How much engine to tow 5500 lbs?
My wife and I are looking to buy a used 19-22 ft 5th wheel. Weight range from 35-4000 dry so I am figuring 5-5500 lbs wet weight. I have already decided the TV has to be a 3/4 ton with either a exte...
Forum Discussion
If you hold your cruising speeds to 65 mph or less, in that year range any V8 engine will be adequate. With the frontal area of a 5th wheel, I'd go with a 6.0L for running at 70 mph (don't recommend doing it). Sure, with a 5.3L you may need to downshift (or downshift a little sooner) than you would with the 6.0L. Towing MPG will be about the same, but unhitched the smaller V8 will give the better MPG. If you need to carry full size adults in the back seat occasionally the crew cab would be best, but if you rarely need the back seat the extended cab is find for towing stability.
