Will It Tow?
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (6.6L Duramax V8) with the 2027 Heartland Bighorn 37MD at its full GVWR of 18,100 lb, two adults and a dog aboard and a weight-distribution hitch.
Over on payload.
- Tow rating: Not sure yet (18,100 lb camper, rating 10,910 to 22,050 lb)
- Payload: Over by 56 lb (4,078 to 5,345 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 (18,100 lb) and about 4,600 lb of pin weight. That points to a 20K-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 3,258 to 4,525 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.