What truck to fit 6 people and fifth wheel?

IdaD wrote:


No, either would pull a 32-25' fifth wheel fine, and just under $40k to mid-$40s should put you in a reasonably albeit modestly well equipped diesel 4wd model. My Ram does not have a center shoulder belt for the front seat so keep that in mind. I'm not positive but I think the Ford may be the only manufacturer with a shoulder belt in that center front position.

Wow, sounds like I need to do my truck shopping in Idaho :)

2500 Ram diesel crew 4x4 start around 51k here, for the tradesmen trim package.

2500 Gasser crew 4x4 around 41k, again tradesmen

I've been looking for Outdoorsman trim in a 2500, not a lot of inventory here in Michigan. gasser 48-50k

Could be an interesting road trip, tow out to Idaho to turn in my 1500, drive home with the 2500.

I took a 5k mile trip with me the wife and my two youngest (the twins) in our truck and 5th wheel combo. I can only say that was a very loooonnnnnggg trip. I would have rather made it in the Class c we had taken many long trips in previously. That is close quarters. Now we raised six wonderful charming kids. But that is still close on long trips. No problem at all on just a day there and a week at the beach and a day back though. It is very nice to have passengers way back especially at certain ages for instance on a 10 day road trip. A used class C can be purchased very resonalbe and is no problem taking it without a tow vehicle. In fact I thought it was great. JMHO

$75,000 is a high end trim package with all the gee whiz bells and whistles. And probably difficult to find one with a bench front seat any way. The lower trim package trucks are significantly lower in price.

It's not a cheap option but, it is available. Custom Autos By Tim

superrayzor wrote:

Brockinfla wrote:
Every manufacturer builds a truck that will accommodate your needs for passenger capacity and towing ability.


They just run about $75000.00 new.

Choose one and go.

Then buy your fifth wheel.

Give you wife the payment books for each.

Can you elaborate on this one more? My wife seems to think a Ford F350 or Dodge Ram 2500 is around 45K new with a big cab, and that we can pick it up for around 35,000 for a couple years old, and then get a 32-35' 5er and hook it up. Are these trucks too small for a fifth wheel? Is she dreaming about the price?

No, either would pull a 32-25' fifth wheel fine, and just under $40k to mid-$40s should put you in a reasonably albeit modestly well equipped diesel 4wd model. My Ram does not have a center shoulder belt for the front seat so keep that in mind. I'm not positive but I think the Ford may be the only manufacturer with a shoulder belt in that center front position.

With six you may consider looking at a Megacab too. They do run a bit more than a crew cab, though, and they look kinda goofy (to me anyway). We have three kids and went with a crew cab.

Mega cab will not increase seating capacity. IMHO a RAM crew can has plenty of legroom for long legged adults in the front and rear. Then go with a LB and not worry about cab clearance.

Brockinfla wrote:
Every manufacturer builds a truck that will accommodate your needs for passenger capacity and towing ability.


They just run about $75000.00 new.

Choose one and go.

Then buy your fifth wheel.

Give you wife the payment books for each.

Can you elaborate on this one more? My wife seems to think a Ford F350 or Dodge Ram 2500 is around 45K new with a big cab, and that we can pick it up for around 35,000 for a couple years old, and then get a 32-35' 5er and hook it up. Are these trucks too small for a fifth wheel? Is she dreaming about the price?

We JUST finished our search and purchase of this same scenario. We went from a Class-C to wanting a TT to finally deciding on a 5'r.
Ended up with a GMC Sierra 3500 Diesel Crew Cab.
We have two adults and four kids...this suits us very well.
Back row has planty of room, and the 40/20/40 bench up front is a good fit for our travels and as my daily driver. I'm with you as I prefer no-one sitting next to me...but for our travels I'll deal with it :)
Although, we haven't towed with it just yet, as we pick up the 5'r this Saturday!

Every manufacturer builds a truck that will accommodate your needs for passenger capacity and towing ability.


They just run about $75000.00 new.

Choose one and go.

Then buy your fifth wheel.

Give you wife the payment books for each.

If you go with any of the big 3, as long as you get the crew cab with 40/20/40 split bench up front.. That is what we have and have had a few 6 people trips (2 adults & 4 early teens) from PA to Disney with all comfortable