Forum Discussion

pharmafrog's avatar
pharmafrog
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014

Hitch size

All.

Quick question. You would think I could make my own decision on this, but I turn to you guys for a bit of advice. I am upgrading both my TV and 5'er. The new TV has an under bed mount for the hitch so i am selling my current Reese slider and getting a new one. Here is the question:

New TV is 2014 F350 DRW 8' Crew blown out. New 5'er is the Cyclone 4100 King. It has a GVWR of 18,000. Do I just go with a 18K Hitch or would you go bigger always knowing you are not getting close to the hitch weight rating?? Not really knowing about the engineering of 5'er hitches, I am not sure if they are over engineered or rated pretty close to their advertised number. What is the real difference in the 18 vs 20 or 25k?

Thanks.
  • Water-Bug's avatar
    Water-Bug
    Explorer II
    Mar 20, 2014
    Buy the hitch to match the capability of the TV. Then you can safely tow anything that your truck is rated to tow and won't be tempted to tow anything larger. Why buy a vehicle that can tow *****lbs and not have a hitch that can handle it? Why buy a hitch rated at more than your vehicle can safely tow? The answer to your question is obvious when you think about it.
  • jjj's avatar
    jjj
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2014
    I recommend the heaviest you can get or afford. I have a 14000 gvw fiver and I upgraded to a curt Q-5 20000 lb hitch. I believe you can never be too safe. I would rather be over in size than just close too it.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 20, 2014
    Like anything that is weight rated, you'd expect the higher rating to be built stronger.

    Usually the heavier weighted model will also have a higher pin weight rating.

    In your case any of the three would work. If you have the Ford FW prep package, I would suggest the B&W for Ford OEM. It is a great hitch, and rated for 20K.

    Jerry

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