Ford F-250 or Ram 1500 to Tow a 2000 Damon Challenger 34 Foot 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2000 damon challenger 34 5th wheel and I was wondering what truck I should get to pull it distances. I have a ford f150 with a 6 with an 8 foot bed and I know its not capable of towing it. I have been looking at F250 with an 8ft bed or a ram 1500 diesel.

asked by: James M

Expert Reply:

From what I could find your 2000 Damon Challenger weighs around 9,400 pounds. This should be right in the wheelhouse for a 1-ton and some 3/4 tons. I would not select a 1/2 ton truck to tow this trailer.

The best trucks to tow 5th wheel trailers are 1-ton (3500/350 series) with long beds and diesel motors but gas would be fine too. Trucks with 2-wheel drive actually have higher towing capacities than 4-wheel drive models.

So if you are choosing between the F-250 and a 1500 Ram, the F-250 would be the better choice. But for any truck check the owners manual for its towing capacity to determine if it can indeed handle the weight of your 5th wheel trailer.

Once you have the truck I will be happy to make some installation kit and hitch recommendations for you.

expert reply by: Michael H