Best Trucks for Fifth Wheel Towing in 2025 demands a truck with the power, stability, and technology to handle heavy loads and long hauls.
Whether you’re pulling a compact camper for weekend trips or a luxury fifth wheel for full-time RV living, choosing the right truck is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
In 2025, heavy-duty pickups lead the market for fifth wheel towing, offering robust towing capacities, high payloads, and advanced features.
This article highlights the top trucks for fifth wheel towing, designed to meet the needs of RV enthusiasts searching for reliable options.
We’ll explore the best models, their key features, real-world applications, and practical tips to help you choose the perfect truck.
Comparison of Top Trucks for Fifth Wheel Towing
To help you choose the right truck, here’s a quick comparison of the top trucks for fifth wheel towing in 2025, summarizing key specs and features.
| Model | Max Towing (Fifth Wheel) | Payload | Engine | Starting Price | Key Towing Tech |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-450 Super Duty | 37,000 lbs | 7,850 lbs | 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel V8 | $70,520 | Pro Trailer Backup Assist, 360-degree cameras |
| Ram 3500 | 37,000 lbs | 7,680 lbs | 6.7L Cummins Diesel I6 | $68,000 | Trailer 360 Surround View, air suspension |
| Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD | 36,000 lbs | 7,442 lbs | 6.6L Duramax Diesel V8 | $65,000 | 15 camera views, trailering app |
| GMC Sierra 3500HD | 36,000 lbs | 7,442 lbs | 6.6L Duramax Diesel V8 | $65,500 | Transparent Trailer View, hitch guidance |
| Ford F-350 Super Duty | 35,750 lbs | 8,000 lbs | 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel V8 | $67,170 | Smart Hitch, 360-degree cameras |
| Ford F-150 | 13,500 lbs | 3,325 lbs | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | $45,000 | Pro Trailer Backup Assist, trailer sway control |
Note: Specs vary by trim and configuration; always verify with manufacturers. For detailed comparisons, check CarGurus.ca’s guide to dually trucks.
What to Look for in a Fifth Wheel Towing Truck
Fifth wheel trailers hitch directly over the truck’s rear axle, improving stability but requiring significant payload capacity to manage the pin weight (typically 15-25% of the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR).
Here’s what to prioritize when selecting a truck:
- Towing Capacity: Must exceed your trailer’s GVWR, ranging from 7,000 to over 20,000 pounds for luxury models.
- Payload Capacity: Critical for handling pin weight, passengers, and gear.
- Bed Length: Long beds (8 feet) provide better clearance, while short beds may need sliding hitches.
- Engine Options: Diesel engines offer superior torque for heavy loads, while gas engines suit lighter trailers and tighter budgets.
- Towing Tech: Features like trailer sway control, integrated brake controllers, and advanced cameras make towing safer and easier.
Top Trucks for Fifth Wheel Towing in 2025
1. Ford F-450 Super Duty
The Ford F-450 Super Duty is a beast, with a fifth wheel towing capacity of up to 37,000 pounds and a gooseneck capacity of 40,000 pounds.
Its 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 delivers 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Available with dual rear wheels (dually), it ensures unmatched stability for the heaviest fifth wheels.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
With a payload capacity of up to 7,850 pounds, the F-450 easily handles hefty pin weights.
Features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a 2025-upgraded 360-degree camera system simplify hitching and maneuvering.
The upscale interior makes it a comfortable daily driver. For more on heavy-duty trucks, explore AutoNation Drive’s heavy-duty truck reviews.
Considerations:
Starting around $70,520, it’s expensive, and the stiff suspension can feel rough without a trailer. It’s overkill for fifth wheels under 15,000 pounds.
2. Ram 3500
The Ram 3500 offers a towing capacity of up to 37,000 pounds with its 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output turbo diesel inline-six, producing 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
Available in single or dual rear wheel configurations, it’s versatile for mid-size to luxury fifth wheels.
The factory-installed fifth wheel hitch prep package and Trailer 360-Degree Surround View camera enhance towing ease.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Ram 3500 blends raw power with a luxurious interior, especially in the Limited trim. Its 2025-improved air suspension smooths the ride, and features like blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage boost safety.
Payload capacity reaches 7,680 pounds.
Considerations:
The Cummins engine is slightly less powerful than Tues than Ford’s Power Stroke, and diesel maintenance costs can be higher.
3. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
With a fifth wheel towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is a workhorse built for heavy-duty towing.
Its 6.6-liter Duramax turbo diesel V8 generates 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission.
The robust frame and optional dually setup ensure stability for large fifth wheels.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Silverado excels with towing tech, including eight cameras with 15 views and an in-vehicle trailering app for diagnostics like trailer tire pressure monitoring.
Payload capacity hits 7,442 pounds, suitable for most fifth wheels. For a deeper dive, visit Truck Report Geeks’ 2025 pickup guide.
Considerations:
The interior feels less refined than the Ram, and the ride can be stiff when unloaded.
4. GMC Sierra 3500HD
Sharing its platform with the Silverado, the GMC Sierra 3500HD offers a 36,000-pound towing capacity with the same 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8.
Its standout feature is the Transparent Trailer View, which uses cameras to “see through” your trailer for better rear visibility.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Sierra 3500HD delivers a polished towing experience with a comfortable ride and advanced tech like trailer sway control and hitch guidance.
Its payload capacity matches the Silverado at 7,442 pounds. Get practical towing tips from eTrailer.com’s fifth wheel towing advice.
Considerations:
The Denali trim, starting at $65,500, is pricier than the Silverado and slightly less capable than the Ford or Ram for extreme towing.
5. Ford F-350 Super Duty
The Ford F-350 Super Duty offers a fifth wheel towing capacity of up to 35,750 pounds with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel.
Available in single or dual rear wheel setups, it’s a versatile choice for mid-to-large fifth wheels.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
Starting around $67,170, the F-350 is more affordable than the F-450 while offering similar towing tech, like Smart Hitch for weight distribution.
Its payload capacity reaches 8,000 pounds, ideal for most fifth wheels. Compare Ford models in RVing Insider’s towing truck guide.
Considerations:
It falls short of the F-450’s max towing capacity, and higher trims can get pricey.
6. Ford F-150 (For Lightweight Fifth Wheels)
For smaller fifth wheels under 8,000 pounds, the Ford F-150 is a solid option with a towing capacity of up to 13,500 pounds using the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.
Its payload capacity tops out at 3,325 pounds, making it suitable for lightweight fifth wheels.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The F-150 is affordable, fuel-efficient, and versatile, doubling as a comfortable daily driver. Features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a robust suspension make it capable for smaller trailers.
Considerations:
It’s not suited for fifth wheels over 8,000 pounds due to limited payload and towing capacity. Short-bed models may require a sliding hitch.
Which Truck Suits Your Fifth Wheel Lifestyle?
Choosing the right truck depends on your towing needs and lifestyle. Here are common scenarios to guide your decision:
- Full-Time RVing: For luxury fifth wheels over 15,000 pounds, the Ford F-450 Super Duty or Ram 3500 are ideal due to their high towing and payload capacities. Their diesel engines handle long-distance hauls efficiently.
- Weekend Camping: For fifth wheels under 10,000 pounds, the Ford F-150 or a single rear wheel Ford F-350 offers versatility and better fuel economy for occasional trips.
- Mountainous Terrain: The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD’s Duramax engine and 4WD excel in steep, rugged conditions, ensuring control on winding roads.
- Flat Terrain: For flat highways, the GMC Sierra 3500HD’s smooth ride and towing tech make it a comfortable choice for long drives.
For more on matching trucks to trailers, check eTrailer.com’s fifth wheel towing advice. Always ensure your truck’s capacity exceeds your trailer’s GVWR by 10-20% for safety.
What Owners Say About These Trucks
Real-world feedback from RV owners adds insight into the top trucks for fifth wheel towing.
Ford F-450 owners on RV forums praise its unmatched stability for 20,000-pound trailers but note the stiff ride when empty.
Ram 3500 owners love the plush interior and air suspension for bumpy campground roads, though some report higher diesel maintenance costs.
Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD owners highlight the trailering app’s usefulness for monitoring trailer health. GMC Sierra 3500HD owners rave about the Transparent Trailer View for tight maneuvers, but some find the Denali trim overpriced.
Ford F-150 owners appreciate its affordability and daily usability, though it’s limited to smaller trailers. For more owner insights, see Truck Report Geeks’ 2025 pickup guide.
Cost of Owning a Fifth Wheel Towing Truck
Owning one of the top trucks for fifth wheel towing involves more than the purchase price.
