Top Dually Trucks for Fifth Wheel Towing

Towing a fifth wheel trailer demands a truck with exceptional power, stability, and reliability, especially for large RVs or toy haulers.

Dually trucks, with their dual rear wheels, are the go-to choice for serious haulers due to their superior towing capacity and enhanced stability.

Whether you’re a full-time RVer or a weekend adventurer, choosing the right dually truck can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best dually trucks for fifth wheel towing in 2025, focusing on their capabilities and features to help you find the perfect match for your trailer.

This isn’t about outdated SEO tactics—it’s about delivering practical, real-world insights for RVers seeking the ideal towing solution.

Comparison of Top Dually Trucks for Fifth Wheel Towing

To help you quickly compare the top dually trucks, here’s a breakdown of their key specs and standout features. For detailed configurations, check manufacturer sites like Ford’s Super Duty page or Ram’s 3500 page.

Truck Model	Towing Capacity (Fifth Wheel)	Payload Capacity	Engine	Starting Price	Key Feature
Ford F-450 Super Duty	30,000 lbs	7,850 lbs	6.7L Power Stroke Diesel	~$75,000	Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Ford F-350 Super Duty	25,000 lbs	7,850 lbs	6.7L Power Stroke Diesel	~$65,000	Aluminum-alloy body
Ram 3500	25,000 lbs	7,680 lbs	6.7L Cummins Diesel	~$68,000	Rear air suspension
Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD	20,000 lbs	7,442 lbs	6.6L Duramax Diesel	~$66,000	Transparent trailer view
GMC Sierra 3500HD	20,000 lbs	7,442 lbs	6.6L Duramax Diesel	~$70,000	MultiPro tailgate

Why a Dually Truck for Fifth Wheel Towing?

Dually trucks feature four rear wheels (two per side), offering a wider stance and better weight distribution compared to single rear wheel (SRW) trucks. This design provides key advantages for fifth wheel towing:

• Superior Stability: The extra wheels minimize sway, crucial for towing heavy trailers (15,000 lbs or more) in windy or uneven conditions.
• Higher Towing and Payload Capacity: Dually trucks handle heavier trailers and pin weights, ideal for luxury fifth wheels or toy haulers.
• Enhanced Safety: A rear tire blowout is less likely to cause loss of control with a dually’s backup wheels.
• Improved Traction: More tire contact with the road boosts grip on steep grades or off-road terrain.

However, dually trucks are wider, making parking and tight maneuvers trickier, and maintenance costs are higher (six tires instead of four).

Fuel economy also lags compared to SRW trucks.

If your fifth wheel is under 13,000 lbs, a ¾-ton or 1-ton SRW truck might suffice, but for larger trailers or frequent towing, a dually is the safer, more capable choice.

For a deeper dive into dually benefits, see Lifted Trucks’ guide to dually towing. Let’s explore the top dually trucks for fifth wheel towing, based on towing capacity, features, and performance.

1. Ford F-450 Super Duty

The Ford F-450 Super Duty reigns supreme for fifth wheel towing, offering a class-leading towing capacity of up to 37,000 lbs with a gooseneck hitch (or 30,000 lbs with a fifth wheel hitch).

Its robust chassis and powerful diesel engine make it a powerhouse for the largest trailers.

• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 (475 hp, 1,050 lb-ft torque)
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 37,000 lbs (gooseneck), 30,000 lbs (fifth wheel)
  • Payload Capacity: Up to 7,850 lbs
  • Key Features: Pro Trailer Backup Assist, 10-speed automatic transmission, fifth-wheel prep package, trailer sway control.
• Why It Stands Out: The F-450’s medium-duty chassis and advanced towing tech, like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, make it ideal for maneuvering massive fifth wheels. Its refined interior ensures comfort on long hauls. For detailed specs, check out AutoNation USA’s guide to top towing trucks.
• Best For: RVers towing massive fifth wheels (e.g., 40-foot toy haulers) who need unmatched power and safety.
• Downsides: Its high price and large size make it less practical for daily driving. The F-350 may suffice for slightly smaller trailers.
  Visual Suggestion: Include an image of the F-450 towing a luxury fifth wheel, captioned “Ford F-450 Super Duty hauling a 40-foot fifth wheel with ease.” Source from Ford’s media site or a licensed stock photo platform.

2. Ford F-350 Super Duty

The Ford F-350 Super Duty offers nearly as much towing power as the F-450 but with more configuration options and a lower price tag, making it a versatile choice for RVers.

• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 (475 hp, 1,050 lb-ft torque) or 7.3L gas V8
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 36,000 lbs (gooseneck), 25,000 lbs (conventional)
  • Payload Capacity: Up to 7,850 lbs
  • Key Features: Optional fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep package, high-capacity trailer tow package, military-grade aluminum-alloy body.
• Why It Stands Out: The F-350 balances power and flexibility, with a stiffer frame and responsive suspension for a smooth ride. It’s also available as an SRW for those who may downsize trailers later. Learn more about its capabilities in CarGurus’ 2025 dually truck roundup.
• Best For: RVers towing mid-to-large fifth wheels (up to 35,000 lbs) who want a truck versatile enough for non-towing tasks.
• Downsides: Diesel models are pricey, and fuel economy is lower than gas-powered SRW trucks.
  Visual Suggestion: Add an image of the F-350 towing a mid-size fifth wheel, captioned “Ford F-350 Super Duty: Versatile power for RV adventures.”

3. Ram 3500

The Ram 3500 combines brute strength with a luxurious interior, making it a top pick for RVers who value comfort as much as towing capability. Its high towing capacity handles large fifth wheels with ease.

• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 6.7L Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel I6 (400 hp, 1,000 lb-ft torque)
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 37,090 lbs (gooseneck), 25,000 lbs (conventional)
  • Payload Capacity: Up to 7,680 lbs
  • Key Features: Aisin transmission, optional rear air suspension, premium interior with 12-inch touchscreen.
• Why It Stands Out: The Ram 3500’s near-luxury interior and rear air suspension provide a smooth, comfortable ride. Its Cummins diesel delivers massive torque for steep grades. For more on its towing prowess, see RVing Insider’s top trucks for 2025.
• Best For: Full-time RVers towing large fifth wheels who want a plush cabin for long trips.
• Downsides: Some models are assembled in Mexico, which may concern buyers prioritizing U.S.-built trucks. The 68RFE transmission is less robust than the Aisin.
  Visual Suggestion: Include an image of the Ram 3500 with its air suspension in action, captioned “Ram 3500: Luxury meets heavy-duty towing.”

4. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is a reliable workhorse with a smooth ride and strong towing capabilities, perfect for RVers seeking a no-nonsense truck.

• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 (470 hp, 975 lb-ft torque)
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 36,000 lbs (gooseneck), 20,000 lbs (conventional)
  • Payload Capacity: Up to 7,442 lbs
  • Key Features: Gooseneck/fifth-wheel prep package, advanced trailering system, quiet cabin.
• Why It Stands Out: The Silverado 3500HD’s Duramax diesel is known for reliability, and its advanced trailering system includes features like transparent trailer view. Its smooth ride is a bonus, even when unloaded. Explore towing requirements further at etrailer.com’s fifth wheel towing guide.
• Best For: RVers towing mid-to-large fifth wheels who prioritize a smooth ride and dependability.
• Downsides: Its towing capacity is slightly lower than the F-450 or Ram 3500. The DEF tank’s placement may be vulnerable on rough roads.
  Visual Suggestion: Add an image of the Silverado 3500HD using its transparent trailer view, captioned “Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD: Advanced tech for safe towing.”

5. GMC Sierra 3500HD

A close cousin to the Silverado, the GMC Sierra 3500HD offers similar performance with a more upscale interior, ideal for RVers wanting a touch of luxury.

• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 (470 hp, 975 lb-ft torque)
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 36,000 lbs (gooseneck), 20,000 lbs (conventional)
  • Payload Capacity: Up to 7,442 lbs
  • Key Features: MultiPro tailgate, premium Denali trim, towing tech like transparent trailer view.
• Why It Stands Out: The Sierra 3500HD’s Denali trim feels like a luxury SUV, and its MultiPro tailgate adds versatility. Its towing tech matches the Silverado’s, making it a great choice for tech-savvy RVers.
• Best For: RVers towing large fifth wheels who want a premium interior and advanced towing features.
• Downsides: It’s pricier than the Silverado, and its towing capacity is slightly lower than top competitors.
  Visual Suggestion: Include an image of the Sierra 3500HD’s Denali trim towing a fifth wheel, captioned “GMC Sierra 3500HD: Luxury towing with the Denali trim.”

