When it comes to towing, a fifth-wheel trailer offers some of the highest towing capacities. But, it can be difficult to know what kind of truck you need in order to tow a fifth-wheel trailer. It is important to understand the differences between a short bed truck and a long bed truck, as well as what size fifth-wheel trailer you can pull with each.
Short Bed Trucks
Short bed trucks are generally considered to be any pickup truck with a bed length of 6.5 feet or less.
This makes them ideal for city driving, as they are easier to maneuver and park than their long bed counterparts. However, when it comes to pulling a fifth-wheel trailer, short bed trucks have some limitations. Generally, the maximum amount of weight that can be safely towed by a short bed truck is between 8,000 and 10,000 pounds. This means that you should look for fifth-wheel trailers that weigh no more than this amount when considering using a short bed truck.
Long Bed Trucks
Long bed trucks are typically any pickup with a bed length greater than 6.5 feet. These trucks offer more stability when pulling heavy loads and have higher towing capacities than short bed trucks. When pulling a fifth-wheel trailer with a long bed truck, the maximum recommended weight is usually around 12,000 pounds or more depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while you can use a short bed truck to pull a fifth-wheel trailer, it is important to understand the limitations of your vehicle before doing so. Short beds are generally limited in their capacity for weight and size of trailer they can handle while long beds tend to offer more stability and higher capacities for heavier loads. Ultimately it is important that you know what your vehicle is capable of in order to safely tow your fifth-wheel trailer.
