which is best truck for 5000Lb trailer

GaryWT wrote:
I say that most 150/1500 would be good. You want a 6 speed transmission and a 5.3 or 5.4 L engine. Check the payload on the door and try to get one that is at least 1,600/1,700 pounds and that will be good. I use to tow a 6,000 pound dry, 7,200 loaded trailer with a 150 and all was good.

Which truck to buy? ... such a loaded question!! :p For several years I towed our previous 24' KZ Spree which typically weighed ~ 5500 lbs loaded and ready to camp, average gross tongue weight ~ 750 lbs as regularly verified with my Sherline tongue weight scale, with our 2006 5.3 Silverado CrewCab which was equipped with the older wide ratio 4-speed transmission and GM's ubiquitous 3.42 axle. It did OK, even in the eastern mountains, but saddled with that 4-speed I'd never have been accused of setting any speed records. :W I currently tow a 19' couple's trailer with a 2005 Avalanche, same 4-speed, same non-tow friendly 3.42 axle and it too does "OK", the upside to this latest combination being that my gas mileage has increased from an average 10.5 mpg while towing the 5500 lb Spree to ~ 12 mpg towing the 4500 lb Freedom Express. Whether you choose Ford or GM is your choice but if that choice lands with GM you'd certainly find the newer 6-speed narrow ratio transmission much more adept at towing this size of trailer you're considering. If you do go GM and you're not absolutely stuck on a truck with an open bed I'd highly recommend you consider a good used, low mileage Avalanche - still a half ton but so much more versatile and with a wheelbase of 130" you'd find it just that much easier when backing a trailer into a campsite. Our '05 is now ten yrs old, still runs like a champ, and if we weren't paying university costs right now I'd replace it with another newer model, no hesitation at all. :B