Forum Discussion

GaryS1953's avatar
GaryS1953
Explorer
Mar 21, 2021

Light weight 5th wheel hitch

For some reason my 5th wheel hitch has gotten much heavier in the last few years ??, and it’s getting more difficult to lift into the truck. Our camper is only about 6000 lbs fully loaded, but our Reese hitch is rated at 16000 lbs. Can anyone recommend a lighter weight hitch that won’t break the bank?

Thanks!
  • I leave it hanging on the 5er in the rare instance I need the truck for something else.
  • I was going to also mention the Harbor Freight electric winch. I have one mounted in my attic, where I keep all the Christmas stuff. I se it to raise and lower the tubs. It works great, has a 300 pound limit. Lift the hitch out and put it on one of their rolling carts and roll it out of the way.
  • This 5th wheel hitch only weighs about 80-90 lbs., disassembles easily, and costs less than $300. The top part of the hitch can easily be removed from the lower part. Just requires the removal of two pins. The top and bottom halves only weigh about 40-45 lbs. each. 40-45 lbs. is very manageable. We towed a 12k (loaded) 5th wheel cross-country several times with one with zero issues.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    And set it on one of these
    https://www.harborfreight.com/200-lb-capacity-movers-dolly-95353.html?_br_psugg_q=dolly
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Or get one of these
    https://www.harborfreight.com/880-lb-electric-hoist-with-remote-control-62854.html?_br_psugg_q=hoist
  • You can always leave the hitch hooked to the trailer , pull the pins and let your leg jacks lift the whole shooting match !
  • Andersen is about the lightest thing around unless you want to convert to a gooseneck adapter.