What truck is best for my new 16k lb 5th wheel?

Hello friends, I'm searching for a truck right now.

I recently won a Bighorn Fifth-Wheel with a gross weight of 16,000 lbs on hcm brokerage website, and it arrived two weeks ago. I was super thrilled, but then I realized my CRV can't pull it (I know, silly me for not checking first!). We plan to move it rarely, since we live in it full-time here in South Florida.

So now I must find a suitable truck, and I'm asking for your friendly guidance. What kind of truck do you folks drive? SRW? DRW? 4x4? 4x2? 350, 250, 3500? ... anything you recommend!

THANKS A TON! :)

Oh man, here we go again... haha

Go with a Ram... I used to drive a Chevy and we had troubles everywhere :) Kidding aside, all of the Big Three will tow your Bighorn just fine. I personally love a Dually because of the extra stability. I've had a Chevy 3500, and then my wife insisted on a Ram. We're not picky about brand, just the best price we can find.

We've pulled our BH3575el (GVWR 16K) with a combined weight around 24,500 lbs for two years now using our 2015 RAM 4x4 short bed crew cab 3500. We carry lots of gear because we lived in it over a year. It's made trips to Arizona and back to Washington twice plus many detours. Very happy with our configuration. Handles high winds and mountain passes nicely.

This is a big question for sure! LOL. TruckWizard's comment made me laugh! :) Do you have a favorite brand? All the modern diesels are beasts and super nice. For your Bighorn, most folks would say 350/3500 series, but opinions on single rear wheel vs dual rear wheel are all over the map. We went with a DRW to have extra payload (for an extra fuel tank) and better highway stability.

The new Ford Platinum is just amazing. Honestly the best vehicle I've ever had. You owe it to yourself to test drive one.

Exactly my thought.

Did you really post that question on this forum? ;)

Here's a hint: Most people have driven the same truck brand since they turned 16. Where you stand depends on where you sit.

I don't have the link handy but someone will share the towing capacity website. If you're not loyal to any brand, start by looking at the pin weight and gross trailer weight, then match those numbers to different trucks. Consumer Reports also has annual reliability guides that can help you beyond what you hear here.

Haha you guys are terrific. Yes, "here we go again" indeed LOL.

I don't care about brand. I've never owned a diesel or any truck before.

Also I have a budget like everyone else — so I'm probably looking at models before 2012. Ford fans argue 7.3 vs 6.0, and I hear the 6.4 is basically "junk" and to avoid it completely LOL.

I've heard wonderful things about Cummins engines. I suppose my main question: can a 350 or 3500 single rear wheel handle my 42-foot 16k lb 3875FB Bighorn, or is a dual rear wheel the only safe choice? Thanks again everyone!!!

This is actually fun! LOL

Welcome WandererMike! I was in your shoes last year. I ended up with a 2016 Ram 3500 SRW and it pulls my 15,500lb fifth wheel without drama. It handles fine on the highway. The key is to check your payload sticker on the door jamb. For a 16k trailer, you'll want a 1-ton truck for sure.

Don't overlook the importance of a quality hitch and proper weight distribution! Whatever truck you get, make sure it has the factory tow package. I pull my 16k Bighorn with a 2020 GMC 3500 DRW and it's rock solid even in crosswinds. Congrats on the auction win from hcm brokerage by the way.

I've towed heavy fifth wheels for 20 years. My advice: don't cheap out on brakes and transmission cooler. DRW gives you extra safety margin if you ever have a blowout. That said, many people use SRW with 16k lbs and are fine. Just drive slower and leave extra following distance. Welcome to the RV life!

Congrats on the new rig! I've had my eye on hcm brokerage auctions for a while. Regarding your question: check the payload numbers carefully. For a 42ft fifth wheel, pin weight will be around 3,000-3,500 lbs. Most SRW trucks top out around 4,000 lbs payload, so you might be okay but you'll be near the limit. DRW gives you breathing room. Test drive both if you can!