Tom/Barb:
I gotta side with NC Hauler on this one.
The example you gave of the F 350, some years back, also showed a vehicle WITHOUT the effective exhaust brakes today's new trucks all have.
It also showed that the F350 owner was probably going way too fast for conditions, so no amount of brakes was gonna help prevent the fiasco ahead of them.
You add good vehicle brakes now, with 17inc or bigger tires standard, built in trailer brake controllers (set properly), fiver brakes in good shape and also set properly and the VERY effective exhaust brakes all three brands (Ford, Ram, and GM) now offer you'll find a pickup that can safely pull, carry, and stop a fifth wheel.
No special fifth wheel haulers needed.
All that said, I'd still stick with my dually for towing 15.5K.
