Ford, Chevy, Dodge, anyone stand out for 5th wheels

[Lowmiler]

From a raw spec standpoint, all three 1 ton dually versions are up to the task of a fifth wheel. If you plan on going north of 24k lbs actual trailer weight, then you will be running into a limit with the GM truck, but that's not really an issue with any 5ers out there. Both the Dodge and Ford models have significantly higher towing capacity.

In terms of other functions, my humble opinion is that Ford has them all beat right now. And I'm a GMC guy for the last 14 years.

Ford has a technology package that is rich in features related to towing:

7 cameras to aid in situational awareness and hitching,

integrated TPMS for truck, and optional for trailer (it requires some hardwiring),

adaptive cruise control to make long freeway stints less fatiguing,

"massaging" seats (on King Ranch and Platinum) to also help with fatigue,

integrated relayed upfitter switches for easy accessory additions,

and, technology aside, arguably better forward visibility vs GM due to the lack of the hood scoop (looks cool from the outside, but blocks near center vision when driving, first-hand experience).

I'm now a Ford fan and spec'ing out an F350 PS Platinum Dually.

[bzeller]

Originally Posted by Lowmiler

From a raw spec standpoint, all three 1 ton dually versions are up to the task of a fifth wheel. If you plan on going north of 24k lbs actual trailer weight, then you will be running into a limit with the GM truck, but that's not really an issue with any 5ers out there. Both the Dodge and Ford models have significantly higher towing capacity.



In terms of other functions, my humble opinion is that Ford has them all beat right now. And I'm a GMC guy for the last 14 years.



Ford has a technology package that is rich in features related to towing:



7 cameras to aid in situational awareness and hitching,



integrated TPMS for truck, and optional for trailer (it requires some hardwiring),



adaptive cruise control to make long freeway stints less fatiguing,



"massaging" seats (on King Ranch and Platinum) to also help with fatigue,



integrated relayed upfitter switches for easy accessory additions,



and, technology aside, arguably better forward visibility vs GM due to the lack of the hood scoop (looks cool from the outside, but blocks near center vision when driving, first-hand experience).



I'm now a Ford fan and spec'ing out an F350 PS Platinum Dually.

Ditto, I’m a GM guy as well but purchased a ‘17 F350 because of many of the features you just listed.


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[NewBlackDak]

Originally Posted by bzeller

Ditto, I’m a GM guy as well but purchased a ‘17 F350 because of many of the features you just listed.


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I’m fighting the same thing. I’ve had 2 very bad Ford experiences in the last 20 years(Mustang and and F-150), but the new F-350 is calling to me.


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[Sundancer330]

This question is like asking which beer will get me the best buzz on Friday night and feel good the next morning. It looks like after three pages of answers there is no real winner as to be expected. You have to go with what works best to you, there is no best truck.

[bankr63]

Originally Posted by Sundancer330

This question is like asking which beer will get me the best buzz on Friday night and feel good the next morning. It looks like after three pages of answers there is no real winner as to be expected. You have to go with what works best to you, there is no best truck.

Shhh! Don't tell the guys at Truck Trend magazine that! They spend all their time trying to prove what is the best truck for _______ (fill in the blank). I always enjoy reading the showdowns...

[2nOZ]

QUOTE-I thought I read that Ford and Ram beds are built too high for level trailering.QUOTE

I have a 2017 F250 Lariat off road with 20" wheels. Side rail height is 60". Just purchased a 2018 Eagle HT 28.5. We ride near level. Inch and a half difference from front to rear.

[bluegill1]

Being I was planning on the truck being my daily driver, that kinda rules out any duelly.

[bluegill1]

I should've mentioned that we generally always camp only about an hour from home.

[PlayersZ28]

Originally Posted by bluegill1

Being I was planning on the truck being my daily driver, that kinda rules out any duelly.

I dailied my dually for 3 yrs but it is a bit of a pain. You end up parking further out in the lot so people don't get p'd off when you take 4 spots

[David472]

Originally Posted by bluegill1

I should've mentioned that we generally always camp only about an hour from home.

You are interested in gas TV performance with your planned 5er. Here is ours which is similar for weight.

Our 2013 Eagle 31.5RLDS is 10,300 lbs loaded with our stuff and about 20 gallons of FW. Pin weight is 2300 lbs (about 300 more than published numbers). The GVWR of this 5er is 11,500.

