10 Best Travel Trailers for Half Ton Trucks in 2024

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Updated April 5, 2024

Every time we post an article or a video about the best travel trailers for half ton trucks, a huge debate ensues. The debate isn’t about the trailers we choose but whether or not half-ton trucks can tow these trailers safely.

We selected all the travel trailers on our list based on modern pickup trucks’ tow capacities with model years from 2020. We can all agree that older pickup trucks can’t handle the same weight that newer pickups can. So, if you own a pickup truck older than 2020, this list is not for you.

What Does Half-Ton Towable Mean?

Modern “half-ton” trucks have completely outgrown the term’s original meaning. Back in the 1940s, a “half-ton” truck could carry 1,000 lbs. The term stuck, and it’s still with us today, regardless of the truck’s actual payload capacity. Fortunately, the term is usually enough that even non-truck enthusiasts have a general idea of what kind of truck you mean. 

In the RV world, when a towable trailer had a “half-ton” categorization, it originally meant that the travel trailer was a half-ton truck towable. Today that’s not necessarily true. In many cases, it’s another way of saying it’s a lighter-weight RV compared to others. The weight category sits between the “lightweight” label and a full-weight travel trailer.

For example, Keystone’s Cougar Series includes the regular Cougars and the Cougar Half-Ton travel trailers. All but the smallest Cougar Half-Tons can’t be safely towed by pickup trucks in the 150/1500 Series, but each of those Cougar models is lighter than its full-weight counterpart.

10 Best Travel Trailers for Half Ton Trucks

Half-tons are outstanding trucks, and they carry some serious weight behind them. Travel trailer manufacturers understand the popularity of half ton trucks, so there is more than a half-ton of them (weak pun intended). 

1. Venture Stratus SR231VRB

✅ Spacious open floor plan

❌ Open floor plan means no division between sleeping and living areas

• Length: 26’6
• UVW: 5,580 lbs
• GVWR: 7,285 lbs
• CCC: 1,705 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 720 lbs 
• Sleep: 2-4

The Venture Stratus SR231VRB is an affordable, ultra-lite travel trailer for half-ton trucks. It’s super lightweight for easy towing and boasts an eye-catching exterior and stunning interior decor. 

Inside the trailer, you’ll find an open floor plan with plenty of space. At the front of the trailer is the main sleeping area, with a queen bed, plus wardrobes and cabinets. In the rear, you’ll find a full bath, as well as a walk-in pantry. In the middle of the trailer is the kitchen, with a fridge, 3 burner stove, oven, and microwave. The trailer also features a spacious U dinette, plus a kitchen bar. The great features of this trailer are rounded out by an 18’ awning on the exterior. 

2. Heartland North Trail 26FKDS

✅ Oversized windows for great views and plenty of storage

❌ No TV included standard

• Length:  29’8
• UVW: 6,777 lbs
• GVWR: 9,601 lbs
• CCC: 2,792 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 801 lbs 
• Sleep: 2-4

A spacious open-concept floor plan, oversized windows, tons of storage, and sleek design make the Heartland North Trail 26FKDS an amazing travel trailer for half-ton trucks.

The trailer features Super King Kong-sized storage, giving you space for everything your family needs. An EZ Sweep carpet-free slide room means easier cleaning. And these are just some of this trailer’s great features.

The trailer has two entry points, one in the master bedroom and the other in the main living area. The master bedroom features a king bed, plus a wardrobe and large windows for plenty of light.

Outside the bedroom is the full bath, accessible from both the bedroom and living area. Past this is the living area, with a sleeper sofa, a stowaway sofa, and an entertainment center with TV prep. 

Beyond the living area at the front of the trailer is the kitchen. It features a three-burner stove, oven, and fridge, plus a walk-in pantry and a dinette. Outside the trailer, you’ll also find an exterior kitchen, as well as a power awning. 

