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The 5th wheel trailer gives you excellent space, stabilized to tow, and other benefits. Well, except for benefits, 5th wheel trailers need extra care for towing. That’s why it becomes crucial to consider a specific pick-up truck.
Being a 5th wheel owner, you should know the importance of towing trucks and questions related to their features as well as capabilities.
Earlier, we have discussed best half-ton truck for towing. And to help to pick the best truck for 5th wheel and further, I’ve prepared a list of the best trucks for towing 5th wheel trailers in 2021.
Factors before picking Trucks for 5th wheel:
- Brand value & user ratings
- Towing features and capabilities
- Price
Best Trucks for Towing 5th Wheel Trailer
| Name of Truck | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ford F-350 Super Duty | Up to 28,000 lbs. |
| 2020 Ram 3500 | Up to 37,100 lbs. |
| Chevrolet Silverado 3500 | Up to 36,000 lbs. |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | Up to 36,000 lbs. |
| Toyota Tundra | Up to 10,200 lbs. |
Ford F-350 Super Duty
Ford F-350is the best and most popular truck for 5th wheel campers. The light pick-up truck offers an incredible towing capacity of up to 28,000 lbs.
The manufacturer offers an impressive 7.3-litre V8 heavy-duty engine that belts out 430 horsepower with 475 lb-ft torque. Handling enormous power is a Torqshift G 6-speed automatic transmission system, helping to achieve best-in-class GVWR, best-in-class payload and the best 5th-wheel towing in its class.
In terms of features, Ford offers a wide range of towing and other assist features. Below are a few of them:
- 5th Wheel/Gooseneck prep package
- Smart trailer tow connector
- Sway control
- Hill-start assist.
- Trailer brake controller (TBC)
- Tow/Haul mode
- Engine brake
- Trailer reverse guidance
- Trailer tow camera system with pro-trailer backup assist
That’s not all, Ford F-350 comes with best-in-class water fording (33 inches) and few off-road specific features like 35-inch maximum traction tires, etc.
Ford F-350 Super Duty Key Specifications:
| Engine Type | 7.3L V8 |
| Horsepower | 430 @5500 rpm |
| Torque | 475 @ 3100 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic SelectShift |
| Drive Type | 4WD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 18/20 mpg in city & highway |
| Fuel Capacity | Start at 29 gallons |
| Standard Safety | Airbags, TPMS, SOS crash system, Lane-keeping alert, BLIS (Bling Spot Info. System with trailer coverage), Collision warning, etc |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 28,000 lbs. |
| Seating Capacity | 5 adults |
| Price Range | $40,620 |
Although Ford engineering is pretty reliable, still company offers a best-in-class warranty.
- 3 years / 36,000 miles standard warranty
- Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; Diesel: 5 years/100,000 miles
- Corrosion: 5 years / Unlimited miles
- Roadside Assistance Program: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Reason To Buy Ford F-350 Super Duty Truck
- Best-in-class power
- Best-in-class towing capability
- Best-in-class GCWR
- Best-in-class payload
- Supreme built quality
- Excellent customer support
It means you don’t have to worry whether your load is hefty or light. Moreover, it a great pick and offers convenience, safety, and an excellent level of comfort.
Ram 3500
Next best truck for the 5th wheel is by Ram motors, which Stellantis own (a group of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles & PSA.
Ram trucks are well-known for high-performance engines, huge torque, and endless towing capacity. The truck pulls 37,100 pounds with confidence and offers a wide range of tools to give the best experience during towing trailers.
Mechanically, Ram 3500 offers a 6.7-litre high-output turbo engine that belts best-in-class torque with adequate horsepower. Helping Ram 3500 to transmit power is an electronically controlled 6-speed transmission system.
Tagged as America’s longest-lasting heavy-duty pickups, Ram 3500 has a wide range of towing & safety features to offer:
- 360 surround view camera
- Trailer monitoring
- Air suspension for hook up & roll out
- Rear-axle structural cross member
- Forward collision warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Parksense (front & rear)
In addition, Ram 3500 comes fitted with a 12-inch touchscreen system with navigation and Apple/Android Auto. The manufacturer has taken care of practicality, it has a Rambox cargo management system, 115 Volt bed outlet with bed lights and a wide range of storage space.
In addition, Ram 3500 includes a factory-installed hitch and an optional dual rear wheel.
