Automakers continue to add advanced safety technologies to their lineups, including electronic braking, stability control, traction control, tire pressure monitoring TPM , lane departure warnings, and crash avoidance.
Most trucks now come standard with apps on their infotainment system, but there are some dedicated towing features built in to the infotainment system on most trucks in the full-size and up category. The infotainment system will be the starting point for some of the features we highlight below and there is a range in options and technologies depending on the manufacturer.
GM is a leader in , with an infotainment system that allows RV owners to connect their truck to a few RV command systems and monitor and control RV features from inside the truck. Most trucks that come with a towing option will also come with a trailer brake controller included. This system applies the brakes to the camper when the driver uses the brakes on the truck. This allows both the camper and the truck to each use their own brakes to slow down or stop safely.
This feature alerts the driver when another vehicle is in its blind spot. Most vehicles come with this feature standard, as part of a package of safety features. Now some trucks also have the capability to alert the driver when there is a vehicle in the blind spot of the camper.
Most will provide an image varying in resolution quality from the back view of the truck, lines that guide the driver on a projected path, and zoom-in view. The aftermarket takes care of this by offering solid units that can be installed in your truck. Some models allow you to check your trailer lights by cycling through the lights with a smart key fob. Backup assist technologies increase your confidence in backing up your trailer.
While the feature varies slightly by automaker, the concept remains the same. Some trucks offer a stability system and software to automatically respond to sway.
This feature monitors the pressure of your trailer tires. It also allows you to monitor the temperature of the tires to help prevent blowouts caused by overheating. Even within certain brand models, there will be differences that can drastically change how much the truck can tow.
Now you can go start your tow vehicle shopping journey armed with the right knowledge, questions to ask, and proper terminology to buy the right vehicle for not only your rig but also your lifestyle. Considering an SUV or minivan as your tow vehicle instead?
Check out our guide on how to choose the best minivan or SUV for towing your travel trailer or fifth wheel. South American immigrant to the U. Husband to my life partner in crime, dad to two adventure loving boys and fur-dad to two big dogs. When not serving small business clients for a regional bank, I enjoy taking the whole crew to the outdoors with friends. Locate mobile repair, explore nearby camping, receive safety recall alerts, and read RV news and how-tos.
By Johann Schnell. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Flipboard Email. Considerations When Towing a Fifth Wheel Since fifth wheels are usually much heavier than comparable trailers, make sure your towing vehicle can support the hitch weight and the tow weight of a fifth wheel.
Honda Ridgeline Base towing capacity: 3, Max. The hitch will make it easy for you to drive your truck with your fifth wheel in tow. The trick in towing a fifth wheel when using a truck is you must make wide turns to avoid hitting the curbside or other vehicles on the road. Drive past the lane where you want to turn before you make the turn. You need that extra space to be able to angle your fifth wheel trailer while maneuvering. It is also good to practice driving your truck with your fifth wheel trailer in tow in a driveway or not so busy street so that you can get used to its weight before you take it through heavy traffic.
First and foremost, you should get a truck with sufficient raw power to be able to handle its towing job. This means it will not heat up nor breakdown when towing your 5th wheel trailer. You should consider the specifications, features, mechanisms, and technologies that make up the truck that enable it to transmit power smoothly.
Gas engines offer a more affordable option for those with fifth wheels. The fuel cost is less expensive and their maintenance and upkeep is more affordable as well. But if you want a truck with greater towing power, then it is recommended that you get a truck with a diesel engine. Their engines have more torque so you can expect greater performance especially when it comes to their towing capacity. Diesel engines also offer better fuel economy so you actually get to save more money in the long run.
In terms of longevity, diesel engines outlast their gas counterparts making them the better choice of engine overall. Long bed trucks are trucks with beds that are 8 feet in length while short bed trucks are between 6 to 8 feet. Very short bed trucks have beds that are below 6 feet. Although you can still tow a 5th wheel using a very short bed truck, you would need a special hitch for this to solve the challenge of having a tight turning radius in the short bed truck.
As such, experts recommend long bed trucks in towing your 5th wheel so that you will not be limited when it comes to movement or making sharp turns. They are safer to use on the road. As a bonus, long bed trucks also give you more available storage space. This is why long bed trucks are considered to be the better choice over short bed trucks. Trailer brake controller is a device that is connected to your trailer that will ensure your safety on the road. It helps you have control of your trailer and stop smoothly as needed.
Trailer brake controllers work by applying the trailer brakes based on the input of the driver of the towing vehicle. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the trailer brake controllers are activated. Consider getting electric brake controllers. When the brake pedal is pressed, the trailer brake controllers apply power to the trailer brakes as needed according to the momentum of the towing vehicle. Electric brake controllers have a better and safer performance especially during emergency braking situations.
They also reduce the wear and tear between your tow vehicle brakes and trailer brakes. If you have a large 5th wheel trailer, then you need a heavier truck. The heavier the truck, the more payload capacity it has. You can also use suspension enhancements to help in leveling and stabilizing your vehicle.
