Let’s explore the Best 2025 Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing, evaluating top models based on towing capacity, payload, engine power, and towing technologies.
Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or new to 5th-wheel towing, this guide will help you choose the ideal truck for your adventures.
Why the Right Truck Matters for 5th-Wheel Towing
5th-wheel trailers connect over the truck’s rear ale, improving weight distribution and towing stability.
These trailers can weigh between 7,000 and 20,000 pounds, requiring a truck with robust towing and payload capacities.
An underpowered truck or one with insufficient payload can result in unsafe towing, poor fuel economy, and vehicle wear.
Key factors like engine performance, bed length, and towing technologies determine the Best 2025 Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing.
Choosing a truck matched to your trailer’s needs ensures a safe and enjoyable towing experience.
Key Factors for 5th-Wheel Towing
Towing Capacity
Towing capacity is the maximum weight a truck can pull safely.
For 5th-wheel towing, the truck’s capacity must exceed the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Heavy-duty trucks typically outperform half-ton models, making them ideal for larger 5th-wheels.
Payload Capacity
Payload capacity is the weight a truck can carry in its bed and cab, including the 5th-wheel hitch, passengers, and cargo.
The hitch weight (15-20% of the trailer’s GVWR) can significantly reduce available payload.
A high payload capacity is critical for safe towing.
Engine Type
Diesel engines are favored for 5th-wheel towing due to their high torque and efficiency under heavy loads.
Modern gas engines, including turbocharged V6s, are increasingly competitive, offering strong performance.
Bed Length
Long-bed trucks (8 feet) provide better clearance for 5th-wheel hitches, reducing the risk of trailer-cab collisions during turns.
Short-bed trucks (6 feet or less) may require sliding hitches, which increase cost and complexity.
For more on truck bed lengths and hitch compatibility, check out this guide to 5th-wheel towing setups.
Towing Technologies
Advanced features like trailer sway control, integrated brake controllers, and surround-view cameras enhance towing safety.
These technologies are essential when determining the Best 2025 Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing.
Top 2025 Trucks for 5th-Wheel Towing
Below, we review the top 2025 trucks for 5th-wheel towing, focusing on heavy-duty models that excel in capacity and features.
Each truck is evaluated to identify the Best 2025 Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing for various needs and budgets.
2025 Ram 3500
Overview
The 2025 Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty leader, blending luxury with unmatched towing prowess.
Towing and Payload
It offers a maximum towing capacity of 37,090 pounds, ideal for the heaviest 5th-wheel trailers.
Its payload capacity reaches 7,680 pounds, supporting substantial hitch weights and cargo.
Engine Options
The Ram 3500 features a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-6 in two variants: standard (370 horsepower, 850 lb-ft of torque) and high-output (420 horsepower, 1,075 lb-ft of torque).
A 6.4-liter HEMI V8 gas engine (410 horsepower, 429 lb-ft of torque) is also available.
Towing Features
The Ram 3500 includes a 360-degree camera, trailer reverse steering control, and an optional air suspension for load leveling.
Its 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen offers real-time trailer monitoring, making it a top choice for the Best 2025 Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing.
To explore compatible 5th-wheel hitches, visit CURT’s 5th-wheel hitch guide.
Why It Stands Out
The Ram 3500’s massive towing capacity, advanced tech, and refined interior make it ideal for RVers seeking performance and comfort.
Its premium price may be a factor for some buyers.
2025 Ford F-350 Super Duty
Overview
The 2025 Ford F-350 Super Duty is a workhorse built for serious towing with cutting-edge technology.
Towing and Payload
It can tow up to 35,000 pounds with a 5th-wheel hitch, suitable for most 5th-wheel trailers.
Its payload capacity of 8,000 pounds handles heavy hitch weights and gear.
Engine Options
Options include a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 (475 horsepower, 1,050 lb-ft of torque) or a 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 gas engine (430 horsepower, 485 lb-ft of torque).
A 6.8-liter V8 gas engine (405 horsepower, 445 lb-ft of torque) suits lighter towing needs.
Towing Features
Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, 360-degree cameras, and integrated brake controller simplify towing.
A head-up display provides real-time towing data, boosting driver confidence.
Why It Stands Out
The F-350’s high capacity, versatile engines, and towing aids make it a strong contender for the Best 2025 Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing.
Its slightly lower towing capacity than the Ram 3500 is offset by competitive pricing.
For additional tips on selecting a towing vehicle, see this RV dealer’s towing advice.
2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is a durable heavy-duty truck with impressive towing capabilities.
Towing and Payload
It offers a 36,000-pound 5th-wheel towing capacity, handling nearly any trailer.
