What Chevy truck can pull a 5th wheel?

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are the Chevy trucks that can tow a 5th wheel trailer. These heavy-duty pickups are designed to handle the demands of towing large, heavy trailers with their powerful engines, robust chassis, and advanced towing features.

Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD Towing Capabilities

The Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are Chevy's top-of-the-line heavy-duty trucks, built to tackle the toughest towing and hauling jobs. The 2500HD has a maximum towing capacity of up to 18,500 pounds, while the 3500HD can tow up to 35,500 pounds. This makes them capable of safely and reliably towing large 5th wheel trailers, which typically weigh between 10,000 to 15,000 pounds.

Key Features for 5th Wheel Towing

The Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD come equipped with several features that make them well-suited for 5th wheel towing:

• Powerful Diesel Engines: Available Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel engines provide ample torque and horsepower for towing heavy loads.


• Robust Chassis and Suspension: Reinforced frames, heavy-duty suspensions, and advanced towing tech like the available Trailer Sway Control help maintain stability and control when towing a 5th wheel.


• Integrated 5th Wheel Prep Package: This factory-installed option includes a hitch platform in the truck bed for a 5th wheel trailer connection.


• Towing Technology: Features like the available Trailer Brake Controller and Trailer Camera System make it easier to monitor and control a 5th wheel trailer.

With their impressive towing capacities and specialized towing features, the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are the Chevy trucks best equipped to handle the demands of 5th wheel towing.

What size truck bed do you need to pull a fifth-wheel?

An 8-foot (long) bed is ideal for towing a 5th wheel because it provides the most clearance for turning and prevents the trailer from hitting the cab. While shorter beds (6.5 to 6.75 feet) can work, they almost always require a sliding hitch to provide necessary clearance during sharp turns. 
This video explains how to measure your truck bed and trailer for 5th wheel clearance: 59sCURTYouTube · Jan 24, 2020
Long beds (8 feet)

• Ideal choice: This is the best option for towing a 5th wheel. 
• More clearance: You get the most turning clearance, which makes towing and maneuvering easier. 
• No sliding hitch needed: A standard hitch can be used without needing a special sliding version. 
• More space: There is more room in the bed for other items like a toolbox or auxiliary fuel tank. 

Short beds (6.5 to 6.75 feet) 

• Possible with adjustments: It is possible to tow a 5th wheel with a shorter bed, but it requires extra equipment and care. 
• Requires a slider: You must use a manual or automatic sliding hitch to move the hitch back during turns and avoid hitting the cab. 
• Increased cost: The cost of the sliding hitch is an added expense. 

This video demonstrates how to tow a 5th wheel with a short bed truck: 51sJaunt JunkiesYouTube · Jun 4, 2019
Which is right for you?

• Choose an 8-foot bed if you want the easiest and safest towing experience and don't want to deal with extra equipment like a sliding hitch. 
• Choose a shorter bed if you prefer a smaller truck for daily driving and are willing to purchase and use a sliding hitch. This setup may also be more cost-effective if you find a good deal on a short-bed truck. 

What GMC truck can pull a 5th wheel?

For those who need the power of a 3500 Heavy Duty truck, the 2024 Sierra 3500 Heavy Duty boasts an impressive maximum gooseneck/fifth-wheel available rating of up to 36,000 lbs. * and a maximum payload of up to 7,290 lbs. * .

Can a Chevy Silverado 1500 pull a fifth-wheel?

With max available towing up to 13,300 lbs., a broad range of torque-rich engines — including TurboMax™ and the available Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel — and up to 14 available camera views, Silverado offers the backbone and brains that fifth-wheel owners value when navigating Helena's grades, crosswinds, and narrow ...

Which truck is best for towing a 5th wheel?

The best truck for pulling a fifth wheel depends on the trailer's weight, with heavy-duty trucks like the Ford F-350/F-450, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, and Ram 3500 being top choices for larger fifth wheels. These heavy-duty trucks provide the necessary high towing and payload capacities, with diesel engines offering excellent torque for easier pulling. Lighter-duty trucks like the Ford F-150 are suitable for smaller fifth wheels.
 
This video discusses the best truck for towing a 5th wheel: 40sBig Truck Big RVYouTube · Oct 14, 2020
For larger fifth wheels

• Ford F-450: Considered a leading choice for the largest fifth wheels, with a massive towing capacity (up to 37,000 lbs). 
• Ford F-350: A strong alternative to the F-450, offering high towing capacity (up to 35,750 lbs) and more configuration options like single or dual rear wheels. 
• Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD: Another heavy-duty option with high towing capacity (up to 36,000 lbs) and advanced features like an in-vehicle trailering system. 
• Ram 3500: Praised for its powerful engine options, providing high towing capacity (up to 37,090 lbs) and strong low-end torque. 

For smaller fifth wheels

• Ford F-150: Suitable for smaller fifth wheels, with a towing capacity of up to 12,200 lbs. 
• Ram 1500: A good option for smaller fifth wheels, with towing capacities up to 12,750 lbs. 

Key factors to consider

• Towing Capacity: Always match or exceed the total weight of your fifth wheel by checking the truck's towing capacity chart, which can be different for fifth wheels versus bumper pulls. 
• Engine: Diesel engines are often preferred for fifth-wheel towing due to their high torque, which makes pulling easier and is more fuel-efficient under load. 
• Payload Capacity: The truck's payload capacity must be sufficient to handle the pin weight of the fifth wheel, plus passengers and cargo. 
• Bed Length: Long-bed trucks provide better turning clearance, while short-bed trucks may require a sliding hitch to prevent the trailer from hitting the cab during turns.