Best Kind of Truck and Hitch to Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I just bought a 38foot 5th wheel and it already has a gooseneck hitch. I havent bought a truck yet and was going to buy a 3/4 or 1ton long bed or short bed? Also should I have them take gooseneck hitch off and just use standard 5th wheel hitch for a better ride or I dont know what to do. I might get truck thats has lift kit and would gooseneck work better or 5th wheel hitch. Im so confused, plz HELP ME, dont want 2 make bad choice! My friend was going to help me install a 5th wheel hitch on the truck I buy, can I use the gooseneck or whats pros/cons?? Best Regards

asked by: John M

Helpful Expert Reply:

To start the best trucks for 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer towing are going to be 1-ton long bed trucks. With a short bed you can run into clearance issues when turning and additional equipment would be required in order to solve that problem.

The best hitch for towing a given trailer is going to be the one that matches that type of trailer. So in other words the best hitch for towing a 5th wheel trailer is a 5th wheel hitch. So I do recommend removing the adapter that is on it and using a 5th wheel hitch.

I do not recommend heavy duty towing (5th wheel/gooseneck) with a lifted truck. The problem is 2-fold: first, the lift kit will make the capacity of the truck unknown (actually will likely lower the capacity); second, the added height makes it difficult to tow the trailer level and it could require altering the trailer suspension to compensate which carriers with it a whole other set of issues.

If it were me I would buy a 1-ton long bed diesel. I am a GM guy so I would get a Silverado before a Ford or Ram but they would all work well. I don't know if you are buying new or used or want an underbed installation kit or above the bed rails. Once you have determined the truck you will get I can make specific recommendations.

But just for fun let's say you by a brand new 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 long bed without the factory prep package. For an underbed mount I would recommend Demco kit # DM8551010 with HiJacker UMS hitch # DM8550032.

For above the bed rails I would recommend installation kit # RP56001-53, which will be the easiest to install, with the Curt A20 # C16140. I have linked some videos of these hitches. Either way, you wouldn't be disappointed!

Once you have settled on a truck let me know and I can help you further.