mrcllusb, We owned a Chevy Kodiak 4500 with the Chariot Vans upfitted conversion. We had the Aluminum Hauler bed, with the upgraded interior. Awesome rap around bucket front seats with a electric rear fold down seat. Link Air Ride suspension, Air ride bucket seats, had a dump valve on the dash to let the rear of the Truck (kneel) about 6" great for hooking and unhooking and if you wanted to stay hook to the Truck you could level front to rear. Also had a 98 gal in bed fuel tank, and when all tanks were full would hold 148 gals and a Trailer Saver air ride 5th wheel hitch. The Kodiak was the best riding Truck we have owned. If we hadn't quit full timing we might still have the Kodiak. The Chevy Kodiak as we had it upfitted was the ultimate Truck to tow a 5th wheel. We had a GVCW or 17,500 and towing weight of 26,000 lbs. You must keep in mind if your 5th wheel weight is 16,500 you will be over the 26,000 if you are equipped the same as our Kodiak was. The Chevy Kodiak 4500 when full of fuel and ready to tow we had a weight of 10,900 lbs. When we were towing our Cambridge we were at 27,600 lbs. The Kodiak handled the weight with no problem, and didn't have to use the 5th wheel brakes to stop the load. However we did have Disk Brakes, and I highly recomend the Disk Brake option unless you 5th wheel comes with the Disk Brakes as standard equipped as our Mobile Suites did. Good Luck with your choice. GBY....
P.S. Thank you for your service to our Country........