2022 Reflection 28BH with 2017 GMC Denali 1500

[Sachin1979]

Wondering if anyone has experience with towing a lightweight fifth wheel with a 1/2 ton.

Reflection GVWR is around 1150lb
Pin weight is 1696lb

GMC Denali 1500
Max towing is 12500lb
Payload is 2500lb

So the numbers look good and the dealer has signed me off. I’m not really looking to win races as I’m sure I’ll happily drive like my grandmother for the first few road trips.. but I’m curious about safety. Since my payload will be reaching its max when I have a full tank of gas + hitch weight.

[FT4NOW]

Welcome to the forum. Is that the dry advertised pin weight? Those are traditionally low since it's for an unloaded RV and doesnt include propane tanks or batteries either. Also, dont forget hitch weight, a 5th wheel hitch can be close to 200lbs and then you need to account for the weight of truck passengers, and anything in the truck not from the factory. I think that will be a bit much for a half ton truck. Of course the dealer "signed you off", it's not their safety they worry about, they just want a sale and then it's your problem after you leave the lot. Most dealers dont know or care about tow vehicle capacity, there are some that do though, sounds like yours isn't one of those.

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[That 1 Ron]

There’s no way that 1500 denali has 2500 lb payload. Look at your yellow sticker in the door jam.

Regardless, in my opinion, with some air bags you technically could tow it but legally you’ll be overloaded.

[Kevin2282]

Wondering if anyone has experience with towing a lightweight fifth wheel with a 1/2 ton.

Reflection GVWR is around 1150lb
Pin weight is 1696lb

GMC Denali 1500
Max towing is 12500lb
Payload is 2500lb

So the numbers look good and the dealer has signed me off. I’m not really looking to win races as I’m sure I’ll happily drive like my grandmother for the first few road trips.. but I’m curious about safety. Since my payload will be reaching its max when I have a full tank of gas + hitch weight.

Only my opinion, but I would not recommend it. My 28BH pin weight is right around 2,200 pounds with a trailer weight right at the max 11,500 pounds. It even makes my Ram 3500 squat a little bit so I am considering Sumo springs. I think you would be spending a lot of time on the axle bump stops.

[ardvark16]

Wondering if anyone has experience with towing a lightweight fifth wheel with a 1/2 ton.

Reflection GVWR is around 1150lb
Pin weight is 1696lb

GMC Denali 1500
Max towing is 12500lb
Payload is 2500lb

So the numbers look good and the dealer has signed me off. I’m not really looking to win races as I’m sure I’ll happily drive like my grandmother for the first few road trips.. but I’m curious about safety. Since my payload will be reaching its max when I have a full tank of gas + hitch weight.

Your numbers do not look good at all. The dealer will say anything to roll that camper off the lot. It’s on you to determine what will tow. I agree that your Denali doesn’t have a 2500 payload. You need to look at the yellow sticker on the door. Even at 2500 that’s not enough payload for that camper. You are firmly in 3/4 ton gas truck territory or 1 ton diesel with that camper. The pin is going to be over 2000 pounds and you didn’t even add the 200lb for your hitch or cargo. Sorry but if you are looking for approval on that setup you won’t get it. 1/2 ton trucks are really for travel trailers.

[BreakfastinAmerica]

“My numbers are good and the dealer signed me off”…….RED FLAG
Most dealers and sales people do not have 5th wheels or ever tow anything.
Same situation when at the RV dealer, most don’t own or pull anything and will sell you whatever you want.

[Brother_Bluto]

A loaded 28BH will have a pin weight around 2,000#. More if you carry water in the tanks. Not a "half ton towable" IMO.