Our 2009 GMC 2500 is the 6.0 gas engine. We have no trouble towing this combo thru the mountains of KY and TN, but we don't win any drag races. By the CAT scale, we are within the weight ratings of the TV, but is the max 5er I would consider. Any more 5er and I would go with a 3500 diesel from any of the big 3.

If you're worried about box rail height of a new truck, I've heard the 2wd versions are about 2 inches less tall.

That has been my experience, other people's experience may vary.

[VE6CPU]

Well since everyone else is posting...

I have a 2016 Chevy 2500HD LTZ Crew Cab Short Box Z71 4x4. Wow that's almost as long as the truck! Any way, with this rig I'm pulling a Eagle HT 26.5 BHS and I'm over the trucks 10K GVWR with the trailer loaded and family + dog by 300 to 400 pounds. That's mostly because the truck is a CC SH Z71 LTZ. All of that extra stuff really starts to weigh it down. Now I could just get a regular LT non crew cab and just bring the dog camping but I think my wife might leave me

[etex211]

That trailer you posted isn't really all that heavy. Any of the biggest gas motors from the big three will be fine towing that.

The only thing I will recommend is an eight foot bed. That's a standard recommendation for any gooseneck or fifth wheel application.

I also recommend a dually over a three quarter ton truck. Your towing experience will be much better.

[repacs0103]

No need for a diesel.... but they’ll be a lot more fun to pull with! And 8’ bed is unnecessary unless you want it and far from the norm these days.

They’re all good trucks. I’ve driven all 3 in the past month so here’s my assessment:

-The Cummins/Aisin is awesome torquey and sounds like a big rig but as usual the Ram interior lags behind the other 2. (Fit & finish and materials quality)

-The Allison takes the cake but the Duramax feels more sluggish than it should in front of that trans in stock form. The GM trucks ride great and are the quietest, most car like of the 3.

-I feel the Ford is a good blend of truck brashness and fancy options. It does ride rougher, but the 6.7 psd is the hotrod of the 3 current diesels.


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[nolafrommaine]

Good evening Ruth, How do you find the quality of the Jayco? We've ordered a 2018 Jayco Eagle 5th wheel 26.5RLDS. Thank you for any information.

[nolafrommaine]

Forgot to say HT!

[triplebvalp]

Originally Posted by nolafrommaine

Good evening Ruth, How do you find the quality of the Jayco? We've ordered a 2018 Jayco Eagle 5th wheel 26.5RLDS. Thank you for any information.

nolafrommaine, you might want to start a new thread in the Fifth Wheel section since this is a thread about different trucks.

[Iraqvet05]

Originally Posted by VE6CPU

Well since everyone else is posting...
snip..
That's mostly because the truck is a CC SH Z71 LTZ. All of that extra stuff really starts to weigh it down.

I had a 2007 1500 CC Silverado with the Z71 package. Out of curiosity I did some research and found the Z71 package was just added aftermarket shocks, some stickers and a few skid plates. Why a 2WD needed skid plates I will never understand. The Z71 package is also available on the Colorado. I think the package is just a marketing gimmick for Chevy but doesn't add any measurable amount of weight to the truck.

[namusmc65]

Originally Posted by 2nOZ

QUOTE-I thought I read that Ford and Ram beds are built too high for level trailering.QUOTE

I have a 2017 F250 Lariat off road with 20" wheels. Side rail height is 60". Just purchased a 2018 Eagle HT 28.5. We ride near level. Inch and a half difference from front to rear.

That may be with the HT towables, but it is not a problem with the larger 5th wheels. I am pulling a 36 foot Jayco Eagle 33.5 RETS with a 2015 2500 Diesel and it sits perfectly straight and level at hookup. I have been pulling this 2014 unit with two different short bed Rams and have never had to use the slider. You just have to pay close attention to what you are doing if you are backing into a tight spot. It is never even close as long as you are pulling forward.

[bdreinv]

Have 06 Ram 3500 dully bought new,replaced master cylinder and ECM for Cummins motor, have 155K.Our 16 Eagle dry weight is 10K. Would opt for 3:73 vs 4:10 for better fuel mileage.

[Marine71-76]

We have a 2008 F450 super duty dually diesel & yes, we purchased it with the next trailer in mind. Prefer Fords. At one time would have preferred Ram but they didn't have the 4 door which we needed when the kids were still at home.