Fifth Wheel Hitch 15k Enough?

[FamilyManCamping]

Just purchased an Alpine 3500re with shipping weight of 12287 lbs and dealer advised a reese 15k hitch to pull fifth wheel. They advised this is ample for our towing needs. Question wisdom of this. Granted we are to only add aprox 3000lbs additionally and maybe we won't even get close to that, but still seems awfully close to that 15000 lbs mark. Towing with a f350 dual wheel long bed.

[jje1960]

Just purchased an Alpine 3500re with shipping weight of 12287 lbs and dealer advised a reese 15k hitch to pull fifth wheel. They advised this is ample for our towing needs. Question wisdom of this. Granted we are to only add aprox 3000lbs additionally and maybe we won't even get close to that, but still seems awfully close to that 15000 lbs mark. Towing with a f350 dual wheel long bed.

That's what we have, 15K, one of my only regrets is that we didn't just order the Reese from Ford with the truck... Would have been cheaper and come with 18K. However, if your within the spec's, the 15k is going to be lighter and easier to get out of the bed if you so choose or need to.

[hsmunoz]

I use a 15 k with my 3500 Re . no issues,. pulls fine and I have humped it down some narly dirt roads.

[geo]

Actually, I believe it is a 25K Reese hitch that comes with (at least) the 2011 F-350 if custom ordered. It's a nice hitch, attaches to the truck bed very nicely, and was VERY worth it!

Ron

[alpine 1]

We have the same 3500re and was giving a 26k is it over kill or like a truck more is safer pulled by a 2500hd 4x4 2011 6.6 duramax.

[jje1960]

Actually, I believe it is a 25K Reese hitch that comes with (at least) the 2011 F-350 if custom ordered. It's a nice hitch, attaches to the truck bed very nicely, and was VERY worth it!

Ron
Just checked the Ford site, you Sir are correct. They now offer 25k hitch standard when package is ordered, awesome deal. When we were ordering, it was a 18k hitch.... Wish I had of taken that deal! I paid about the same as they are offering now for the 25k.... and ended up with the 15k! Living n' learning.... However hopefully this is our retirement unit and won't be purchasing again!:)

[captbru]

TO close to the limits, go for a larger rating. Reese has a 18k go with that one. A little more money but you stay away from the limit and your safty is important just in case. Also the guy behind you

[mhs4771]

Seems to me you answered your own question: 5er 12287 lbs dry add aprox 3000lbs cargo and unless I'm missing something you're over 15K by 287 lbs. When we purchased our 5er Dealer was going to add in a 16K, said no deal at least an 18K, they didn't have an 18 so we ended up with a 20K. Which in the long run is good as we're looking to upgrade to a 16K unit so we don't have to worry about or change the hitch. Ours is heavy, but the top head comes off by pulling two pins. I can get it in and out of the TV by myself.

[smiller]

I wonder when the last time a 5th wheel hitch that was even remotely close its rating failed due to overstress?

I don't think I'd be sweating it.

[mhs4771]

Maybe not, but if something happens and the John Law or Insurance run the numbers and determine you were exceeding your hitch ratings you will be at fault for at least part if not all. Each individual has to make those decisions for them self, we're only offering suggestions and guidance, if an individual choses to ignore the facts, that's their business.

[smiller]

In the OP the gentleman was concerned that he might come close to the rating of the hitch. One could take the position that a larger hitch is required even though he likely won't exceed the rating, and danger of failure is essentially nonexistent, but there is just no end to that.

I agree that facts are good, and it seems to be a fact that stress failures of 5th wheel hitches are virtually unheard of, especially in the case as stated. But as you say, anyone is free to ignore the facts.

[LittleJoe]

I suggest the 16K aside from weight for the simple fact that it rotates/angles front to back AND side to side. The 15K does not pivot side/side.
Makes less problems unpinning if truck is not on same angle as trailer(ie uneven ground)