Towing Issues: which truck to buy to tow a fifth wheel, 5th wheel hitches, 5th wheel hitch

Question
Hi, I'm looking to buy a newer full size truck. I like the Chevy 2500 crew cab with a standard bed but I'm not sure I can tow a fifth wheel trailer without sustaining damage to the truck. would it be better to get a long bed?  Thanks Phil

Answer
Hi Phil, I'm assuming you are speaking of a 5th wheel camper/RV trailer since most truck chassis 5th wheels are RV/campers. The other bed mounted hitch is a gooseneck hookup which is a big trailer ball in the bed. Most farmers use this type of hitch for horse trailer and flat bed/flat deck trailers. Each trailer hookup has advantages and disadvantages. I will not go into all the differences unless you ask. The Chevy 2500 cc is a great pulling truck depending on the weight of trailer. Also, you have to account for your trucks gross vehicle weight rating and gross vehicle combined weight rating. That is the total gross weight of your truck and camper. The Chevy will have different weight ratings depending on truck options, gas or diesel, manual or automatic, 2wd or 4wd, axle gearing, etc. This might sound so confusing but it's not. Just let me know exactly what kind of truck with options and weight of trailer so I can give an honest opinion. Most RV dealers will tell anybody anything to make a sale! As for damage with short beds, I see this all the time but there is a 5th hitch that solves this problem. When making tight turns with short beds the front overhang of the trailer will hit the cab corners of the truck (bye-bye back window). The 5th wheel hitch must be mounted above the truck's rear axle and on long beds the 5th wheel hitch is mounted further away from the front of the truck's bed. There are a few 5th wheel hitches that will slide backwards towards the tailgate to give clearance while turning and move to original position for proper weight distribution. A 5th wheel hitch company named Pullrite markets a "super glide" hitch that solves this problem. Not to sway you and start any debate of single wheel vs. dual wheel trucks but I prefer duallies for heavy bulky towing just for the simple fact that duallies are more stable in windy conditions, possible blow outs and ease on the driver. When I mean heavy I'm speaking of 7,500 pounds gross trailer weight and heavier. Some disadvantages of crew cab long beds are they can be a chore to park at the restaurants, shopping malls and drive through. As I said before give me the specs on everything and your experience with trailers and we will go from there.