Deciding Between Ford, Chevy, and Dodge 1 Ton Pickups for Towing an 18K 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I will be using a 1 ton to pull a 18,000 fifth wheel. What is the best diesel engine to accomplish that task? The Cummings Diesel, the Turbo-Stroke I think, or something else. Looking at the Ford, Chevy, and Dodge trucks.

asked by: Craig M

Expert Reply:

I wish I had a direct answer for you but it really boils down to what you are looking for in a truck. Using a bigger 1 ton for towing is an excellent idea, but when comparing Ford, Chevy, and Dodge trucks a lot of it comes down to brand loyalty, gas mileage, and perks of the trucks. The perks can greatly vary depending on what years you are looking at and how much you are willing to spend as well.

You already are going in the right direction with the heavier vehicles so if I were you I would see what is available for your budget and then jump in to some forums and do some reading. People in forums are extremely candid so you should be able to verify or rule out different options that you are looking into. I tend to lean more towards Ford but that is because my grandpa and my dad both had Ford pickups. Chevy and Dodge pickups are just as good and are probably better for some applications.

If you let me know what you ultimately end up going with I would be more than happy to help you get any additional equipment, like a 5th wheel hitch, so that you can get to towing! I have attached some helpful articles that you may want to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jon G