Emerging Trends in Dually Trucks for 2025

Dually trucks are evolving to meet RVers’ needs with advanced technology and efficiency improvements. Here are key trends shaping the market:

• Advanced Towing Tech: Features like Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, GM’s transparent trailer view, and Ram’s trailer tire pressure monitoring make towing safer and easier. These systems help even novice RVers handle large trailers confidently.
• Hybrid and Electric Options: While fully electric dually trucks are limited in 2025, Ford and GM are exploring hybrid powertrains to improve fuel economy without sacrificing torque, ideal for long RV trips.
• Lightweight Materials: Trucks like the Ford F-350 use aluminum-alloy bodies to reduce weight while maintaining strength, boosting fuel efficiency for heavy-duty towing.
  For more on these advancements, check RVing Insider’s 2025 truck trends.

Real RVers’ Experiences with Dually Trucks

Hearing from real RVers can help you choose the right truck. Here are insights from the RVing community:

• John, a full-time RVer from Texas, shared on an RV forum: “My Ram 3500’s air suspension makes towing my 38-foot fifth wheel on mountain roads feel effortless. The cabin is like a living room!”
• Sarah, an RV enthusiast, posted about her Ford F-450: “I tow a 40-foot toy hauler, and the F-450’s stability is unmatched, especially in crosswinds. It’s a game-changer.”
• Mike, a part-time RVer, praised his GMC Sierra 3500HD: “The Denali trim feels luxurious, and the MultiPro tailgate is perfect for loading my ATVs.”
  These experiences highlight the real-world benefits of dually trucks. For more RVer stories, explore RVing Insider’s community forums.

Safety Tips for Fifth Wheel Towing with a Dually Truck

Towing a fifth wheel safely requires preparation and the right equipment. Here are essential tips:

• Check Weight Ratings: Ensure your truck’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and payload capacity exceed your trailer’s GVWR and pin weight by 20% for a safety margin.
• Use a Quality Hitch: Invest in a heavy-duty fifth wheel hitch (e.g., B&W or Reese) rated for your trailer’s weight. Learn more at etrailer.com’s hitch selection guide.
• Adjust for Load Distribution: Use a weight distribution system or air bags to balance the load and prevent suspension strain.
• Monitor Tire Pressure: Check all six tires regularly, as dually trucks rely on proper inflation for stability. A trailer tire pressure monitoring system is a smart add-on.
• Practice Maneuvering: Use an empty lot to practice backing up and turning to master tight campsite maneuvers.
  Visual Suggestion: Embed a YouTube video from a trusted channel (e.g., Ford or an RVing outlet) showing a dually truck towing a fifth wheel, captioned “Watch the Ford F-450 handle a fifth wheel with ease.”

Choosing the Right Dually Truck

Selecting the best dually truck for fifth wheel towing depends on several factors:

• Trailer Weight: Ensure the truck’s towing and payload capacities exceed your fifth wheel’s GVWR and pin weight by at least 20% for safety. Dually trucks are ideal for trailers over 15,000 lbs.
• Bed Length: An 8-foot long bed offers the best clearance for tight turns. Short beds (6.5 feet) may require a sliding hitch, adding cost.
• Engine Type: Diesel engines (Power Stroke, Cummins, Duramax) provide superior torque for heavy towing, especially at high elevations. Gas engines are cheaper but may struggle with large loads.
• Towing Features: Look for factory-installed fifth-wheel prep packages, trailer sway control, and backup assist systems for easier towing.
• Daily Driving: Dually trucks are wide and less maneuverable, so consider their practicality for non-towing tasks. SRW trucks may be better for smaller trailers or frequent city driving.
• Maintenance Costs: Six tires and diesel maintenance increase ownership costs. Budget for higher fuel (8–12 mpg when towing) and upkeep expenses.

Do You Need a Dually Truck?

For fifth wheels under 13,000 lbs, a ¾-ton or 1-ton SRW truck (e.g., Ford F-250 or Ram 2500) may be sufficient, offering better fuel economy and easier handling.

However, for large trailers—especially 40-foot luxury models or toy haulers—a dually’s stability and capacity are unmatched.

A rancher quoted in a 2016 blog post noted that switching to a dually for his 40-foot toy hauler was “night and day” compared to an SRW, highlighting the stability difference.

Wrapping Up

The best dually truck for fifth wheel towing depends on your trailer’s size, budget, and driving needs.

The Ford F-450 Super Duty leads with unmatched towing capacity, while the Ford F-350 Super Duty offers a balance of power and versatility.

The Ram 3500 excels in comfort, and the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and GMC Sierra 3500HD deliver smooth rides and reliability.

Test-drive your top choices and verify specs against your trailer’s weight requirements to ensure safe, stress-free towing. For more insights, explore resources like AutoNation USA or etrailer.com.

Which dually truck is your top pick for fifth wheel towing? Share your thoughts in the comments or sign up for our newsletter for more RV towing tips!