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turtypointbuck's avatar
turtypointbuck
Explorer
May 17, 2015

Choosing TV and Hitch, Anderson Ultimate, B&W

After an exhaustive search we found a FW we would like to purchase. The DW wants to buy it ASAP. Before I sign the check I have TV compatability concerns. The FW is a Keystone Cougar X-lite (7670 lb, hitch 1475 lb dry weights). Rounded front cap, marketed for SBs.

I would like to purchase a 3/4 ton short bed diesel. I like what I have read about the RAM coil springs here on RV.NET.

I think I want a B&W or Anderson Ultimate hitch.

My question and concerns as I shop for a TV are; how do I know that my TV will match the pin height of the fiver acceptably to allow for a level towing RV and adequate rail clearance.
Many newer PUs have higher sidewalls and 20" tires. For Example, the Ram Laramie has 20" wheels. (Do you purchase the horse before the Carriage, or the Carriage first and then the horse?)

Maybe this isn't a consideration worth worrying about??? Can you just adjust for height at the FW hitch?

With regard to the Anderson Ultimate Hitch, it appears as though this hitch would be advantageous for a 3/4 ton SB pick-up because: 1) Light weight 2) The hitch/ball adapter places the FW back several more inches allowing for more cab clearance.

Thanks in Advance for the advice
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  • TomHaycraft's avatar
    TomHaycraft
    Explorer
    May 17, 2015
    Starting off knowing the "carriage" first, a good way to go. For the "horse" ...

    Forget dry weights, go to the GVWR of the trailer, the max it is designed to carry/contain. For pin weights of the 5th wheel, use 20% of the GVWR. For bed height, knowing the trailer DW wants, find one on the dealer lot on level ground, measure distance from trailer to ground that will be over the bed rails of the truck. Subtract 6", that will give you a starting point as to bed rail height on the prospective trucks.

    As to cargo capacity of prospective TVs, start with cargo capacity, but be realistic about weight of occupants, full tank of fuel, hitch, firewood (?), dogs, etc. As an example, just back from the CAT Scales yesterday with my new (to me) 2013 Silverado 3500HD. Brochure states 4,459 lb payload capacity. With hitch mounted, DW and I, dog (Great Pyrenees - 120 lbs), small compressor in the bed, 2.5 gal of DEF, etc ... subtracting weight of drive axle from the rear GAWR ... a pin weight of 3,590 lbs will max us out. Thankfully with the little trailer we have, we can buy lots more trailer in the future!

    Hope this helps.

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