F250 or F350 to Haul a 5th Wheel???
Hello- I would appreciate your advice on the size of truck to haul a 5th wheel. We are about to purchase our first 5th Wheel (2018 Jayco Northpoint 377RLBH with GVWR 16750) for a multi-state 6mo...
Forum Discussion
80% of the people towing 5th wheel travel trailers on the highway are doing so with a SRW truck. The dual rear wheel is needed to support the load when the weight of the 5th wheel mount on the bed of the truck is more than 4,000 lbs.
One advantage in the past with Ram and Chevy is that their 2500 and 3500 trucks used the same frame and brakes and drivetrain whereas Ford has had significant differences between its F-250 and F-350 trucks. Ford also makes two versions of the F-450 with one configured for heavy hauling and the other for heavy towing.
Don't overlook available fuel tanks and mounting for a 5th wheel trailer with a reinforced frame under the bed. Some cab configurations may not be available for one of the class trucks.
With a trailer load of more than 12,000 lbs a diesel engine is important for the extra torque it provides. With a 13,000 lb trailer load my Chevy 2500 with its diesel engine was able to safely merge with traffic when getting on the freeway and safely able to pass semi's going up grades and on open roads. The exhaust brake of the diesel trucks is also extremely helpful when going down steep grades with a heavy trailer.
Something else that is often overlooked but important is that a diesel pickup may get 11 mpg with a heavy trailer in tow but the gas engine powered one may get only 8 mpg. That makes a very big difference in how far one can travel on a full tank of fuel before having to make a stop to refuel.
One advantage in the past with Ram and Chevy is that their 2500 and 3500 trucks used the same frame and brakes and drivetrain whereas Ford has had significant differences between its F-250 and F-350 trucks. Ford also makes two versions of the F-450 with one configured for heavy hauling and the other for heavy towing.
Don't overlook available fuel tanks and mounting for a 5th wheel trailer with a reinforced frame under the bed. Some cab configurations may not be available for one of the class trucks.
With a trailer load of more than 12,000 lbs a diesel engine is important for the extra torque it provides. With a 13,000 lb trailer load my Chevy 2500 with its diesel engine was able to safely merge with traffic when getting on the freeway and safely able to pass semi's going up grades and on open roads. The exhaust brake of the diesel trucks is also extremely helpful when going down steep grades with a heavy trailer.
Something else that is often overlooked but important is that a diesel pickup may get 11 mpg with a heavy trailer in tow but the gas engine powered one may get only 8 mpg. That makes a very big difference in how far one can travel on a full tank of fuel before having to make a stop to refuel.
