5th wheel question?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 1
From: Florida
5th wheel question?
Merry Christmas...
I have a question about a 5th wheel and what size one to get. I looked and they have 10k, 15k, 16k, 20k
It will be installed in a 1999 Ford F250 Superduty with log bed (I think 8 ft). Its a v10.
It is for a future travel trailer so as of right now won't be pulling anything with it just starting my planning for this summer...
Any suggestions, comments ?
Thanks
I have a question about a 5th wheel and what size one to get. I looked and they have 10k, 15k, 16k, 20k
It will be installed in a 1999 Ford F250 Superduty with log bed (I think 8 ft). Its a v10.
It is for a future travel trailer so as of right now won't be pulling anything with it just starting my planning for this summer...
Any suggestions, comments ?
Thanks
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
Agree with Chrono4 -- the size/weight of the 5th wheel dictates the size requirements of the hitch. For example, we have a PullRite Super20.5 which is used to pull our Jayco which weighs in around 16K. You want to give yourself a little cushion.
You can attack the problem from different angles. Since you already know the truck, you can work off the maximum weight you can pull for the truck and then work backwards to determine the maximum size hitch you'll need to pull the maximum allowable weight and remain within your maximum combined vehicle weight.
Just a thought as to how to approach the situation....
You can attack the problem from different angles. Since you already know the truck, you can work off the maximum weight you can pull for the truck and then work backwards to determine the maximum size hitch you'll need to pull the maximum allowable weight and remain within your maximum combined vehicle weight.
Just a thought as to how to approach the situation....
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 654
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Originally Posted by chrono4
well it will all really depen on the size of the trailer, but id say go wit the biggest you can afford.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by chrono4
not so much to do with the ratio, but the rating. i was just saying, its nice to know that the hitch wont be the weak link, and youve got a buffer there.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,595
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From: Utah County, UT
If it is for a Future travel trailer and you are going to buy it from a dealer, you can usually talk them into including the hitch in the package deal, along with installation of the hitch. There is a huge markup on these trailer and if one is patient enough and willing to do a little bargening, you might be surprised as to how far they will bend. But I'd agree, axle ratio and engine are probably the most critical points. If you are 3.73, I would guess you are, then it will take more power lower in the rpm range then say if you had 4.11 or higher. In the end, go for the 20K in the event you want a larger trailer down the road,you wont need to get a new hitch as well. Good luck shopping and Happy RVing in the new year.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
From: Northern Va
Originally Posted by The SnoMan
It depends a lot on the axle ratio of the truck and where you plan to tow it too.
Even the smallest 5th wheel hitch I have seen (15k) is rated higher than what a 250 can tow, so I would concentrate on design requirements, ease of use and functionality.
Here are some things to consider:
Some hitches are permanent mount (yuck! can’t use the bed…), some leave rails in the bed when the hitch is removed (not a bad choice), some just little holes because the locking structure is below deck (nice when the hitch is out, but a pain to put back in because you have to crawl under the truck to secure it).
Then there is 2-way or 4-way tilt. I have a 2-way tilt on the hitch plate (front/back), I don’t like it. If I had to do it again, I would have gotten a 4-way (front/back & left/right).
Good luck…
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 654
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A 6.8 V10 with a 4.30 axle ratio and stock tires is a tow beast. Not only does the deeper gears give it more towing power from increased mechanical advantage but it also put the engine at (or about at) its torque peak in drive at 65 MPH or so when climbing hills and it really lets it do its best. The V10 does its best wrok between about 3000 and 4500 RPM. Not that it is gutless below that but it really shines in that range. A 3.73 just does not do it justice when doing some serious towing.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 127
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From: Palm Bay, FL
I'd say get the system that's rated to handle the maximum GCWR of your truck. I chose the RBW L'il Rocker 15K for the features and ease of installation (install it yourself and save avg. $175). Like mentioned above, if you wait until the trailer purchase the dealer will normally include the proper system in the deal. If you have the system in before trailer purchase, it can become a bottom line bargaining tool in your favor.
Good luck and have a wonderful New Year.
Sam
BTW....I pull a 12.8K loaded 31' Kit Companion.
Good luck and have a wonderful New Year.
Sam
BTW....I pull a 12.8K loaded 31' Kit Companion.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by cangim
If it is for a Future travel trailer and you are going to buy it from a dealer, you can usually talk them into including the hitch in the package deal, along with installation of the hitch. There is a huge markup on these trailer and if one is patient enough and willing to do a little bargening, you might be surprised as to how far they will bend.
Last edited by bckhntr; Dec 30, 2005 at 10:35 PM. Reason: typo
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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Brad
A Hitch Is Like Building A Pole Barn, I Wish I Would Have Built A Bigger One.
If Down The Road You Change Trucks Or Trailers (5th Wheels) You Can Always Move The Hitch To The New Truck.
Go Big!!! But Not Crazy!!!
If Down The Road You Change Trucks Or Trailers (5th Wheels) You Can Always Move The Hitch To The New Truck.
Go Big!!! But Not Crazy!!!
