Need 5th Wheel Advice - Which Cab & Box on GM HD2500

Go for it, we have a 2016 Chevy 2500 HD double cab,6.5 ft bed 6.0L gas, tow a 31 foot bunkhouse 5TH wheel with no issues and enjoying it

I have a new GMC HD2500, crew cab, 6 ft. bed and a 5th that weighs in at a little over 10,000....No slider. Earlier this year we went from Arkansas to visit our son and his family at Hill AFB, Utah, no problems.....They wanted an extra 5K for the diesel engine....If we were full time, I would have got it..I really like this truck.

Jim

I've had extended cab and crew cab trucks but always 6-1/2 ft bed because being garagable is important to me. I don't have a slider hitch and never had a problem. 2500 or 3500 your choice and while price diff is minimal, the 3500 will have a few less standard features.

My one new point, pay attention to fuel tank capacity. I don't know about 2016/17 but in 2013 the short bed ext. cab had a 26 gal tank, all the other configurations have the larger tank.

I pull a rushmore 41ft with my crew cab 2500 hd. regular box no slider. have at least 3ft to 4 ft from back window

One size bed isn't superior for pulling a 5th wheel trailer. I've pulled 5th wheel and GN trailers with long and short beds with crew cabs/quad cabs/extended cabs/regular cab trucks.
I need crew cab trucks and they have to go in my garage so a 8' bed is out.

I would crawl in all the cab/bed configurations and pick what I liked and what works for my needs.

mrnoyb wrote:
I'm trying to decide which GM HD2500 body combination is best to pull a new 5th wheel. Crew or Double Cab - Standard or Long Box?

I'm looking at a Jayco Eagle HT 26.5RLS which is well within the capabilities of any new GM 3/4 ton pickup.

Please share your thoughts. I appreciate any advice you may offer.

Thank you.

I have an '02 D'max, CC, SWB, 4x4 and a very square-front FW. I can NOT hit my cab at full lock, right or left, when going forward. ALL will hit in reverse, and I have done so. A LWB or a slider hitch just gives you a little more room before you WILL hit. I do not know how a 2WD version of my truck, or a newer truck, will compare, but I've never felt the need for a LWB or a slider. Also, my B&W Companion is set as far forward as I can get it and I can open my tailgate while hitched, though can't get between it and my FW. I'm also looking at an Eagle HT and have no plans on changing either truck or hitch if I do buy one.

FWIW, I agree with the others, and you should at least consider a 3500 for "down the road". I sure wish I had back in '04, when I got my truck.

Lyle

Forget the 2500. For the same money you can get a 3500 which will be much more capable of HAULING a bigger load for the next time you buy a bigger 5th wheel. There is a difference between being able to pull and being able to haul. The carrying capacity of a 2500 series truck will put limits on when you can pull.

B.O.

IdaD wrote:

MFL wrote:
A long bed is considered best for FW towing, but not really necessary. Most newer FWs have a rounded front for turning with a standard size bed. You do not mention what size FW you are considering, but you may want to get a 3500 instead of the 2500. Either cab style should produce nearly the same result.

Jerry

7300 lbs dry, 9950 gross. He could get pull it with some 1/2 tons, let alone any 3/4 ton.

IdaD...I agree, but OP did not state what FW in initial post, but added that info in edit, after I posted.

No harm, no foul! :C

Jerry

Crew cab. Now saying that is for same reasons from others. If JUST 2 of you, then an extended cab will work. Had a couple long boxes over the years and never utilized them to their full capacity, so went with short boxes in '97. Have been very happy w/ the SB's. Past 2 trucks have been crew cabs/SB's and I don't find the ride to be all that bad. Slider or non slider hitch is another topic on here, so use your own judgement. I had 1, used it 3x in 10 years. Have non slider now. No problems. Everyone has their likes/dislikes on cabs and box lengths and each have their own merits.

I've only towed with longbed trucks and both standard cab and crewcabs plus with SRW and DRW. I have had shortbed trucks towing bumper puull trailers but not 5th wheels. My preference is a longbed, DRW, Crewcab....

Here's why:
> I find the ride is smoother with the longbed especially on highway that were built in sections. The shortbeds get bouncy due to the sections creating an oscillation because the wheelbase is too short.

> More space to carry all the stuff you need or think you need.

> Full sheets of drywall/plywood as well as other stuff when not towing.

Crewcab- more room to securely carry stuff in the backseat. Room for passengers on those sightseeing side trips. Room for pets if you have them.

That's my two cents...