Will It Tow?
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (6.6L Duramax V8) with the 2027 Heartland Bighorn 38RE at its full GVWR of 17,995 lb, two adults and a dog aboard and a weight-distribution hitch.
Over on payload.
- Tow rating: Not sure yet (17,995 lb camper, rating 11,170 to 22,430 lb)
- Payload: Over by 37 lb (4,059 to 5,319 lb used, payload 3,195 to 4,022 lb)
- Truck and trailer together: Not sure yet (, GCWR 24,500 to 30,000 lb)
Check it with your own numbers- Fifth wheel hitch (needed): Rated for at least your camper's weight (17,995 lb) and about 4,500 lb of pin weight. That points to a 18K-class hitch or bigger. It mounts in the bed over the rear axle.
- Weight distribution and sway control (not needed): Fifth wheels ride on a hitch over the truck's rear axle, which makes them much more stable than a bumper-pull. These are for travel trailers.
- Short bed? (check): With a bed under 8 ft, use a slider hitch or a pin box made for short beds so the camper clears your cab on tight turns.
- Brake controller (needed): Your camper has electric brakes, and the controller in your cab runs them. Many newer trucks have one built in.
- Measure your pin weight (tip): We're estimating 3,239 to 4,499 lb. A CAT scale weigh, hitched and unhitched, gives you the real number. Enter it in step 2.
Hitches make towing steadier, but none of them raise your tow rating or payload. The hitch itself counts against payload.
Ratings come from manufacturer towing guides and spec sheets. These are planning estimates, not a safety guarantee. Your truck and camper stickers, your owner's manual and a scale always win.