Correct hitch to trailer ratings?

Question

Hello all, I'm very new to fifth wheel campers and just bought a used 2015 37' 8" Raptor toy hauler. The setup came from an older gentleman who is getting out of campers and getting a permanent park model for his winter place.

My concern is that the deal includes his fifth wheel bed hitch that is a 16,000 rating.

The weight of the camper dry is 13,421, and it has a max carrying capacity of 3,079. That's over 16,000 right there!

Before I bother installing this hitch should I just sell it and go for a 18k or bigger? The camper is being delivered to my camping area but someday I will need to safely be able to tow it with Family in our truck and Harley's in the garage as well as the rest of our stuff.

I don't expect we will ever tow it loaded with water or the fuel stations full but our bikes are pretty heavy so I might reach the max load very easily.

I normally tow with just the goose-neck but don't want to convert my fifth wheel to a goose neck, looking for advice before they start drilling holes all in my truck bed.

Thanks

rustyjc · Answer

Yes, by all means the hitch rating needs to be at least equal to (preferably greater than) the 5th wheel's GVWR. Forget the dry weights - do all your sizing based on GVWRs and you'll generally stay on the safe sides of the ratings.

If you already have a gooseneck hitch in the truck (you don't mention the brand of gooseneck hitch), check out the B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch that works in conjunction with B&W's Turnoverball gooseneck hitch, or check out the Andersen hitch that's being discussed on many threads in this section that will work with many gooseneck hitches. You made an excellent decision not to use a gooseneck adapter on your new to you 5th wheel!

Rusty

laknox · Answer

RustyJC wrote:Yes, by all means the hitch rating needs to be at least equal to (preferably greater than) the 5th wheel's GVWR.  Forget the dry weights - do all your sizing based on GVWRs and you'll generally stay on the safe sides of the ratings.If you already have a gooseneck hitch in the truck (you don't mention the brand of gooseneck hitch), check out the B&amp;W Companion 5th wheel hitch that works in conjunction with B&amp;W's Turnoverball gooseneck hitch, or check out the Andersen hitch that's being discussed on many threads in this section that will work with many gooseneck hitches.  You made an excellent decision not to use a gooseneck adapter on your new to you 5th wheel!RustyI'll second Rusty on the Companion.  Love mine!  The newer one has the capacity you'd need.Lyle

hdrolling · Answer

I'm not sure what brand the gooseneck is as it was on the truck when I bought it, but I'm sure it's not a B&W. After you drop the ball into the bed you have to get under the truck to put a bolt through it. I'll look into the Andersen hitch.
Thanks for confirming my dilemma.

laknox · Answer

hdrolling wrote:I'm not sure what brand the gooseneck is as it was on the truck when I bought it, but I'm sure it's not a B&amp;W. After you drop the ball into the bed you have to get under the truck to put a bolt through it. I'll look into the Andersen hitch.Thanks for confirming my dilemma.B&amp;W should have a spring-loaded rod that extends into the driver's side wheel well that captures the shaft on the GN ball.  It would also have grey plates around the truck frame where it attaches.Lyle

phillyg · Answer

Yep, if you're reasonably sure you'll be over 16k lbs., then yes, you should go up one size.

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Correct hitch to trailer ratings?

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