Are you interested in becoming an Do you want to offers select models for international shipping. Click through to find out more! If you have any questions, feel free to contact our support team. 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.thanksasked by: KevinHelpful 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 BedStandard rail installation kit # C16445-204Curt Q24 Hitch # C16245In-bed wiring # 201102017 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500 Long BedUnder-bed installation kit # DM8551003Demco Hitch # DM8550032In-bed wiring # 411572017 Ram 2500/3500 Long Bed (excluding factory air suspension)Below bed install kit that doubles as gooseneck hitch # BWGNRK1384 (2500) # BWGNRK1314 (3500)B&W 5th wheel hitch # BWRVK3500-5WIn-bed wiring # 41157Ask The Experts a Question >>Product Page this Question
was Asked From(Fifth WheelFixed Fifth WheelHitch Only5000 lbs TW20000 lbs GTWDouble PivotPremium - Single-Hook Jaw14 - 16 Inch TallReesemore information >Designed with elements and lines to match every truck model it's made for. A custom-fit premium cap with SUV-style side windows and twist-out vents. A stylish, custom-fit functional cap with sliding side windows and screens. Rugged and cost-effective, with options that let you choose what's importantWelcome to Four Wheel Campers, the site of the ultimate pop up camper. As you review the contents of this website you’ll realize why so many people regard this unit as the only true off-road camper. The benefits of superior workmanship and materials, combined with 40 + years of proven success, identifies Four Wheel Campers as the camper built to be the best. The basic concept is simple. Build a frame that manages bed flex without coming apart. Apply the weight at the lowest possible center of gravity, and make the overall construction so light that it doesn’t alter the drivability of a vehicle.
The overall advantages not only apply to the serious off-road enthusiast, but also to the people that plan leisurely weekends to their favorite recreation area with friends and family. Convenience, comfort and durability is the formula that will insure your adventures are a success. Woolrich Limited Edition Four Wheel Campers (Click here to read the ARTICLE) Video Demonstration of Batwing 270 Degree Wraparound Awning (Click here to watch the VIDEO) Off The Grid With No Reservations "Keep It Wild" # 5: Chasing Winter Light (Toyota, BC, Canada) Trans American Trail: Shadow of the Rockies "Keep It Wild" # 2: Under The Cariboo Skies (Toyota, BC, Canada) (Click here to watch the VIDEO) There are a lot of people in the United States that are very serious about camping. They like to get away to remote, out of the way places and hunt or fish, or just enjoy a weekend in the woods away from the rat race. Many younger couples with children enjoy tent camping, and it is a lot of fun.
Other, older people take to the road in a 40 foot motor home, or RV, and travel the country and live in relative comfort. Whatever the choice, having the right vehicle to meet your needs is important. Whether you haul a fifth wheel travel trailer, have a 4X4 with an attached camper, or need something to haul all that camping equipment, a truck meets the needs of just about everyone. This article will focus on trucks used for camping - what the ideal truck is for your choice, and what has the best design under different circumstances.The Pickup CamperA very popular camper for those who want to get away into remote areas is the pickup camper. The camper unit itself can be detached from the pickup and put on jacks to allow normal use of the truck. When you wish to go camping, you jack up the camper, back under, and fasten it securely. You are ready to go.This unit is great for people who already own a 4X4 1/2 or 3/4 ton pickup. These vehicles can more than handle a truck camper.Choice Of TruckIf a truck camper is you, there are minimum requirements for your pickup.
You must first determine what your vehicle is capable of carrying. Many of today's newer pickups have this listed either on the door pillar or in the glove box, or in the instruction manual. Manufacturers figure this gross vehicle weight (GVW) in such a fashion that there is quite a bit of wiggle room here. They calculate this with the metrics of the truck carrying a passenger in every available seat that weighs 150 pounds. Obviously, you will rarely run into that situation. However, the most important consideration when considering a truck camper is the carrying capacity of the vehicle.Another good thing to have is a suspension package on your pickup. It helps with the added weight of the camper, and makes the truck more stable on the road. A towing package is also a good thing to have, because it provides a transmission cooler to help the tranny stay cool when traveling in steep terrain.A new truck camper with all the amenities will set you back about $19,000. The newer models feature a shower, bathroom, and both air conditioning and a heating system.
Some models are capable of sleeping six, and higher end models will even include a slide-out. They are designed for a pickup with either a 6 foot or 8 foot bed.Other ChoicesPerhaps a truck camper is not what you are looking for. On the market are pull behind "fifth wheel" trailers that are more luxurious and offer more in comfort. A pickup hauling this type of camper obviously needs to be more heavy duty than one hauling a bed mounted truck camper. A hitch is installed on rails in the pickup bed, allowing quick hookup when you are ready to hit the road.The best truck to pull a trailer of this size and weight depends on who you talk to. Some advocate for the dual wheel 3/4 ton pickup with dual wheels, others say a single wheel pickup will pull just fine. Considering the weight of the fifth wheel trailer, the best recommendation would be for a dual wheel pickup. Probably the biggest safety hazard pulling one of these rigs is a blowout. Almost all drivers tend to hit the brakes when a tire blows, and this sets you up for an accident because it will cause the trailer to slide.