Recommended Pickup Truck for Towing Keystone Laredo 13,000-lb 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 10/25/2017 | Published 10/24/2017

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5322)

$1199.00

Question:

we have a 5th wheel Laredo dry weight of 13000 lbs looking to purchase a new truck to handle this rig , I have heard of the sidewinder hitch to go on the 5th wheel but was told that would damage the warranty. the truck is a dodge Ram 2500 w a 6 1/2 ft be, that I was looking at OR would a Ford 250 be better. is it best to not have a sliding hitch installed need as much info. as you can send me. I was sold a Nissan Titan BUT cannot tow w that............ so looking to trade it off........... thank you.

asked by: Lloyd T

Expert Reply:

The ideal vehicle for towing a substantial 5th wheel trailer, such as a Keystone Laredo 380MB that is close to 13K dry, is a one-ton long-bed pickup such as a Ford F-350, Silverado 3500 or Sierra 3500.

These trucks will have the power to avoid getting bogged down on hill climbs and will not be overly stressed by the trailer's significant weight. Also, long-bed trucks avoid the turning clearance issues that have to be addressed with either sliding type hitches or Sidewinder replacement pivoting pin boxes that increase turning clearance. A 1-ton long-bed pickup is truly the way to go...no sliding hitch, no Sidewinder and no trailer overhang crashing through your cab window!

You might also consider the truck choice in terms of the factory-installed 5th wheel prep options that are available. These factory set-ups allow you to drop a compatible hitch right in to the factory pucks; this means no above-bed base rails in your way when you have a cargo load.

Let's say you select a GMC Sierra 3500 long bed with factory prep as your tow vehicle. This truck would allow use of the superb B&W Companion hitch # BWRVK3700. This fixed hitch is completely USA-made and features unmatched build quality. B&W has the in-house fabrication capabilities to produce this 20K hitch with features such as beefy 1-inch-thick jaws that grip your king pin with 360-degree contact, a fully-articulating head for easier hitching on uneven ground and 6-inches of front-to-back adjustment. B&W backs it with a limited lifetime warranty.

Once you decide on a specific truck please feel free to bounce us back for more assistance.

expert reply by: Adam R