Its payload capacity of 7,442 pounds supports heavy hitch weights and cargo.
Engine Options
The Silverado 3500HD features a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 (470 horsepower, 975 lb-ft of torque) or a 6.6-liter V8 gas engine (401 horsepower, 464 lb-ft of torque).
The diesel’s torque excels for long-distance towing.
Towing Features
Chevy’s Advanced Trailering System includes a trailer tire pressure monitor, in-vehicle app, and multiple camera views.
Its transparent trailer view lets drivers see behind the trailer, a standout feature.
Why It Stands Out
The Silverado 3500HD’s towing capacity and innovative cameras make it a top pick for the Best 2025 Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing.
Its functional design appeals to buyers prioritizing reliability.
2025 GMC Sierra 3500HD
Overview
The 2025 GMC Sierra 3500HD shares the Silverado’s platform but adds premium trims like the Denali.
Towing and Payload
It matches the Silverado’s 36,000-pound towing capacity and offers a payload of 7,434 pounds.
Engine Options
It features the same 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 (470 horsepower, 975 lb-ft of torque) or 6.6-liter V8 gas engine (401 horsepower, 464 lb-ft of torque).
Towing Features
The Sierra 3500HD includes the Advanced Trailering System with transparent trailer view and up to 15 camera angles.
Its adaptive cruise control works with trailers, enhancing long-distance comfort.
Why It Stands Out
The Sierra 3500HD’s upscale interior and towing tech make it a strong candidate for the Best 2025 Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing, balancing luxury and capability.
For a broader look at 2025 towing trucks, check out this list of top towing vehicles.
Half-Ton Trucks for Smaller 5th-Wheels
Heavy-duty trucks dominate 5th-wheel towing, but half-ton trucks can handle smaller trailers (GVWR under 10,000 pounds).
2025 Ram 1500
Overview
The 2025 Ram 1500, a MotorTrend Truck of the Year winner, offers strong towing for a half-ton truck.
Towing and Payload
It provides up to 11,580 pounds of towing capacity and a payload of 2,300 pounds, suitable for lightweight 5th-wheels.
Engine Options
Its 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-6 (540 horsepower, 521 lb-ft of torque) delivers ample towing power.
Towing Features
The Ram 1500’s air suspension levels the truck, and its towing tech includes trailer reverse steering control.
Why It Stands Out
The Ram 1500’s comfort and tech make it viable for smaller 5th-wheels, though payload limits restrict its use.
2025 Ford F-150
Overview
The 2025 Ford F-150 is a versatile half-ton truck with robust towing capabilities.
Towing and Payload
It offers up to 13,500 pounds of towing capacity and a payload of 2,445 pounds.
Engine Options
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 (400 horsepower, 500 lb-ft of torque) is ideal, with hybrid and diesel options available.
Towing Features
Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a robust camera system ease towing.
Why It Stands Out
The F-150’s high towing capacity suits lightweight 5th-wheels, though heavy hitch weights may challenge payload.
Comparing the Top Contenders
To find the Best 2025 Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing, let’s compare the heavy-duty trucks:
- Ram 3500: Highest towing (37,090 pounds), luxurious interior, advanced tech.
- Ford F-350 Super Duty: Strong towing (35,000 pounds), versatile engines, competitive price.
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD: Robust towing (36,000 pounds), innovative cameras, durable design.
- GMC Sierra 3500HD: Matches Silverado’s towing, premium trims, trailer-friendly cruise control.
For smaller 5th-wheels, the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 are options but limited by payload.
Choosing Your Ideal Truck
The Best 2025 Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing depends on your trailer’s size and preferences.
For large 5th-wheels (GVWR over 15,000 pounds), the Ram 3500’s unmatched towing and luxury make it the top choice.
The Ford F-350 offers similar performance at a lower cost.
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and GMC Sierra 3500HD excel for durability and camera systems.
For smaller 5th-wheels, the Ram 1500 or Ford F-150 work if hitch weight stays within payload limits.
Always verify your trailer’s GVWR and hitch weight against the truck’s specs, considering bed length and engine type.
For a beginner’s guide to towing, explore this 5th-wheel towing tutorial.
Conclusion
Choosing the right truck for 5th-wheel towing in 2025 involves evaluating towing capacity, payload, engine performance, and towing technologies.
The Ram 3500 emerges as the Best 2025 Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing due to its massive towing capacity and premium features.
The Ford F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, and GMC Sierra 3500HD are excellent alternatives with unique strengths.
For smaller trailers, the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 offer capable options within the half-ton segment.
By aligning your truck with your 5th-wheel’s needs, you’ll enjoy safe, confident, and comfortable towing on every journey.