When it comes to fifth wheel trailers, not all pickup trucks are created equal. Some require a long bed truck to pull a fifth wheel trailer, while others can get away with a short bed truck. So, what is the difference between the two and do you have to have a long bed truck to pull a fifth wheel trailer?
The main difference between short bed and long bed trucks is the length of their cargo beds. Short bed trucks typically have cargo beds measuring 6-feet or less in length, while long bed trucks usually measure 8-feet or more. Longer beds provide more space for hauling larger items and are generally better suited for towing large trailers such as fifth wheels.
When it comes to towing fifth wheels with short bed trucks, there are some considerations that must be taken into account. For starters, the trailer’s tongue weight must be taken into account.
The tongue weight is the downward pressure that is placed on the truck’s hitch due to the trailer’s weight. Ideally, this should not exceed 15% of the truck’s total weight capacity in order for the truck to safely tow the trailer without any issues.
Another factor that should be taken into consideration is ground clearance. Fifth wheels generally require more ground clearance than other types of trailers due to their design. Short bed trucks often don’t provide enough ground clearance for a fifth wheel and can result in bottoming out or other damage if not properly adjusted.
Overall, you don’t necessarily have to have a long bed truck in order to pull a fifth wheel trailer, but there are certain considerations that must be taken into account before doing so. It’s important to ensure that your vehicle has enough tongue weight capacity and ground clearance in order for it to safely tow your fifth wheel without any issues.
Conclusion:
Do You Have To Have A Long Bed Truck To Pull 5th Wheel? It depends on your vehicle’s ability to handle tongue weight and ground clearance when considering pulling a 5th Wheel with either a short or long bed truck. Be sure your vehicle can handle these requirements before attempting this task as failure could cause damage or even injury.
