5th wheel hitch question

Question

Ok I am planning on a purchase of a Jayco 5th wheel trailer that weighs in as:
Unloaded Vehicle Weight 13500 (lbs)
Dry Hitch Weight 2735 (lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 16500(lbs)
My truck Tow rating is MAX 14500 (lbs)
I am driving the truck 1450 miles to pick the trailer up from a dealer. Then hooking it up and towing it back home as it sits from the dealer. Not adding water, propane or any other items. Just a 3 to 4 day drive home. Once home the trailer will be parked in a RV park full time for the next 7 to 8 years until retirement. If it is moved again it will be short trips with this truck. When the time comes a new tow vehicle will be bought and we will travel in it.
So the question is this. For the 5th wheel hitch do I purchase the 16k hitch or the 18k hitch. There is a big price difference between the two. Any preference in brand type?
Thanks,
Steve

old-biscuit · Answer

18K minimum.Hitch can be moved to NEW truck when you get one and it will be less expensive NOW vs 8 yrs from now.Your current truck MAX Tow Rating of 14,500# is on paperYou will be pushing limits of truck even with trailer empty at 13,500# and dry pin weight of 2735#....which is probably TWICE what your cargo capacity is!!!Especially since your current truck is a 2002 F250 which in the real world of towing is maxed out at 12,000# 5th wheelYour Trucks GVWR is only 8800#. In essence.....your truck is not the right tow vehicle to be used even with 5th wheel empty

mfl · Answer

To answer your hitch question, I would suggest you look at the B&W Patriot hitch. It is available in 16K, and 18K. These are very good quality, user friendly hitches. You can get them at E-trailer for $550 16k or $650 18k, shipped to your door. While very similar hitches, for $100 more, the choice is obvious.

Jerry

second_chance · Answer

From looking at your handle, you appear to be at least a private pilot. Would you take this kind of risk with weight and distribution in a light aircraft? You can end up just as dead - and more likely to injure or kill someone else - in a highway accident with an overloaded truck and a heavy fifth wheel as you can in a 172 or PA-28. I would borrow a truck or hire someone to haul the fifth wheel for you.

Rob

bb_tx · Answer

I would buy the 18k now. The 16k would safely tow the unloaded trailer now. But you would eventually need to buy the heavier duty hitch when you do start traveling. So that would end up costing you even more. And the new hitch will essentially last forever.

That far in the future before you will actually be towing, paying someone to tow it for you should certainly be a consideration.

jimnlin · Answer

Once home the trailer will be parked in a RV park full time for the next 7 to 8 years until retirement. If it is moved again it will be short trips with this truck. When the time comes a new tow vehicle will be bought and we will travel in it.
So the question is this. For the 5th wheel hitch do I purchase the 16k hitch or the 18k hitch. There is a big price difference between the two. Any preference in brand type?
Thanks,
Steve

For one trip with a 16k hitch and a 13.5k dry weight trailer that will sit for 7-8 years.... the 16K hitch will safely work fine.

Have you thought about paying a transport service to pick up and deliver. Most dealers can fix you up with transport phone numbers from those folks in his area.

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