Apr 30 2010
Whats the smallest pickup one could use to haul a 5th wheel?
I’m looking to travel from Ontario to Vancouver Island and taking my time to do it. Seeing my Dodge Dakota’s bed is too short, I need to know what is a better choice for hauling a 5th wheel? And here I thought my truck having a heavy duty hauling package from Dodge would be fine!
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one ton maybe a 3/4 ton if not a dually
The rated towing capacity of the vehicle is your measure. You cold tow a fifth wheel with a lawn tractor in the right circumstances. it doesn’t mean that it would be safe or reasonable. Match the capabilities of the truck with the needs, i.e. trailer weight, length, and space necessary for the towing apparatus.
Depending on the weight of the trailer, you’ll need at least a half ton, if not a three quarter ton truck. It isn’t necessarily the pulling part that is of concern. The stopping part is where it gets scary! Good luck!
They make a sliding fifth wheel hitch for short bed trucks:
http://www.adventurerv.net/reese-15k-kwik-slide-5th-wheel-trailer-hitch-p-4981.html
There are fifth wheels available from the 2000 pound Scamp to several in the 7000 pound range that lay about 1000 pounds into your bed to even larger depending on the towing capacities of your truck.
I’ve towed a 24′ fifth with my 4×4… loved the stability of the fifth wheel hitch.