which is best truck for 5000Lb trailer

Any 1/2 ton from the big 3 with a tow package, enough motor and a payload of 1500 or better should suffice

patperry2766 wrote:
Keep in mind that the dry weight is without any appliances, A/C installed in the camper. Figure 1-1200 addl pounds above the brochure weight before you add anything.

What? That's a new on one me. My dry weight included all appliances, AC installed. Dry weight typically includes standard factory installed equipment and may or may not include battery and propane tanks.

Never heard that before.

Mike

minimum of a:
Ford 5.0 V-8 or Ecoboost V-6 and 3.55 or higher rear end.
Tundra 5.7


Like everybody else said, the more info you can provide, the more knowledgeable and wise answers you will get. Keep in mind that the dry weight is without any appliances, A/C installed in the camper. Figure 1-1200 addl pounds above the brochure weight before you add anything.

If you can find one and it's in your budget - 2011-2014 F150 Ecoboost with the Max Tow package. Rare as Unicorns but they would suit you fine. 1800 or so lbs of payload, awesome engine and will work just fine at those weights.

Outside of that a similarly configured GM pickup would also suit you fine.

Not sure on Toyota or Nissan.

Avoid Ram like the plague it is.

Not having the specifics of your family or what you'll be carrying, all I have to offer is what I have done.
My trailer weights about 5000+/- a couple hundred. (Sorry I don't remember and its in repair) It's a Jayco Jayflight 24FSB. I was pulling with a GMC Sierra CCSB 1/2 ton with a 5.3, 5sp auto and 3.42 axle. It pulled okay until we got to any hills where it sometimes struggled, and crosswinds made it feel like the tail wagging the dog.
I recently traded for a 3/4 ton Chevy Silverado 4x4 CCSB with a 6.0 gas, 4 speed auto and 4:10 rear axle. Best decision I've made on a tow vehicle. Towing is much easier.

TomG2 wrote:
What kind of payload numbers does an Avalanche have? The op is likely going to need at least 1,500-1,800 pounds unless he packs light and leaves the family at home.

~ 1300 lbs depending on configuration. Unfortunately the OP hasn't provided any information at all as to what else he may be carrying in the TV in terms of passengers and cargo while towing ... or perhaps he hasn't even considered this to be a factor. :S

Lots of related questions need to be asked. Are you typically towing in the mountains? Do you want to mess with a WDH and/or sway control? Do you want a short bed or will you be happy with a long bed?

I'm from the 'bigger is better" school since as I have said many times I live where I need to go up a 6% grade to the 7-11 and I see tow vehicles on the side of the freeway any weekend I head for the mountains!

I'm towing 7500# with a DRW long bed, but because of that I feel no need for either a WDH or sway control.

I might feel differently if I typically towed in Florida or Indiana.

What kind of payload numbers does an Avalanche have? The op is likely going to need at least 1,500-1,800 pounds unless he packs light and leaves the family at home.

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

I think you need a diesel dually for sure, lol.

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.