What is the Best Truck for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer

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Question:

Im confused by all tow guides I find online.im looking to buy a new truck that will be able to tow a fifth wheel camper that weighs 15,000 loaded.not sure if I need a dually or not.i would rather drive and insure a single rear wheel.im looking at a Diesel engine for sure.if anybody can direct me to a trustworthy towing guide or some opinion that would be great.thanks

asked by: Kevin

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are doing the right thing by doing the research first. There is a lot of conflicting information out there so let me break it down for you and I will provide some part recommendations at the end. Basically, if you want to tow a 5th wheel trailer, the best trucks are going to be long bed 3/4 or 1 tons like a Ford F-250/F-350, Chevy/GMC 2500/3500, or Ram 2500/3500. Half ton trucks could work but are not nearly as capable as the larger trucks.

A long bed for sure is something you will want. Having a long bed means that you will not need a slider hitch, which costs more and requires getting out of the truck to manually slide the hitch back to make tight maneuvers. It also means you will not need a Sidewinder replacement pin box which can also be expensive.

It is less likely that you will need additional suspension enhancement with the larger trucks. I recommend finding one you like that has overload springs for additional support. A dually is not necessary unless that is something you want. Also, look for a truck that has a factory 7-Way trailer connector so it will be easy to add in-bed wiring for your trailer.

The larger trucks are going to have the higher towing capacities as well. While 15K is not the heaviest 5th wheel trailer, it could be too much for a half ton truck. A 3/4 or 1 ton will have the capacity you need.

A diesel engine is a good idea because they are capable of so much towing power and torque. If you get an automatic transmission then make sure the truck has a large transmission cooler or add a supplemental cooler. A lot of trucks do have larger transmission coolers from the factory. But since transmission fluid cannot be overcooled, adding a supplemental cooler is never a bad idea.

The recommendations listed above will give you the right vehicle for the job. The make of truck is a matter of personal preference among most people so if you find one that fits the description above, Ford, Chevy, or Dodge, it will work well for you. I have included a link to an FAQ on 5th wheel trailer hitch information. Below are my part recommendations for each of the big 3 manufacturers:

2017 Ford F-250/F-350 Long Bed
Custom rail installation kit # BWRVK2402
Curt Q24 Hitch # C16245
In-bed wiring # C56000

2017 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500 Long Bed
Under-bed installation kit # DM8551010
Demco Hitch # DM8550032
In-bed wiring # 41157

2017 Ram 2500/3500 Long Bed (fits now include models with factory air suspension)
Below bed install kit that doubles as gooseneck hitch # BWGNRK1384 (2500) # BWGNRK1314 (3500)
B&W 5th wheel hitch # BWRVK3500-5W
In-bed wiring # 41157

Be sure to check your local and state laws for other specific towing requirements.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

The previous generations of the Correct Track had some issues with brackets bending but the current generations like the single axle part #LC87120 and tandem axle #RR23QX have had all of that addressed and fixed.

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 5

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 6

Hey Charles, yes we do have the Curt trailer wiring harness part #C98RV that is a confirmed fit for your 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

Hello Dennis, thanks for reaching out. The repeater, or lack thereof, would definitely explain why your monitor is not picking up the sensors. I took a screenshot of the installation instructions for the Signal Booster/Repeater #TST-507-R and…

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Answer 9

Hi Ken, Starting with the wiring harness, I can verify for you the correct fit for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited without a tow package is indeed the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #118786. Then for the hitches, the…

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Answer 10

To add a hitch to your 2024 Jeep Wrangler, I recommend the Curt item #C13392. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Jeep with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 5,000 lbs towing capacity and a 500 lbs…

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Answer 11

Yes, it will! You'll want to cut off the 4-way connector of the Curt Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles item #C96JR and install the 6-way connector that comes with the Curt Tow Bar 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord w/ 6-Way Socket…

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