size of truck for 5th wheel

We were brand new also so Hubby chose a monster RAM 3500 Dualie because we never knew if we were going to want to upgrade in a few years. WHile we tend to like nice houses but are not car people so expect truck to last 10+ years. Except for the truck our newest car is 2005.

best truck to pull any 5r would be a deseil . I have a 5r 36ft denali, 335rkl and I pull it with mt 1999 f250 super duty turbo 7.3.

Well 2001 CTD with camper package and optional 265/75-16E tires here and that 5er would tax my TV. At 11,600# dry about 13,000# loaded you will exceed the 6,084# tire capacity on the rear axle. You might be ok with the optional 265/75-16E's.

If I was going to pull a 5th wheel trailer over 10k-14k range with a older high mileage gas truck it would be a 8.1 GM 2500/3500 SRW or a F250/350 SRW Ford with the V-10.
Now if that 35' trailer weighs over 14k lbs I would look at the DRW trucks in those two brands.
Without any weights we have no idea what size truck would match up with a xxxx brand 35RL trailer.

The high percentage of trailer weight, on the pin of a 5th wheel, usually maxes out a 3/4 ton. If you can swing a 350/3500 that would be a better option. Having said that, there are lots of people towing 5th wheels with 3/4 ton trucks.

Moved from Forum Technical Support

Check the frame of the vehicle for rust. The #1 reason why I traded my first 3500 duly (gas) truck was because my service guy pointed out how bad the frame was rusting, and warned me it was marginal for towing a trailer any longer. So we traded for a new version.

Living in a snow state means trucks and cars are exposed to road salt in the winter. I'm sure you get your share of snow in Minnesota too.

Check the frame. Ensure there is still enough strength to tow safely. The last thing you want is to be going down the road and the truck splits in 2.

You need to know a couple of things to determine if the truck will work:
Weight of the Trailer
The weight at the Pin (hitch point) of the trailer
The truck towing capacity

You should be able to find the trailer info on the manufacturers sticker affixed to your trailer. Same with the truck there will be a sticker with the info.

Use the sticker info to determine if the truck has the capacity to safely tow the trailer.

NADA specs list that 5th wheel at 11,600 empty. If that truck is in very good condition with a fairly fresh suspension, you are at or just over the max with that 5th wheel. I would consider a 3500.
Not saying you can't do it. But with a truck that old I wouldn't go far.