Forum Discussion

Coach-man's avatar
Coach-man
Explorer
Mar 09, 2014

Hitch rating

I apologize, but since I am considering the purchase of a Grand Design 5th wheel, I think I need to ask this question. While not new to RVing, I will be new to 5th wheels, and have a lot to learn. I have not purchased my hitch yet, as I want to finalize my trailer first. The dry weight for the Grand Design Solitude is 12,890 so I assumed, very bad to do, that a 16K hitch would be more than sufficient for my needs. I researching my planned purchase I see that the gross loaded weight (dry weight plus carrying capacity) would be 16,000 lbs. Am I cutting it to close by getting a 16K hitch? Or can I safely tow it with a hitch rated at 16K?

7 Replies

  • NC_Hauler's avatar
    NC_Hauler
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2014
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    I never like having hitch rating close to max trailer weight rating.

    16K trailer....18K min. hitch rating


    Agree with 0ld Biscuit....18K would be much preferred...I don't know what pin weight the 16K can take, I have a 5er rated at 16,950 GVW and I have a Reese 20K hitch.....I had to slam on my brakes this past Wednesday to where I basically locked up my brakes, while towing my 5er, traveling to Sevierville TN. Had an idiot pull right in front of me while traffic was stopped in that lane, thank goodness I was far enough behind them, but I was running 45- 50 mph at the time. .Glad I had enough truck, ABS and a hitch rated for more than my 5er weighs...Don't know how much force was put on my hitch when I slammed on the brakes and hoped everything held together and I didn't run over top of the idiot that pulled out in front of me...I'm a firm believer in "better safe than sorry", even more so now:)
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Mar 09, 2014
    I never like having hitch rating close to max trailer weight rating.

    16K trailer....18K min. hitch rating
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Mar 09, 2014
    Peg Leg wrote:
    A friend here in the park just purchased a new dually and of course a new 5er hitch. His hitch is rated at 26k. He was looking at my B&W Companion and commented on the jaws being thicker than his. My B&W is rated at 18k. I love having a completely flat bed when the hitch is removed.


    B&W uses the same head on their new hitch for the RAM's with the 4 puck hitch prep and is rated at 25K and 6,500# pin weight.

    B&W is top quality start with the best, you won't regret it.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 09, 2014
    Bionic Man wrote:
    If you haven't purchased the hitch already, I would go with an 18k. If you had already purchased, I would say you are ok.


    I agree 16 would work, but a heavier duty 18-20k, would be better, for not a lot of money difference.

    Some 16Ks are more entry level.

    Jerry
  • Peg_Leg's avatar
    Peg_Leg
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2014
    A friend here in the park just purchased a new dually and of course a new 5er hitch. His hitch is rated at 26k. He was looking at my B&W Companion and commented on the jaws being thicker than his. My B&W is rated at 18k. I love having a completely flat bed when the hitch is removed.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2014
    If you haven't purchased the hitch already, I would go with an 18k. If you had already purchased, I would say you are ok.
  • iawoody2's avatar
    iawoody2
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2014
    I would go to at least 18k, don't like the idea of towing at max.

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