Forum Discussion

Tony_B's avatar
Tony_B
Explorer
Jul 20, 2016

PU Truck - which model?

I am not a motorhead and towing is large trailer is going to be new to me.
I am planning on buying a 5th wheel about 32-34 feet long. It looks like the hitch weight could be in the 1400 - 1600 pound range.
I will be looking for a used towing vehicle.
I am thinking diesel but they may be too expensive for me.
What size truck will I need?

44 Replies

  • Again, I am not a motorhead. Do the above recommendations equate to a Ford F250?

    I have not yet established a budget yet because I have not sold my boat yet.
    I'm thinking around $10K. If actually need to spend more, I will. I do not want a clunker for a long distance trip.

    BTW guys, thanks for the rapid response.
  • Get a one ton. 2500 series trucks run out of capacity real quick. 34 foot with 1600 pounds pin weight sounds fishy to me. I suspect your looking at the mystical dry weight. Remember, no matter what a fifth wheel will load approx 20% of its true loaded weight directly over the rear axle of the tow vehicle. That is in addition to what else you might load on, including the hitch, people, tools and supplies.
  • You mention used tow vehicle, may we ask the budget?

    As noted above 3/4 or 1 ton srw should work, you might want to just focus on finding a 1 ton srw.
  • Your preferred flavor of 3/4 or 1 ton SRW would handle that trailer fine. Just make sure the tire and axle rating is adequate. As a rule of thumb you'll be more limited if it has 17" tires on it.