Fifth Wheel Hitch Weight Classification

[glend]

I am currently using a Reese 16K Select Series Slider. Through time I have moved up to a GJ with a empthy weight of 11,869 and GWV of 15,470. As I understand the towing capacity principles I am still okay with the 16K hitch?

We are considering an upgrade to a heavier trailer with a 13,400 empty weight and 17,500 GWV. Using my common sense rule I would for sure think at that point I would need to upgrade my hitch to at least a 18K series or better?

Any expert hitch advice would be appreciated.

Thanks, Glen from MS

[glend]

I am currently using a Reese 16K Select Series Slider. Through time I have moved up to a GJ with a empthy weight of 11,869 and GWV of 15,470. As I understand the towing capacity principles I am still okay with the 16K hitch?

We are considering an upgrade to a heavier trailer with a 13,400 empty weight and 17,500 GWV. Using my common sense rule I would for sure think at that point I would need to upgrade my hitch to at least a 18K series or better?

Any expert hitch advice would be appreciated.

Thanks, Glen from MS

[Ray,IN]

You are correct. I used a Reese 15K classic to tow a 5er with a GVW of 10,700#. When we bought our Grand Junction 35TMS it has a GVW of 15,600#, which put our hitch into the un-safe category although I did tow with the 15k hitch a few times. I purchased a Reese 20K hitch and immediately felt a more solid connection between the truck and 5er.

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

I'd agree with Ray, in that I would not run with a hitch rated for less than the 5th wheel weighs.

The cost to upgrade the hitch is small compared to what not upgrading could cost in a worst case scenario.

[FiverBob]

I would highly recommend considering carefully an air hitch. As long as you are making the change, do yourself a favor - - improve your ride, decrease the cushioning on your fiver framing and the contents. Get a four way movement hitch something like the Air Safe. Their 25K version has a Holland head on it that is dramatically more secure than the average head. More money, but sure worth it. Takes the herky jerkies out of life.

Bob

[K-Star]

Glen

The hitch you have now if fine with your current trailer as long as the ACTUAL weight of the trailer is under the GVWR of the trailer. However, if you go to a new rig with the weight you mentioned, you will need a new hitch with a higher rating.