Ram 3500 Key Specifications:
| Engine Type | 6.7L CUMMINS V8 |
| Horsepower | 420 @5600 rpm |
| Torque | 1,075 @ 1,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Aisin automatic SelectShift |
| Drive Type | 4WD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 11/19 mpg in city & highway |
| Fuel Capacity | 32 gallons |
| Standard Safety | Adaptive forward lighting system (LED), collision warning, cruise control, ABS, EBD, etc |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 37,100 lbs. |
| Seating Capacity | 6 adults |
| Price Range | $36,470 |
In term of warranty and assurance, Ram motors have different types of warranty to offer:
- Diesel Powertrain limited warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
- Diesel roadside assistance: 5 years/100,000 miles
- Gas Powertrain limited warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
Reason To Buy Ram 3500 Truck
- Best-in-class Cummins Powertrain
- Air suspension
- Spacious and comfortable
- Night Edition to add bold character
- Excellent infotainment system with 12-inch touch & Harman Kardon speakers
- Good visibility
As mentioned above, Ram motors also offer a 3500 limited night edition. In addition, you get black highlights like RAM badging, alloy wheels, black interiors, and other stand-out cosmetic changes.
Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Silverado 3500, also known as Silverado HD, is the manufacturer’s flagship, strongest, and most capable truck. As of today, it comes with 2 heavy-duty powertrains and a wide range of towing accessories to make your camping comfortable.
What makes Silverado 3500 a capable fifth-wheel towing truck is a 6.6-litre turbo-diesel engine. This comes mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that generates around 444 horsepower and a massive 910 lb-ft torque, making this truck towing up to 36,000 lbs (when configured properly and used max-trailering package).
Like Silverado 1500, KBB tagged 3500 best resale value full-size pick truck. In terms of features, Silverado 3500 comes loaded with a wide range of towing and convenience features, let’s have a look!
- Electronic stability control system
- Trailer sway control
- Tow/haul mode
- Available digital variable steering assist
- Auto grade braking
- Heavy-duty chassis
- Trailering mirrors
- Integrated bedsits
- Predeparture checklist
- Exterior trailer lighting diagnostics
- Trailer maintenance remainders
- Trailer tire pressure/temperature monitoring
That’s not all, Silverado 3500 comes with a 360 camera system. As a result, you get a detailed view of your surroundings, parking, and connecting to a trailer.
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Key Specifications:
| Engine Type | 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 |
| Horsepower | 445 @2800 rpm |
| Torque | 910 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed Allison automatic |
| Drive Type | 2WD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 18/24 mpg in city & highway |
| Fuel Capacity | 32 gallons |
| Standard Safety | Park & lane assist with a blind alert, collision alert, emergency braking, ABS, Airbags (front, side and overhead) etc. |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 36,000 lbs. |
| Seating Capacity | 6 adults |
| Price Range | $36,500 |
Like other manufacturers, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 comes with varieties of warranty.
- Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain Limited Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Emission Control System Limited Warranty: 2 years or 24,000 miles
- Additional Chevrolet coverage (1 years/12,000 miles, Inspection, etc)
- Chevrolet Optional Extended Limited Warranty: 5-years/60,000-miles
Reason To Buy Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- Good cabin space
- 2-engine options
- Improved towing capacity
- Wide range of trailering accessories
- Excellent camera system
Wait! Want to attract eyeballs? The manufacturer offers Silverado 3500 in different editions based on lifestyle.
- Carhartt edition – comes with black and chrome inserts
- Z71 sport edition – As the name suggests, this edition is based on off-road and comes with special tires, making it a perfect truck for towing 5th wheel
- Z71 Chrome sport edition – Chrome & white inserts surrounding 3500 pick-up
- HD midnight edition – glossy finished with a mat-black paint job
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GMC Sierra 1500
GMC, also known as General Truck & Coach Division, is a General Motor Company that primarily focuses on SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.
Mechanically, Sierra 1500 comes fitted with a 6.2-litre Duramax turbo diesel engine. Thanks to the 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft torque, GMC Sierra 1500 can tow up to 11,800 lbs with ease, making it the next best truck to pull 5th wheel under $45k.
Coming to towing capability, General motors coupled Sierra 1500 with endless customization and optional features. Below are some of the features I preferred the most, let’s check them out!
- Automatic locking rear differential
- Handling/trailering suspension system
- Revised shock tuning
- Heavy-duty rear springs
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Off-road suspension with Rancho shocks
- Hill descent control
- Skid plates
- Heavy-duty air filter
- Available trailer towing mirrors
- Electric parking brake assist
That’s not all, GMC Sierra also gets World’s best 6-function multipro tailgate, best-in-class cargo bed volume, industry-first carbon-fibre composite bed, 15 camera views, etc.
