Recommendation for Towing a 7500 lb Fifth Wheel Trailer with Either a F-150 or F-250 Diesel Option  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

The decision of a specific truck, size of the truck, and the option of gas vs. diesel is a huge consideration for towing a fifth wheel trailer. Since you have not purchased either the trailer, or truck yet, you are right to do your research ahead of time, and you have fewer limiting factors. While conducting your research, make sure that you are comparing the truck size, possible dealer optional upgrades, fuel options, and other components of the truck and compare them to your expected towing needs.

Make sure that when you are gathering the information for towing capacities you are looking at the 5th wheel towing capacity not the bumper trailer/hitch style towing capacities. These are two different capacities. You will want to make sure that the 5th wheel towing rating of the truck either matches or exceeds the GTW of the trailer. The GTW is the gross trailer weight, or for the trailer the maximum that the trailer can be loaded, including all cargo and fluids.

It sounds like the stats of the truck having the capability of towing an 11,000 pound fifth wheel, should accommodate the trailer size that you are considering. But also keep in mind the total weight of the trailer fully loaded and ready to tow, not just the dry weight.

Yes, the F-150 may have a better fuel stats for highway driving, but you will want to consider the fuel mileage when towing the trailer. You might want to look at the Ford F-250 Super Duty gas option and compare that to the F-250 diesel version. Then do some calculations, because the Ford F-150 gas option will have different fuel stats than the F-250 gas option. For example, the truck frame, suspension, braking systems, all factor in to the curb weight of the vehilce. This will effect the fuel mileage of the truck pulling itself up the hills, not to mention pulling a trailer.

On the F-250 the truck frames, bed length, suspension, will be different too. For 5th wheel towing, your it is best to choose a truck with a full size bed, ideally an eight foot bed. If the bed is not long enough, when turning the cab of the truck, or the overhang of the trailer can be damaged.

If you choose to use a bed that is not 8 feet long, then you will need either a sliding hitch (like the one that you referenced # PS30094), or a Sidewinder pin box on the trailer. This is for additional clearance needed for turning. Another consideration, is that truck beds with step side, built in toolboxes, or that have a narrower beds are not compatible for towing 5th wheel trailer due to the decreased clearance.

The larger trucks, like the F-250, are better equipped for towing a fifth wheel trailer. The suspension systems and braking systems are rated more appropriately for weight of the fifth wheel or gooseneck styles of towing. There are also several factory options regarding in bed hitch systems, and wiring that you may consider too.

My recommendation, is to use the F-250 and the diesel engine, with an 8 foot bed. These trucks are better equipped for towing 5th wheels, even the lighter weight trailers. Yes, the initial investment is more significant, and the fuel costs are a consideration factor. However, the diesel option is better for pulling mountain grades. Diesel trucks are also usually more durable, and appropriately equipped for heavier towing conditions. This also gives you the option to upgrade the trailer, at a later time and not concerned about upgrading the truck too.

I have included a couple of helpful articles regarding 5th wheel towing for your reference.

expert reply by: Rachael H

1