Hitch question / weight

If you are actually towing less than 15K, your current hitch should be fine. If you ever need to tow full GVWR, you could be at risk. Keep in mind full GVWR is considering full propane, full water, black, and gray tanks, and water heater, and the remainder of the weight of stuff in storage bins, cupboards, cabinets, pantry, fridge, and closets. All of that and some dealer added options (slide toppers?)make up the difference from dry weight to GVWR of 3460 pounds in your new trailer.

Keep in mind that 200 gallons of water is about 1800 pounds. So try to keep water to a minimum. A bit more than half of the available CCC.

Might be best to get your trailer weighed while it is full and ready for camping. Then make your decision. If you do decide to get a larger hitch, don't stop at 16K...go up a little higher...maybe 18,000. You may find that Pull-Rite has industry standard rails available for the 18K model. Whether you can use your current bed holes or not? I don't know. But I wouldn't worry about having industry standard rails. Their underbed frame brackets are great. And with universal rails, allow fully clear and open bed when hitch is out.

I'd get a bigger hitch for peace of mind.

OktsCamp wrote:
I currently tow a 5,er that weighs in around 12k loaded with a pullrite supergilde 15k hitch. I am looking at a different trailer that has a GVWR of 15,460k, and dry of 12,000. Based on what I was empty on my current unit I had about 1600lbs of weight added not including water. I figure the new unit will weigh in around 14-14.5k. Am I ok with my existing supergilde or do I need to buy the 16 or 20k unit. Trouble is, if I do that my existing industry standard rail set up will have to come out and replaced with a new rail kit. I am certainly willing to do this, but curious to know why you think. Opportunity I save a few bucks if its possible. I won't sacrifice safety so if I new to get the 16/18 or 20k unit then so be it.

Thanks

I would not worry about it. When anything is rated there is a BIG safety factor built in. My B&W is rated for 18K with 4,500# pin weight and I am over both for sure and I have no intention of changing my hitch.

In my way of thinking, any time you approach the maximum, you are sacrificing safety and therefore I always try to leave a health margin just for that purpose. A few buck now is a lot better than a whole lotta bucks later in case your maxed out hitch fails.

Just my opinion.

Ron