Forum Discussion

Mickey_G's avatar
Mickey_G
Explorer
Sep 02, 2017

5th wheel hitch sizes

Correct me if Im wrong on picking a 5th wheel hitch.
I see them on the net, and they are all different sizes.
A 15k is for campers with a GVWR of 15000 lbs or less.
A 16k is for campers with a GVWR of 16000 lbs or less.
An 18k is for campers with a GVWR of 18000 lbs or less.
The trailer Im looking at has a GVWR of 11,000 lbs.
Should I go withbthe 16k just to be sure?
  • My trailer is only 5500 GVWR. I didn't like the 15k hitch, went with the 16k Patriot, glad I did.
  • rmoparman wrote:
    Just get the B@W hitch. Had a Reece for years then they went to China.
    Got the new B@W hitch and never looked back

    Same here . Great hitch
  • Unless you are planning to get a bigger trailer, there is no reason to bigger unless he hitch has other non-weight features that you want.

    They build these things with plenty of margin for error.
  • Just get the B@W hitch. Had a Reece for years then they went to China.
    Got the new B@W hitch and never looked back
  • 16K would be the minimum rating I would use for any 5vr with a GVWR of 15,000# or less

    Hitch rating S/B at least 1000# less then 5vrs GVWR
    That way hitch is not at max rating and accounts for pin weight rating of hitch also


    Minimum features.....using conventional 5th wheel type hitch
    4 way articulating head
    Height adjustable
    Easy to separate head from base for easier removal

    OR

    Go with the Anderson 'ball' 5vr hitch
  • Yes, I would get the 16K. Often times, less than 16K are more entry level quality. Many good hitches, get one that is user friendly, easy to hitch/unhitch.

    Jerry
  • II would always go with the next larger size to ensure a safety margen. Also if funding permits I would go bigger to provide for any future upgrades.