3. Airstream International 28RB

✅ A super high-quality travel trailer

❌ Like all Airstreams, fairly pricey (but holds its value very well)

• Length: 28’2”
• UVW: 5,900 lbs
• GVWR: 7,600 lbs
• CCC: 1,700 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 860 lbs
• Sleep: 2-6

With modern design, plenty of features, and exacting quality, the Airstream International 28RB is one of the best travel trailers for half-ton trucks. 

Like all Airstream trailers, the International is constructed with the highest quality materials and labor to ensure a trailer that lasts and lasts. The exterior boasts a classic Airstream design, with sleek lines and brushed aluminum to catch eyes anywhere you go.

Inside, you’ll find a chic design and a well-appointed floor plan. At the front of the trailer is the lounge area, with an L-shaped sofa and a perfect view of the TV. Next to this is the kitchen, featuring a 3 burner stove, large sink, and fridge. Across from the kitchen, you’ll find a convertible dream dinette. 

Beyond the kitchen, you’ll find a bathroom and shower, which are separate so one person can bathe while another uses the facilities. Behind this is the bedroom, with a cozy queen bed. 

4. Bigfoot B25FB

✅ Well-made, multi-season trailer

❌ Many common features are add-ons rather than standard. 

• Length:  25’6”
• UVW: 5,563 lbs
• GVWR: 7,500 lbs
• CCC: 1,937 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 612 lbs
• Sleep: 2-4

The Bigfoot B25FB is a multi-season travel trailer for half-ton trucks that’s packed with great features.

Inside, you’ll find features like porcelain toilets, spring-filled mattresses, and deluxe fabrics. Plus, conveniences like a satellite-ready CD player and a roof rack and ladder.

Inside the RV, you’ll find a cozy sleeping area up front, with wardrobes and overhead storage. At midship is a kitchen, equipped with an oven, cooktop, microwave, and fridge, as well as a dinette. In the rear of the trailer, you’ll find a full bath. 

A variety of add-ons are also available for the B25FB, including roof AC, exterior speakers, an LCD TV, and more. 

5. Palomino Pause 20.2

✅ Tons of great features perfect for spending time outdoors

❌ Only sleeps 2

• Length:  25’2”
• UVW: 7,868 lbs
• GVWR: 9,468 lbs
• CCC: 1,600 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 895 lbs 
• Sleep: 2

With a deluxe outside kitchen, fishing rod storage, and many more great features, the Palomino Pause 20.2 is the perfect travel trailer for half-ton trucks for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The deluxe outside kitchen features a 4.5 cu ft fridge, microwave, sink, grill/griddle combo, and pantry, for cooking up everything your heart desires. There is also storage above the outdoor kitchen.

Inside is another kitchen, with a 2-burner gas cooktop, microwave, and fridge. Also inside the trailer, you’ll find a queen-sized sleeper sofa with a table, plus shirt closets. Across from the seating and sleeping area is the entertainment center with a 39” smart TV. Behind the entertainment center is a lockable storage area. At the rear of the trailer is the full bath, plus a linen closet. 

Other great features include a rear storage room, a 14’ awning, and a 12v cooler with a slide tray. 

6. Forest River r-pod 203

✅ A compact and aerodynamic trailer with plenty of sleeping space

❌ Small Kitchen

• Length: 25’
• UVW: 5,169 lbs
• GVWR: 7,725 lbs
• CCC: 2,556 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 725 lbs
• Sleep: 4-6

If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight travel trailer for a half-ton truck, check out the Forest River r-pod 203.

The compact size and aerodynamic shape of the r-pod 203 make it easy to tow and fuel efficient. Inside, you’ll find a spacious floor plan with a Murphy bed and sofa at the front of the trailer. At midship is the kitchen, with the largest-in-class fridge, 2 burner cooktop, and microwave.

Across from the kitchen is a dinette which converts for extra sleeping space. At the rear of the trailer, you’ll find double bunks, plus the full bath. On the exterior of the trailer is a 16’ awning, plus an exterior griddle. 

