Recommendation for the Best Kind Truck for Heavy Duty 5th Wheel Trailer Towing

Question:

Greetings Experts I am considering purchasing an Evergreen Tesla T3950 Toy Hauler to go full time RV living. The Specs for the Tesla are Total Dry Weight UVW: 14,700 Dry Hitch: 3,300 GVWR LBS: 21,000 Fresh Water GAL: 174 Gray Water GAL: 40 Black Water GAL: 80 LP Capacity: 60 Cargo Carry: 4,700 Overall length: 43foot 6 Ext Height: 13foot 1 Width 102 Bed size 60 x 80 Power awnings: 16/12 Tire size: ST235/80R16 This unit also has separate on-board fuel tanks for the Onan Diesel Generator and another separate tank for holding gasoline for ATVs, Dirt Bikes et. I would not be towing it fully maxed out with all tanks full. I am assuming that the GWVR is with all tanks full and carrying a max specified cargo weight. Looking for advise on how much truck I need to safely and comfortably tow this model. 3/4 ton vs. 1 ton, Long Bed vs. Short Bed, Diesel vs. Gasoline Engine and Single Rear Axle vs. Duel Rear Axle... Im researching and would value your input. Warm Regards

asked by: Jim Q

Expert Reply:

The best trucks for towing 5th wheel trailers are long bed, 1-ton diesels, and having a dually is definitely a benefit.

First, long beds: Long bed trucks do not have the clearance problems that short bed trucks have. On a short bed truck you would need to use a slider hitch or a Sidewinder pin box in order to be able to make 90 degree turns without the truck and trailer hitting each other. A slider or Sider adds extra expenses.

1-Tons: 1-ton trucks are more capable and ideal for heavy duty towing. With newer 1-ton trucks the capacities are high and the truck is designed to tow at those higher capacities more so than a 3/4 ton.

Diesels: diesels have more torque across the RPM spectrum than gas motors. When towing this is a very good thing. Also diesel motors last a very long time compared to their gas counterparts.

Dually: a dually truck is going to be more stable and have less sag at the bag when towing the trailer. With that much trailer and weight behind you the most stable ride is definitely a benefit.

If it were me I would go for a new 2016 Ram 3500 diesel long bed. The Ram trucks have lately been the most popular towing vehicle due in no small part to Ram starting to focus more on heavy duty towing. Plus you can get one with the factory prep package so you can install a hitch directly into the 4 pucks in this system and not have to worry about an installation kit.

One of the most popular hitches for the 2016 Ram 3500 long bed with the factory prep package is the B&W hitch # BWRVK3600. It is rated for 25,000 pounds so it can handle the trailer with ease. I have included a link to a video review of this hitch for you.