The tires on your truck have particular payload ratings. And if ever there is an accident, you might not be covered by your insurance because of overloading. This means you have to shoulder the expensive cost of repairs and replacement. This includes the weight of all passengers, fuel, water, your equipment and appliances in the trailer, and everything else inside the truck and trailer. Your truck makes a big difference in your travel experience.
It will determine your safety on the road. These are the main factors that you need to consider when looking for the best truck for towing a 5th wheel. When all of these are accounted for, it will guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience on the road as you go on your way to your favorite camping destination.
If you have a large fifth wheel trailer, then a dual rear wheel will provide better assistance in pulling your fifth wheel. It also makes the ride more stable. Dual rear wheels gives your truck a higher weight capacity. It will lessen the strain on your truck as you tow your 5th wheel. They are very handy during long rides or when traversing uneven terrains. On the other hand, a single rear wheel is more comfortable to drive. Having a reliable truck can save you from costly roadside assistance calls and trips to the shop.
Expensive repairs can ruin your trip. Investing in a reliable fifth wheel truck will help you avoid the hassle and expense. The amount of weight a truck can safely and efficiently tow matters a lot for RVers.
Most fifth wheels weigh between 12, and 15, pounds, though some exceed 20, pounds. You should consider the weight of the fifth wheel and the weight of your supplies and gear. Payload capacity trips up a lot of RVers. It lets you know how much weight your truck can hold on its frame and suspension. It includes things like cargo, attachments, passenger weight, and the fifth wheel itself.
The manufacturer will set the payload capacity of the truck. You will probably use your truck for things other than just towing. A smooth all-around ride will allow you and your passengers to adventure for longer. Towing capacity, payload capacity, and the ride are vital factors when selecting a fifth wheel truck. The bed length can play an essential role in towing a fifth wheel. The shorter the bed length, the smaller the turning radius. Trucks with short beds often require sliding hitches to assist with tight maneuvering.
Not having the appropriate hitch for a tense maneuvering situation can cause damage to your tow vehicle and fifth wheel. Trucks with longer beds also create additional space for storage. You can put a fuel box in the bed for less frequent stops or store camping gear. Long-bed trucks also often have higher payload and towing capacities. Many fifth wheel trucks come in gas and diesel versions.
How you plan to use your vehicle will determine which fifth wheel truck engine type is best for you. Cold Air intake systems are an incredible piece of work. They are amazing because they allow the engine to breathe! Cooler air is denser and that means that there is more oxygen to be pulled into the combustion chamber which then means more power output. Also, the colder air helps keep temperatures down. Along with this, the airflow is increased which is a much-needed perk because the hot air will not get as hot.
The only thing I can think of that you should watch out for is getting water near this thing. The air filter can be a little more exposed this way and if water gets in there and then into the engine, you will be in a lot of trouble. This sounds really simple and unimportant, but it can help. Do not bring a lot of needless stuff. Only bring what you need and a few extras.
You do not need the best equipment and the fanciest stuff. Your vehicle and trail both have a curb weight or dry weight and gross weight. Gross weight is how the vehicle or trailer can hold in totally with passengers and cargo. I recommend not using the gross weight as a gauge for how much stuff you can pack in your vehicle or trailer. Weight does add up. Water, food, gas tanks, accessories, and gear all add weight in large amounts together.
Some things that people bring in excess are clothes, plates and utensils, entertainment, and random objects. Leave the excess at home.
Plus, if you have less stuff to haul around, you will have more space to breathe in your fifth wheel. I think the most beneficial thing you can do for yourself before going on a road trip with your fifth wheel is to learn about hauling and how everything works. Study about how to attach the fifth wheel to the bed of your truck. Learn about the problems that could go wrong and how to fix them efficiently. There are different aftermarket things you can add to your truck.
I have told you a lot about what trucks can handle pulling a fifth wheel. Some smaller trucks cannot pull a fifth wheel efficiently. There is so much you can learn about for pulling a fifth wheel. Make sure you are knowledgeable about trucks and fifth wheels. That will make your trip go smoother and if something goes wrong, you might be about to fix some things or at least have an idea of what is wrong. All of these things that I have talked about comes down to how you are going to use your vehicle and what matters more to you.
Are you mainly using it for hauling massive things behind you or are you going to frequently use it for every day without heavy loads behind you?
I recommend this truck because of its torque and horsepower. I gotta hand it to the Power Stroke engine. I will say that Cummins engines are popular and well respected. I have a lot of respect for them.
But the Power stroke wins in my mind. I really appreciate the higher amount of torque and horsepower. I will take all I can get for hauling a fifth wheel. I choose the F because it is a full ton.
The bigger frame and better suspension really make a difference when pulling something behind me and sitting the fifth wheel on it. The Ford F costs more than the other trucks and it costs even more if you want something other than the base model. I feel like the extra power is a good trade-off. I would suggest doing your own research along with what I wrote. Of course, everybody is going to have their own opinion and everybody has their own preference.
Good luck finding your perfect truck! Can a half ton truck pull a fifth wheel? I do not recommend it. It can be done but you would need a really light fifth wheel. There are lots of weight logistics to get into and in the end, I would say that pulling a fifth wheel with any half ton vehicle is not a good idea especially for long trips.
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