7. Black Series HQ19

✅ Super rugged trailer perfect for boondocking

❌ Will need to pay for add-on packages to get the full off-road experience

• Length: 23’
• UVW: 6,525 lbs
• GVWR: 7,600 lbs
• CCC: 1,075 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 652 lbs 
• Sleep: 2

Need a rugged travel trailer for your half-ton truck that can take on any challenge? You’ll find it hard to beat the Black Series HQ19. 

This trailer is sturdy, durable, and crash resistant, designed from the ground up to go off-road thanks to the armored chassis, independent suspension system, and MT tires.

Inside, you’ll find a well-appointed kitchen with a fridge, oven, microwave, and stove. It features a full bath, premium leather sofas, and a cozy ergonomic bed. Thanks to its four 150W solar panels and large water tanks, it’s ideal for boondocking for long periods. 

8. CrossRoads Sunset Trail SS285CK

✅ Super spacious trailer with plenty of seating and sleeping space

❌ At over 32 feet, it will be a bit harder to tow than other options on our list

• Length: 32’5”
• UVW: 6,588 lbs
• GVWR: 9,530 lbs
• CCC: 2,942 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 738 lbs
• Sleep: 2-6

Looking for a travel trailer for your half-ton truck that has space for the whole family? Check out the CrossRoads Sunset Trail SS285CK.

This trailer features a spacious living area, with a tri-fold sofa and XL dinette booth across from an entertainment center with a TV and fireplace. The kitchen is also in this area, featuring a gas oven, 11 cu ft fridge, microwave, and cooktop. 

At midship is a full bath, beyond which is the master bedroom. The bedroom features a king bed, wardrobes, and a pet station. Outside the trailer, you’ll also find a camp kitchen. 

9. Coachmen Adrenaline 21LT

✅ The only toy hauler on our list

❌ Like most toy haulers, the living area isn’t the coziest

• Length: 27’5”
• UVW: 5,750 lbs
• GVWR: 9,735 lbs
• CCC: 3,985 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 935 lbs 
• Sleep: 2-4

If you’re looking for a toy hauler for your half-ton truck, look no further than the Coachmen Adrenaline 21LT.

At the front of this trailer, you’ll find the bedroom, with a queen bed, dresser, and wardrobe, as well as the full bath with a 30” x 36” shower. In the 13’8” garage, you’ll find a kitchen with a 3-burner stove, microwave, fridge, and oven. You’ll also find two swivel chairs, roll-over sofas, and a dinette table. For more sleeping space, you can add a queen bed on an electric lift. 

To round things out, the exterior of the trailer features a ramp door and 19’ awning, plus an optional fuel station. 

10. Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 24SABWE

✅ Super spacious trailer with plenty of great features

❌ No option for TV in the bedroom

• Length: 28’4”
• UVW: 6,165 lbs
• GVWR: 7,800 lbs
• CCC: 1,635 lbs
• Tongue Weight:  640 lbs
• Sleep: 2-6

The Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 24SABWE is a luxurious travel trailer perfect for half-ton trucks. As you enter the trailer, you’ll find a sizeable kitchen with a stovetop, oven, microwave, corner sink, and fridge. There’s also a booth dinette for enjoying your meals.

The spacious living area features a tri-fold sleeper sofa, while a swivel TV provides entertainment. At midship is the bathroom, accessible from both the living area and bedroom. This is a full bath, featuring a radius shower. 

At the front of the trailer is the master bedroom, with its own entryway. It features a king bed, plus wardrobes and storage. Outside the trailer, you’ll find a 20’ awning. 

5 Things to Look for in a Half-Ton Towable RV

Your half-ton truck can probably carry a good deal. You first need to know how much it can safely tow. Then you need to understand the various elements of a travel trailer and how that applies to your half-ton’s capabilities. 

1. GVWR vs. UVW

If the total weight of your gear exceeds the GVWR of the travel trailer, you’re shaking your fist at a dangerous fate. It’s not enough to know what your truck can haul when you only compare it to the UVW. You need to compare it with the GVWR. 

