new to fifth wheel towing

Don't know about quicker but easier, Yes. You should have no issues with the weight.

I have an SRW but much lighter fiver (around 14K loaded) and was able to climb a few 14% grades down in Utah albeit with white knuckles :-).

Just take your time and don't allow ANYONE to talk or distract you during hitching and unhitching. So, easy to forget one step and very unforgiving if you do. Couldn't of said it better than Old-Biscuit.

One of the best examples I've seen for backing a fiver is http://michigantraveler.org/2013/01/22/z-method-for-backing-a-5th-wheel/

Backing 5vr doesn't respond as quickly as bumper pull....at first but when 5vr starts to respond it does so faster.

Also 5vr wheels will track inside of trucks wheels when making turns.

Hooking up.....
King pin plate should be lower than hitch plate so when you back in the king pin rides up hitch plate. This prevents 'high hitching' which is where king pin is not captured by hitch jaws which can happen it king pin plate is higher than hitch plate and lowered into hitch.

After hooking up....
Visually verify hitch jaw(s) have closed around king pin and then do a 'pull test'

Pull Test.....
5vr hitched, umbilical cord plugged in, emergency brake cable attached....raise 5vr front landing gear legs until they just lift off ground (5vr full supported by truck)
Then start truck, engage brake controller manual lever fully (wheel chocks should still be in place), place truck in 'drive' and give the 5vr a good tug.
This checks that hitch jaw(s) are locked.

Go to a large parking lot and practice.......backing into parking spots, maneuvering thru turns (right/left), pulling into parking spots 'straight' (no cutting corners-cause those could be curbs or other vehicles)

Have fun!

Which 5vr are you looking at??????

Just take your time hitching, your gonna love it. Yeah backing is different, easier in my opinion, just a bit of a adjustment period.

Thanks so much. The combined dry weight and capacity is 16500. We've heard that there is a distinct difference in the way you back between the TT and 5th wheel. I guess that skill will need to be worked on. We have also never had a dually, and I've already heard that curbs have been know to jump out and grab that outer wheel.

After 130,000 miles with a dually I can tell you with certainty that they are not a big deal. Go drive it 300 miles and in some traffic and you will be a pro. The truck is no longer than any non dually truck and no wider than the mirrors. Just be a little careful if you like 'drive throughs' or parking garages. Otherwise the stability is absolutely noticable over a single rear wheel truck especially towing. As to the fifth just remember that once it starts to turn in a backing situation it will turn faster than a travel trailer. Be ready for it, a big parking lot and an hour will get you familiar with it's characteristics.

On another subject I would invest in a bed saver (I think Blue Ox sell them) to keep the truck bed from damage should you have a senior moment and forget to hitch something. Saves lots of truck damage and down time.

Thanks so much. The combined dry weight and capacity is 16500. We've heard that there is a distinct difference in the way you back between the TT and 5th wheel. I guess that skill will need to be worked on. We have also never had a dually, and I've already heard that curbs have been know to jump out and grab that outer wheel.

He said dually! Our 5er is 15k and the old diesel dually plays with it. 16500 should be OK. You'll love the easy hitching. You might want to think about an ex-brake if you don't have one. I wouldn't do without mine. Craig

Having watched my son hookup and unhook his TT, I can tell you it's 75% faster and easier hooking up our fiver.

Sounds like you should be well matched, provided that 16500 number is gvwr, and not "dry" weight. You'll find hookup and unhooking much easier and quicker, and towing itself will be better. Is your new truck srw or dually? Congratulations!