Ray, you were not clear if you are in the market for a new or used truck. In my opinion pulling a 36' 5th wheel with a non dually short bed is not the best choice of truck. We full-timed in a 38' 5th wheel for 3.5 years and having a crew cab, dually is definitely the safest way to go with a large trailer. Additionally with a short bed you may have a clearance issue between the front corner of the trailer and the back of the truck cab in sharp turns. A sliding 5th wheel plate would solve that clearance issue. Back to the truck (if used), I would stay with Duramax Allison, 2006 and newer because of the six speed Allison. I like the paddle shift in manual mode for towing in mountains and the dually stays stable on a windy day.
Welcome back & Good luck
John
*2006 Chevy, 3500, 4X4, DRW, (LBZ) D/A, CC, LT, 252K Miles, 19.5" Wheels, Mag Hytec Transmission Pan and Differential Cover, SS Grill Guard, Racor 2 micron aux fuel filter, 100 Gallon Aux Fuel Tank, using Edge Evolution, Predator Diablosport, Kennedy ECM tune, Fitch Fuel Catalyst.
*2006 Four Winds, Dutchman, 36', RV, D/A, 5500 Kodiak.
*1993 Harley Davidson, Turbo charged, Springer Softail.
*2007 Pontiac Solstice.
*2005 Jeep, Liberty, CRD (diesel).
*Full-timing in USA, see America first.
BUY AMERICAN or CANADIAN, NOTHING from CHINA .