UVW is the dry weight of the travel trailer, exactly what it weighs when it clears the last hurdle on the assembly line. 

GVWR is a weight limit you can’t safely exceed once all your gear is stored, accessories packed, and tanks are filled. It’s the more important weight when matched against your half-ton’s capabilities. In fact, you want to keep your total weight at 80% below the GVWR.

2. Length

The longest travel trailer for 1/2-ton trucks on this list is nearly 35 feet. We wouldn’t have put it on the list if it were dangerous to tow with a half-ton truck. Just remember, when you’re getting into lengths that high, the small window between dry weight and your half-ton towing capacity becomes smaller and smaller. 

You don’t want to purchase a travel trailer with a dry weight so close to your truck’s capability that simply tossing your backpack on the trailer exceeds the limits of your truck. 

3. Tongue Weight

The tongue weight is the measurement of the downward force from the tongue of the travel trailer on the hitch of your half-ton truck. Too little, and your travel trailer is prone to fishtailing. Too much, and it presses down on the truck’s back tires, raising the front tires. 

Just because your travel trailer for 1/2 ton trucks has a tongue weight of 900 lbs. doesn’t mean it will stay that way. That’s what it is in a bubble, with no outside factors. Front loading your travel trailer increases that 900 lbs. Rear loading your travel trailer lowers the 900 lbs. 

4. Sleeping Capacity

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry too much about this issue too much. There are plenty of travel trailers for half-ton trucks that can sleep as many as you can cram in the cab. 

5. Amenities

It’s always a good idea to do your homework on the amenities. Have a list ready of what amenities you need, and want but can live without, and must avoid helping narrow down your search. 

These lists will save a lot of time and keep you on track when searching for the best travel trailer for 1/2 ton trucks you desire.

4 FAQs About Half-Ton Towable Travel Trailers

1. Does a Half-Ton Towable Fifth-Wheel Exist?

Half-ton towable fifth-wheels sure do exist, though there aren’t many models available. There’s the Palomino Puma 255RKS, the Jayco Eagle HT 24RE, the KZ Durango Half-Ton D230RKD, and more. You just have to be very careful about your towing capacity. Many claim their half-ton towable, but you may need to special order a new truck with a heavy-duty tow package.

2. How Much Do Half Ton Towable RVs Cost?

Half-ton travel trailer prices range anywhere between $25k and $75k, depending on what you want and what comes with it. 

3. Can You Double Tow With a Half-Ton Truck?

It’s possible, but you must be careful about the tongue weight and the towing capacity of the half-ton truck. Also, several states have strict regulations on double towing, regardless of the pulling vehicle. 

4. How Do You Know Your Vehicle’s Payload Capacity?

To get the payload capacity, you need to know the GVWR and the curb weight. GVWR is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating while the curb weight is the truck’s weight when empty but with all of its fluids (including fuel). Subtract curb weight from GVWR, and you have your payload capacity. 

What’s The Biggest Camper I Can Pull With a ½ Ton Truck?

Half-ton trucks can tow 14,000 lbs. using a heavy-duty tow package. Standard half-ton pickups are safe between 8,000 and 9,000 lbs. You also want to consider the mass of the travel trailer you want to hitch up.

Your truck may be able to tow the weight, but a long trailer that starts swaying too much can throw a truck off the road. 

Final Thoughts on Travel Trailers for Half Ton Pickup Trucks

Half-tons are a misnomer, and they certainly aren’t the trucks of the 1940s. F-150s and 1500s have a much higher payload capacity and can tow more than their namesakes imply. Now that you know what they’re capable of, there’s no reason to wait any longer for that dream travel trailer for half ton trucks. 

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Related Reading:

– 10 Best Travel Trailers With Bunk Beds Under 7,000 lbs.
– 9 Best Off-Road RVs in Every Category
– How To Stop Travel Trailer Sway
– 10 Best Half Ton 5th Wheels

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