Is a Longer or Shorter Wheelbase Better for Towing

Updated 05/22/2019 | Published 05/20/2019

Question:

best wheelbase for towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel

asked by: Mark C

Expert Reply:

I don't have any specific wheelbase measurements for you that is best but I can confirm that the longer wheelbase the truck has, the more stable the truck will be while towing. As a general rule, the vehicle's wheelbase should be at least half of the distance from the center of the trailer's rearmost axle to the center of the coupler. However, this is more of a conservative figure I will admit. The other thing to make note of when pulling a 5th wheel trailer is that you really want to have a long bed to allow for turning clearance. The long wheelbase models are generally offered with the long bed which is why the long wheelbase will be particularly important for 5th wheel trailers.

In summary, the correct wheelbase will really be dependent on the length of the trailer. However, the longer (to an extend) the better off you will be in regards to stability while towing.

expert reply by: Conner L