Nowadays, the versatility of pickups has raised their popularity as utility, family, and road trip vehicles. We have researched the different truck brands as well as their hauling performances, and here's what we've found.
There are about 50 different truck brands available in the world market. The foremost brands of American trucks are:
- Ford
- Chevrolet
- Ram
- GMC Asian manufacturers include Toyota, Nissan, lsuzu, Mitsubishi, Honda, Mazda, and Hyundai. Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Renault are European-made.
Asian manufacturers include:
- Toyota
- Nissan
- lsuzu
- Mitsubishi
- Honda
- Mazda
- Hyundai
Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Renault are European truck manufacturers.
These popular truck brands design and manufacture quality vehicles that are proven to be competitive in the world market. Depending on their configurations, pickups are capable of towing travel trailers, 5th wheels, campers, and other similar equipment.
Read on and find out more about their payload and towing capabilities.
What Is America's #1 Truck?
For the past 40 years or so, Ford has been considered as America's # 1 truck brand in terms of popularity and sales. This may be attributed to the fact that the company is the pioneer in the manufacture of pickup trucks.
The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and developed the first pickup truck in 1925 initially as a utility vehicle. Eventually, they gained popularity as an all-around family vehicle.
Which Country Manufactures The Most Trucks?
Surprisingly, inasmuch as trucks are considered "All-American" vehicles, China leads all countries in its manufacture with a total of 2,217,847.
Japan comes in second, producing 506,393 trucks. And the United States takes third place, manufacturing 346,366 pickup trucks.
What Company Sells The Most Trucks Worldwide?
Not only is Ford America's #1 truck, but it also sells the most pickups worldwide. In 2017, the company has sold 1.1 million trucks worldwide, reestablishing its dominance as the best vehicle in its class.
What Are The Best Trucks For Towing A 5th Wheel?
Since 5th wheels are larger and heavier as compared to other towed RVs, you would need a truck with a large bed, incredibly high engine power, and towing capacity.
By choosing a pickup with the right specifications, it will not be difficult to haul a 5th wheel during vacations and family outings. Here are the top five truck brands for towing a 5th wheel:
Top 5 Trucks To Tow 5th Wheel
| Brand | Payload Capacity | Towing Capacity |
| Dodge Ram 3500 | 7,680 lbs | 37,000 lbs |
| Chevrolet Silverado 3600HD | 7,442 lbs | 36,000 lbs |
| Ford F-450 Super Duty | 5,400 - 6,300 lbs | 21,000 - 24,000 lbs |
| Ford F-350 | 7,044 lbs | 21,000 lbs |
| GMC Siera 3500HD | 4,534 lbs | 17,200 lbs |
What Are The Best Trucks For Towing A Travel Trailer?
Travel trailers are available in various sizes and designs. They do not weigh as much as 5th wheels, but you'll still need to use a truck that can accommodate the travel trailer's weight and dimensions.
Here are the top five truck brands for towing a travel trailer:
Top 5 Trucks To Tow Travel Trailers
| Brand | Payload Capacity | Towing Capacity |
| Ford F-150 | 1,985 - 3,325 lbs | 8,200 - 14,000 lbs |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2,280 lbs | Up to 13,300 lbs |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | Up to 5,420 lbs | Up to 13,000 lbs |
| RAM 1500 | Up to 2,300 lbs | Up to 12, 750 lbs |
| Nissan Titan XD | Up to 2,390 lbs | Up to 11,040 lbs |
5th Wheels And Travel Trailers: A Comparison
A travel trailer and a 5th wheel are two types of towable recreational vehicles or RVs that have significant differences. Both feature certain advantages that may address your needs when going on trips. But the relative sizes and costs are what sets them apart.
5th Wheel Trailers
Fifth wheels feature more comfort and luxury than other RV types making them considerably larger, heavier, and more expensive. However, their unique design renders 5th wheels more stable, safer, and easier to tow.
The essential difference that sets the 5th wheel apart from other RVs is its hitch or hook-up design. Trailers and campers are towed by attachments behind the rear bumper creating a single link that is relatively unstable.
The 5th wheel's front end is secured in the bed of the truck near or over the rear axle distributing the load more evenly. This results in greater stability and maneuverability in towing conditions.
Features
Fifth wheels feature multiple level quarters equipped with a living space, separate bedrooms, and bathrooms, a kitchen, and a dining area.
Most models are furnished with appliances like TVs, ovens, refrigerators, and even fireplaces, generators, and slide-outs that provide additional space when parked. It simply is the equivalent of a small house on wheels.
Cost
The value of a 5th wheel is another factor that separates it from other trailers. The price essentially depends on its size and amenities, which can range from a more basic model of $36,000 to a high-end edition costing $135,000.
However, the wide scope of difference gives you multiple options on how to reconcile the utility and function of the RV with the available budget.
Weight
Since 5th wheels are larger and heavier, they require pickup trucks with considerable towing power. This translates into greater fuel consumption and decreased mileage. The average weight of a 5th wheel ranges from 13,000 pounds when empty, and a gross weight of 18,000 pounds.
Fifth wheels take up most of the truck bed and limit the available cargo space in your pickup. This means you may not be able to load bikes, small boats, large camping gear, or other equipment. However, there is ample storage at the base of most 5th wheels.
Travel Trailer
Travel trailers are the most popular type of towed RVs that are available in various sizes and designs. It will not be difficult for you to choose which camper suits your needs.
Due to their relative dimensions, traveler trailers can be towed by regular vehicles such as a sedan or SUV. Besides, a trailer can easily be unhitched from your vehicle, making it possible for you to drive around freely to explore.
Features
A standard trailer features basic amenities which include a sleeping area, kitchen, storage, seating room, and bathroom. The number of rooms and available space will depend on the type of travel trailer you intend to purchase.
Cost
Apart from its general features, a newly purchased travel trailer costs considerably less than a 5th wheel. The price ranges between $11,000 and $35,000 which is actually a fair cost if you are looking for a simple camping getaway with your family or friends.
Weight
The weight of a travel trailer is between 1,200 to 9,000 pounds. Owning one is fairly convenient because it will not be necessary to acquire a truck with a high towing capacity. This translates to better mileage and low fuel consumption.
Since travel trailers are hitched onto your vehicle, the cargo space on the back of a truck can be utilized to transport camping necessities or other similar items such as small boats, jet skis, bikes, and other equipment.
How Much Weight Can My Truck Tow?
Manufacturers indicate the maximum towing capacities of trucks they design in the owner's manual. However, these calculations only assume that the vehicle is carrying only the driver.
You will have to determine the curb weight along with the passenger weight, all the gears, and similar equipment that will be transported by your vehicle to determine the weight it can carry and subtract it from your truck's Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) - which can also be found on the manual.
To illustrate, your truck has a GCVWR of 15,000 lbs, and a curb weight of 5,500 lbs. The cargo space is already carrying 3,000 lbs of gear and other items.
Add the curb weight and the payload mass, and subtract it from the GCVWR. Your truck's remaining towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.
A truck's payload and towing capacity are based on its general configurations - engine, fuel type, and drivetrain. These three components contribute to its overall hauling performance.
In Closing
Trucks are capable of towing heavy equipment, 5th wheels, and travel trailers. The vehicle's configurations greatly determine its capacity to transport and haul cargo - you best choose one that suits your needs. We hope the article helped you decide which truck suits your preference.
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