Hi everybody,I am looking to retire in a few years and will be in the market for a fifth wheel. The floor plan that we are looking at is around 41feet long with a GVWR of 20,000 lbs. I am thinking that a properly equipped one ton dually will do the trick. My question is:Long bed vs Short bed, what are the advantages or disadvantages of each.Thank you for your input.

Try a search. Use current 12 months - and "archives" - threads over 12 months old.Gazillion threads -and replies - (or at least ten, ROTFL) with the same question.

This post in Tow Vehicles should help.For a rig that big, I'd rather see you in something like this:First post. No profile. Hope this isn't a bait post.

IMO, if you need a DRW truck, to tow a large FW, you also need a long bed. You are likely going to carry more things with, after retiring, and going longer distances. More bed space is good, and the truck will be big either way. You will have more hitch options, not having to worry about a slider, although the rounded front of most new FWs has made that less of an issue. The longer bed will work better with add on equipment like tool boxes, or fuel tanks.Be sure to get the FW prep option (puck system).Welcome to the forum!Jerry

No doubt on a 41' 20,000lbs fifthwheel a dually will be the truck to get. From my experience, a long bed is what you want. The negative is when you go to parking lots you will need to take 2 spots. My truck is a 4 door long bed and it measures 21 ft, front to rear. The positive is when towing it seems to make a better ride, and backing, you will not need a slider hitch.

Forty-one feet will certainly limit your camping options both by the rules and practically.

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23 Replies

Michelle_S
Explorer III
Nov 25, 2018
The OP said the floor plans he was looking at had a GVWR of approx of 20K so possible pin weight 4 to 5K. Slightly out of SRW territory, but still within New Breed 1 ton dually territory..
4x4ord
Explorer III
Nov 23, 2018
rhagfo wrote:
N-Trouble wrote:
Dually = long bed. Not sure what the OP is looking fir here.

Not necessarily, Ram Mega cab only comes comes with SB!

More than likely if the OP had realized dually means long bed or possibly short bed/mega cab he would have asked his question different. I think it is unlikely a retiree will be looking for a mega cab. So the question as to whether or not a dually is required for his trailer would have to be answered before concerning himself with what bed length to get. Without knowing the specifics of his trailer it is impossible to say for certain but chances are he needs a dually.
2oldman
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2018
Terryallan wrote:
A MTD is what you will need. A 41' Trailer is almost as long as a 18 wheeler trailer. Longer than some. and will be right at the top of the 3500 / 350 towing capacity. Need more truck.
What I find most enjoyable about towing with one is the weight. The heavier you are in relation to the 5er the more steady you are, especially in wind.
laknox
Nomad
Nov 23, 2018
Were I ever to consider going that large, I'd be in Cummins12v98's camp, much as I'd hate to not drive a GM. Right now, that's the cream of the 3500/350 trucks, IMO, for the larger (NOT largest) FWs. Since I never, =ever= see myself going that big, it's not something I need to worry about.

Lyle
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Nov 23, 2018
I tow 33k all the time combined and 35k when double towing at at or below all SAE Ratings.

ROCK solid towing in ALL conditions.

RAM DRW 4.10's and AISIN combo can't be beat. Oh the LongHorn is a must with Factory rear air ride. FULL RAWR of 9,750# in pic. Same ride height loaded or not.
ppine
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2018
one ton diesel long bed
4x4ord
Explorer III
Nov 23, 2018
A SRW one ton might be enough if you're looking at a triaxle trailer... otherwise a dually will more than likely be required to handle the pin weight
lee_worsdell
Explorer
Nov 23, 2018
Long bed for sure. I have 2107 gmc 3500 with aux fuel tank about 8 inchs wide and a honda 7000 that sits up against it. I never take the genny out all summer long. I still have over 2ft to trailer once its hooked up.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2018
A beeeeeg one.
Michelle_S
Explorer III
Nov 23, 2018
20K is well in the range of the New Breed of 1 ton Duallies. I'm pulling a 43' 19K plus and am in spec.