Inside, Sierra 1500 is quite loaded and comes with best-in-class Crew Cab front head and legroom, Premium heated & leather-appointed front outboard seating, etc.
GMC Sierra 1500 Key Specifications:
| Engine Type | 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 |
| Horsepower | 420 @5600 rpm |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft @4100 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Four-wheel drive |
| Fuel Efficiency | 20/23 mpg in city/highway |
| Fuel Capacity | Starts with 24 gallon |
| Standard Safety | ABS, Airbags, forward collision alert, front & rear park assist, adaptive cruise control, Intellibeam headlamps, etc. |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 36,000 lbs. |
| Seating Capacity | 6 adults |
| Price Range | $36,500 |
GMC offers 3-years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, 5-years/60,000 miles powertrain limited warranty, and 5-year/100,000 miles powertrain limited warranty.
Reason To Buy GMC Sierra 1500
- Quiet and Roomy cabin
- Huge truck bed
- Bes-in-class tailgate
- ProGrade trailering system
The manufacture also offers a featured edition – Denali Carbon Pro & AT4 Carbon Pro.
Toyota Tundra
The most exclusive quality about Toyota is their engine reliability and customer satisfaction. Earlier, we saw Chevrolet tagged as the best resale value truck brand. However, Toyota is a step above in the race and gets recognized as the best truck brand for 2020.
Tundra got a 5.7 litre all aluminum V8 engine, which churns 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear set of wheels through a 6-speed electronically controlled transmission, making it capable of towing up to 10,200 lbs when configured properly.
More to the capability is tow packages and available payload capacity of Tundra, let’s check more towing features or accessories:
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
- Trailer Sway Control
- Tow/Haul Mode with 4-7 pin connector
- Tow mirrors
- Active traction control
- Deck rail system
- Skid plates
- Standard backup camera system
- Automatic limited-slip differential system
These are some of the standard features you can customize accordingly. Now, Let’s check some of the safety features offered by Toyota.
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert
- Automatic high beams
- Dynamic radar cruise control
- Latch system
Toyota Tundra Key Specifications:
| Engine Type | 5.7 L V8 |
| Horsepower | 381 hp @5600 |
| Torque | 401 lb.-ft. @3600 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed electronically controlled |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 13/17 mpg city/highway |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 gallon (largest in the segment) |
| Standard Safety | ABS, 8 Airbags, camera, blind spot monitor, stability control, traction control, EBD, etc. |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 10,200 lbs. |
| Seating Capacity | 6 adults |
| Price Range | $34,025 |
Toyota offers 36 months/36,000 miles limited warranty coverage to all kinds of vehicles. Below are extra benefits:
- Powertrain coverage: 60 months/60,000 miles (engine, transmission/transaxle, front-wheel-drive system, rear-wheel drive, seatbelts and airbags).
- Rust-Through Coverage: 60 months/unlimited miles (corrosion perforation of sheet metal).
Reason To Buy Toyota Tundra
- Standard V8 engine
- Good safety features
- Good to pick off-road models
- Excellent connectivity
- Best-in-class reliability
Toyota also offers the TRD Pro edition – A special division for racing and off-road development. Toyota Tundra TRD comes with 18-in forged wheels, FOX suspension, tuned dual exhaust, Rigid fog lights, leather-trimmed seating, Sport-tuned anti-sway bars, etc.
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FAQs
What is the best truck to pull a 5th wheel camper?
For 5th Wheel camper or trailer, you can pick half-ton truck like Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, Silverado 1500. Want something better? Consider something more powerful, look for Ford F-350 Super Duty, Ram 3500, etc.
Can a 1/2 ton truck pull a 5th wheel camper?
Yes, an average 5th wheel camper weighs around 12,700 pounds. Many half-ton or more capable trucks come under this towing range and pull a 5th wheel camper with ease. However, one should consider different factors like maximum tow rating and packages before towing a 5th wheel camper.
Which is better for towing gas or diesel?
Thanks to the huge amount of torque, a diesel engine does a better job of towing a camper. As a result, they can carry or pull more weight and come on the efficient side than a gas engine. However, modern gas engines are getting better, and soon this difference will be minimal to notice.
Which Toyota is best for towing?
With a towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds, Tundra is the best Toyota truck for towing campers or trailers.
Hope you found the list of truck for 5th wheel interesting. Don’t forget to tell your fav. pick-up truck. Also, let me know in case I’ve missed any vehicle above.
* Price & data mentioned above are subject to change anytime.
* Image source – Ford, GMC, Toyota, Dodge