Diesel trucks like the Ford F-450 and Ram 3500 offer better longevity for frequent towing but have higher fuel and maintenance costs (e.g., $500-$1,000/year more than gas).
Gas-powered options like the Ford F-150 are cheaper upfront and get better mileage (15-20 mpg vs. 10-15 mpg for diesel).
Insurance for heavy-duty trucks can be 10-20% higher due to their value and towing use.
Advanced towing tech, like cameras and sway control, may increase trim costs but saves on safety.
Always budget for accessories like hitches ($500-$2,000). For detailed cost breakdowns, visit CarGurus.ca’s guide to dually trucks.
Choosing a Truck for Your Region
Your location impacts the best truck choice for fifth wheel towing.
In mountainous regions like the Rockies, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD’s torque and 4WD handle steep grades well.
In snowy areas like the Northeast, the Ford F-450’s dually setup and 4WD provide superior traction. For flat terrains like the Midwest, the GMC Sierra 3500HD’s smooth ride and fuel efficiency suit long highway trips.
Coastal areas may favor the Ford F-150 for lighter trailers and corrosion-resistant builds. Always check regional towing regulations, as some states limit trailer lengths.
For region-specific gear tips, see RVing Insider’s towing truck guide.
Visual Guide to Fifth Wheel Towing
For a visual walkthrough of fifth wheel hitching, check out professional towing tutorials on manufacturer sites like Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist demo or Ram’s towing tech videos.
These show how to use camera systems and hitch guidance effectively.
For more video resources, explore AutoNation Drive’s heavy-duty truck reviews, which include towing tech demos.
Visual guides help beginners master the hitching process and boost confidence on the road.
The Future of Fifth Wheel Towing
In 2025, towing tech is advancing with features like adaptive cruise control with trailer integration and semi-autonomous driving aids.
Electric trucks like the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T are emerging, but their towing range (200-300 miles) lags behind diesel trucks (500+ miles).
Ford’s PowerBoost hybrid F-150 offers a middle ground, with 12,700 pounds of towing capacity and better fuel efficiency for lighter fifth wheels.
By 2026, battery tech may close the gap, making EVs viable for heavier trailers.
For updates on electric truck advancements, check CarGurus.ca’s guide to dually trucks. Diesel remains the top choice for heavy fifth wheels in 2025.
Can I tow a fifth wheel with a short-bed truck?
Yes, but short beds (6.5 feet or less) often require a sliding hitch to prevent trailer-cab collisions during tight turns. Long beds (8 feet) allow fixed hitches for easier setup. Check eTrailer.com’s fifth wheel towing advice for hitch recommendations.
Is diesel or gas better for fifth wheel towing?
Diesel engines, like the Power Stroke or Duramax, offer more torque for fifth wheels over 12,000 pounds, ideal for frequent towing. Gas engines, like the Ford F-150’s EcoBoost, are cheaper and sufficient for trailers under 8,000 pounds. Diesel maintenance is costlier.
What’s the difference between dually and single rear wheel trucks?
Dually trucks (dual rear wheels) provide better stability for fifth wheels over 13,000 pounds but are less maneuverable. Single rear wheel trucks are better for daily driving and lighter trailers. See RVing Insider’s towing truck guide for comparisons.
How do I calculate my fifth wheel’s pin weight?
Pin weight is typically 15-25% of the trailer’s GVWR. For a 12,000-pound trailer, expect 1,800-3,000 pounds. Ensure your truck’s payload capacity exceeds this, plus passengers and gear.
What towing tech is essential for fifth wheel towing?
Trailer sway control, integrated brake controllers, and 360-degree cameras are key. Features like the GMC’s Transparent Trailer View or Ford’s Smart Hitch enhance safety and ease.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the top trucks for fifth wheel towing in 2025 depends on your trailer’s size, budget, and towing frequency.
For massive luxury fifth wheels, the Ford F-450 Super Duty and Ram 3500 offer unmatched power and payload.
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and GMC Sierra 3500HD balance capability with advanced tech, while the Ford F-350 is a versatile middle ground.
For smaller fifth wheels, the Ford F-150 provides value and agility. Always verify your trailer’s weight ratings and test-drive your top picks to ensure they meet your needs.
With the right truck, you’ll hit the road confidently, ready for any RV adventure.
Have experience towing a fifth wheel? Share your favorite truck in the comments.