What truck should I get for my new 16,000 lb 5th wheel?

Hey friends, I'm on the hunt for a truck.

I recently won a Bighorn Fifth-Wheel weighing 16,000 lbs through HMC Brokerage, and it arrived two weeks ago. I was super excited, but then reality hit — my CRV can't pull this beast (I know, I should have checked first!). We live in it full-time in South Florida and only plan to move it occasionally.

So now I need to find a proper truck. What do you folks drive? SRW? DRW? 4x4? 4x2? 350, 250, 3500? Hit me with your recommendations!

THANKS A BUNCH! :)

Oh boy, here we go again... haha

Go with a Ram... I used to drive a Chevy and had nothing but trouble :) Just kidding — all the Big Three will pull your Bighorn just fine. I personally love a Dually for the extra stability. I had a Chevy 3500, then my wife insisted on a Ram. We're not loyal to any 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 a lot of gear because we lived in it for over a year. It's done trips to Arizona and back to Washington twice plus other detours. Very happy with our setup. Handles high winds and mountain passes really well.

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

The new Ford Platinum is simply incredible. Honestly the best vehicle I've ever owned. You owe it to yourself to take one for a test drive.

Exactly what I was thinking.

Did you really ask that question here? ;)

Here's a hint: Most people have driven the same truck brand since they were 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 pin weight and gross trailer weight, then match those numbers to different trucks. Consumer Reports also has annual reliability guides that can help beyond what you hear here.

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

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

I'm also on 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 great things about Cummins engines. I guess 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 any drama. It handles fine on the highway. The key is checking your payload sticker on the door jamb. For a 16k trailer, you'll definitely want a 1-ton truck.

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 HMC 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 an extra safety margin if you ever have a blowout. That said, many people use SRW with 16k lbs and are just fine. Just drive a little slower and leave extra following distance. Welcome to the RV life!

Congrats on the new rig! I've had my eye on HMC 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!