5th Wheel for mountain camping - OK for my PU?

[mtnliving]

Hi all. First time on this site and first experience with a 5th wheel. I have a 2005 Dodge Ram SLT Quad Cab 4x4 6.25' Bed w/4 speed automatic 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. 13,050 tow lbs.; GVWR 9,000 lbs.; Payload 2,187 lbs.; Curb Weight 6813 lbs.; GAWR Front/Rear 5,200 lbs./6,010 lbs.; GCWR 20,000 lbs.

I believe I want a smaller, lighter 5ver for pulling up grades and more importantly for descending the mountain passes. I have 2 questions:

#1. I am looking at a 2016 KZ Sportsmen 235RK 5th Wheel. 25'3" length. 5,925 lbs. dry weight and 7,000 lbs. max weight. I assume my pickup will handle this 5th wheel without any issues? Pin weight should not be a problem?

#2. Because this 5th wheel is relatively lightweight can I use a gooseneck conversion hitch to safely tow this 5ver or would I be better off with a B&W Companion hitch?

Thanks!

[chertz]

Welcome Mtnliving... Nice truck... should be same as mine, just a shortbed.

1) That small 5er should be within all ratings for that truck.... You really need to get your truck loaded as if you were going camping... full tank of fuel, family loaded, all the coolers and other things you will put i the truck... Drive over a CAT scale and get the front and rear axle and total weights.

Your truck should be similar weights to mine, but you need your own weights are you are loaded with your family.

My truck wet and ready weights 7600 lbs. Limiting factor on these trucks is GVWR, so total weight of the truck + pin weight... Pin weight (at 20%) on that small 5er should be 1400 lbs, which would put you right at your 9000 lb GVWR.

You would be well under axle rating and well under GCWR. I can't imagine that truck having issues with that weight. My TT is very similiar in weight and it pulls like its not even there... Just watch your EGT's if the truck is chipped / has a tuner when making pulls up grade.

2) I don't have experience with the conversion hitches... however I am going to use the Andersen Ultimate Hitch when I get my 5er in the spring, after doing my own research... however I don't have first hand experience with it yet.

[Cummins12V98]

Companion for sure! Simple solid design. Compare side to side with the others.

I would suggest adding an exhaust brake. BD and PacBrake are the best.

[Cypressloser]

Since your payload capacity is very limited I would suggest a light weight hitch like the Andersen Ultimate aluminum (32lbs) for 24,000 lbs trailer weight and 4,500 lbs pinweight.

[grashley]

You should have plenty of truck - a very good thing!!

I would AVOID a gooseneck adapter because it completely changes the engineering / physics of how the camper is pulled and the forces applied to the camper frame. You put a 2 foot lever on your pin box, and drag the camper around with the lever. It voids most warranties for good reason.

Go with the B&W Companion or the Anderson. Both are good choices.

[cootersotg]

I am a big fan of the Andersen Ultimate hitch and would recommend that. Have never towed a 5er with anything else so I can't compare I think it has been a great hitch since we started using it when we got our trailer in Feb.