What is the best vehicle to pull a fifth wheel?
For most fifth-wheel trailers, the top choice is a heavy-duty, diesel-powered pickup in the 1-ton class with ample payload and towing capacity. In practice, that means a Ford F-350/F-450 DRW, Ram 3500, or Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD configured for maximum tow and payload.
What makes a vehicle suitable for fifth-wheel towing
A proper fifth-wheel tow vehicle must reliably carry the hitch and the trailer’s pin weight while also delivering enough towing power, braking, and stability for long trips and steep grades. Beyond raw numbers, stability features, cooling for sustained pulls, and a comfortable chassis are essential when hauling heavy trailers. Buyers should prioritize payload capacity (to carry hitch weight and cargo) and tow capacity (to move the complete combined weight safely).
Top vehicle categories for fifth-wheel towing
Very large fifth wheels (25,000 pounds GVWR and up)
For the heaviest trailers, only a true 1-ton diesel pickup with dual rear wheels (a DRW configuration) or a comparable heavy-duty chassis offers sufficient payload and stability. The following models are commonly chosen by owners of large fifth wheels.
- Ford F-350 Super Duty DRW with a diesel engine (6.7L Power Stroke)
- Ram 3500 DRW with a diesel engine (6.7L Cummins)
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD / GMC Sierra 3500HD DRW with Duramax
These trucks deliver the highest payload margins and strong torque for climbs, but they come with higher purchase prices and ongoing operating costs. Always verify the exact ratings for your specific cab/bed/axle configuration and year, as ratings change with updates.
Mid-size fifth wheels (approximately 15,000–25,000 pounds GVWR)
Many trailers in typical RV fleets fall into this range. A well-equipped 1-ton SRW (single rear wheel) or a capable 3/4-ton model can handle these, provided payload and towing ratings align with the trailer's weight. The following pickups are commonly used for mid-size fifth wheels.
- Ford F-350 SRW or F-250 with the appropriate tow package and diesel option
- Ram 3500 (SRW or DRW, depending on payload needs)
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD / GMC Sierra 3500HD (SRW or DRW as configured)
When planning, calculate the trailer’s pin weight (roughly 15–25% of GVWR) and ensure your truck’s payload margin will accommodate hitch weight, passengers, and cargo. This helps prevent overloading the rear axle and improves braking and handling.
Key specs to check when buying a towing vehicle
Before selecting a truck, compare the crucial numbers that determine how well it will haul a fifth wheel. The following factors are the most important for safe, stable towing.
These are the main figures to compare when shopping for a fifth-wheel tow vehicle.
- Payload capacity: the amount of weight the truck can carry in the bed and cab after fuel, passengers, and hitch are accounted for
- Towing capacity for a 5th-wheel setup: the vehicle’s ability to pull the trailer’s GVWR with the hitch in mind
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): the maximum allowable combined weight of truck, trailer, cargo, and passengers
- Hitch weight/pin weight compatibility: ensure the truck can carry the trailer’s pin weight safely
- Bed length and wheelbase: affect hitch geometry, ride stability, and turning radius
- Engine torque and transmission cooling: sustained pulling capacity and heat management on grades
- Tow/haul mode, integrated brake controller, and available stability technologies
In practice, a balanced combination of high payload, strong torque, and a robust cooling system (transmission and engine) yields the most reliable fifth-wheel towing experience. Always confirm exact ratings for your chosen model year and configuration.
Practical considerations when selecting a tow vehicle
Beyond raw numbers, real-world factors influence satisfaction, cost, and safety. Consider the following as you shop and plan trips with a fifth wheel.
- Truck configuration: long wheelbase and a proper bed length help with hitch alignment and stability
- Engine choice: diesel engines typically offer higher torque and better long-haul reliability for heavy trailers
- Axle ratio and gearing: help with slow climbs and braking efficiency
- Cooling systems: look for heavy-duty radiators, trans coolers, and engine cooling upgrades for sustained climbs
- Suspension and tires: reinforced suspension and appropriate tires improve ride quality and stability
- Brake system: ensure the vehicle’s brakes and trailer brakes interact smoothly (often via an integrated controller)
- Insurance, maintenance, and fuel economy: plan for higher costs associated with 1-ton diesel pickups
Also, verify that a given vehicle can be configured with a factory 5th-wheel hitch prep package, appropriate bed rail clearance, and hitching hardware that matches your trailer’s kingpin setup. A proper setup reduces sway and improves control on grades and wind.
What to buy by trailer size: practical picks
Best for very large fifth wheels (25,000+ pounds GVWR)
When the trailer is very heavy, the proven path is a 1-ton diesel with a DRW setup and a quality towing package. The following options represent the most common, capable choices for this category.
- Ford F-350 Super Duty DRW with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
- Ram 3500 DRW with the 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD DRW / GMC Sierra 3500HD with Duramax
These configurations maximize payload and towing margins and are widely used for the heaviest fifth wheels, but prospective buyers should confirm the exact payload, hitch load, and axle configuration for their chosen build.
Best for mid-size fifth wheels (roughly 15,000–25,000 pounds GVWR)
For many owners, a well-equipped 1-ton SRW or a strong 3/4-ton offers ample capability with a more economical footprint than a DRW. Practical choices include:
- Ford F-350 SRW with a diesel option and factory tow package
- Ram 3500 SRW (or DRW if higher payload is needed)
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD / GMC Sierra 3500HD (SRW/DRW, configured for payload)
Always verify the trailer’s pin weight, ensure there is sufficient payload to cover passengers and gear, and confirm the hitch weight distribution requirements with the dealer.
Conclusion
The best vehicle to pull a fifth wheel is typically a heavy-duty, diesel-powered 1-ton pickup with ample payload and towing capacity. DRW (dual rear wheel) configurations are favorites for the largest trailers, while SRW 1-ton pickups and capable 3/4-ton models serve well for mid-size fifth wheels. Always calculate payload and hitch weight carefully, match your trailer’s GVWR to the truck’s ratings, and consider long-term costs and maintenance. The landscape shifts with new model years, so consult the latest manufacturer specs when you shop and test-tow.
Summary
In short, for most fifth-wheel trailers, a 1-ton diesel pickup—often a DRW configuration from Ford, Ram, or Chevrolet—offers the best blend of payload, torque, stability, and control. For lighter-to-mid-weight fifth wheels, a well-equipped SRW 1-ton or high-end 3/4-ton can suffice, but always verify payload and pin weight against the trailer’s GVWR. Plan around the trailer’s weight, the truck’s ratings, and road conditions to ensure safe, reliable towing.
