size of hitch 16k or 20k
We are in the process of buying a 2018 Montana 12k dry with 4k carry. should the 16k hitch be good or the next size up better. Any feedback on the size of hitch for this 5th wheel?
Forum Discussion
unless the listed GVW for the trailer is 16.000lbs, a 12,000 lb trailer with 4000lb carry is still only a 12.000lb trailer....
as for the 16000lb rating of a hitch, this is not the "fail" rating of the hitch, but is the full usable rating.
when built hitches are designed with a minimum of a 3:1 safety factor.
this means that a 16,000lb hitch will only fail after it gets in the neighborhood of 48,000 lbs.
and not only are the hitches engineered with a minimum 3:1 safety factor, they must be tested to carry the rating.
I agree with the law that there is plenty of safety factor built in to pull a full 16,000lb trailer with a 16,000lb hitch.
even with a 10,000lb hitch, the tongue will be torn out of the trailer before the 5th wheel hitch fails..
as for the 16000lb rating of a hitch, this is not the "fail" rating of the hitch, but is the full usable rating.
when built hitches are designed with a minimum of a 3:1 safety factor.
this means that a 16,000lb hitch will only fail after it gets in the neighborhood of 48,000 lbs.
and not only are the hitches engineered with a minimum 3:1 safety factor, they must be tested to carry the rating.
I agree with the law that there is plenty of safety factor built in to pull a full 16,000lb trailer with a 16,000lb hitch.
even with a 10,000lb hitch, the tongue will be torn out of the trailer before the 5th wheel hitch fails..
