargo Load, this is the maximum amount of cargo weight the trailer can safely hold. This includes everything you load into the trailer, full water tanks, filled propane tanks, and batteries.

Tongue or Hitch Weight: The weight the trailer will place upon the hitch of your truck. More than 500 pounds of tongue weight on a half-ton pickup will likely place undue stress on the rear suspension and unload the front end, adversely affecting the truck’s steering and overall handling. In this case, the use of a weight-distributing hitch can redeploy some of the weight from the hitch back to the trailer’s axle(s).

Overall or Exterior Length: Commonly refers to the length of the trailer from the hitch ball-coupler to the back of the rear bumper.

What To Know Before You Tow

Towing Safety 101: What to Know Before You Tow

Planning on towing a trailer of any type? Here's what you need to know before you tow. Read more…

Rivian R1T

The Best Electric Vehicles for Towing

An EV may be your next tow vehicle, and the options just keep getting better. These are the best electric vehicles for towing in 2023. Read more…

Jeep Wagoneer L towing an Airstream camper trailer

The 16 Best SUVs for Towing in 2023

Read this article first before shopping for a tow vehicle. We outline the best SUVs for towing to help you with your research. Read more…

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox.