Forum Discussion

speediq99's avatar
speediq99
Explorer II
Nov 05, 2021

Best truck for large 5th Wheel

Hello,

We need to order a new truck. I was wondering if you could share your experience towing a large 5th wheel (Solitude 378) and what truck you would recommend.

Leaning towards an F350 4x4 Crew Diesel but flexible.

Also, any input on 6.5 vs 8ft beds is welcome.

Thank you

MC

15 Replies

  • I would literally avoid a DRW truck as a daily driver to the point of picking a trailer to match a F350 1 ton single rear wheel capacity.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    4x4ord wrote:
    For a fiver with a GVWR under about 17k a SRW 1 ton works excellent. A long box is a little nicer with the fiver hooked up and a short box is a little nicer when running around empty with the truck. For a fiver with a GVWR over 17k a dually is a little nicer. The Solitude 378 is right about where you could go either way. If you buy a triple axle fiver you might be able to go a little heavier before needing duals. My fiver weighs very close to 17k with my motorcycle on the back bumper and my choice for a truck is a 1ton 4x4 diesel crew cab short box.


    Sorry, that is a very bad generalization!
    Loaded to GVWR,16,800# times 22% would be 3,696# not leaving much room for passengers and gear in the truck. In addition a DRW will be much more stable with that load.
    There is nothing hard about driving a DRW, DW and I have one as our only vehicle.
  • 4x4ord's avatar
    4x4ord
    Explorer III
    For a fiver with a GVWR under about 17k a SRW 1 ton works excellent. A long box is a little nicer with the fiver hooked up and a short box is a little nicer when running around empty with the truck. For a fiver with a GVWR over 17k a dually is a little nicer. The Solitude 378 is right about where you could go either way. If you buy a triple axle fiver you might be able to go a little heavier before needing duals. My fiver weighs very close to 17k with my motorcycle on the back bumper and my choice for a truck is a 1ton 4x4 diesel crew cab short box.
  • Not to sound like weight police but I like to go by weight. What is the gross weight of the 5er? Now there are those that will tell you need to leave 10% padding on your vehicle. I assume the engineers already figured that in so I don't see the reasoning in that.
    My sig shows what I have pulls like a dream don't even know its back there most of the time,
  • I think that you will be fine with the F350. You did not say if you are getting the dually but I would recommend that you do get a dually. I would also get the 8' bed.