Towing 19K Toy Hauler With 18K Rated 5th Wheel Hitch

Updated 05/21/2025 | Published 11/25/2020

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs

(688)

$799.00

Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(484)

$999.95

Question:

Recently bought a toy hauler weighing 19,000lbs. I also picked up a truck to get it moved on short notice. The truck has airbags and a Reese fifth wheel plate with 18k lb rating. I know I’m over weight but I’m curious as to the ability to handle the load and what would be a risk of failing first.

asked by: Brandon

Expert Reply:

According to my research, the 2007 Silverado 2500 Classic has a towing capacity that varies from about 10,100 to around 15,000 lbs depending on how the truck is equipped so you'll definitely be exceeding the towing capacity of the truck as well as that of an 18K capacity 5th wheel hitch.

Does the 19K figure you stated for the weight of the toy hauler represent its GVWR or is that it's dry or weight? The dry weight would typically be quite a bit lower. I couldn't recommend towing in excess of the hitch capacity, as that could result in loss of the trailer and possibly harming someone but if the actual as-towed weight of the trailer is less than the 18K hitch capacity of the B&W # BWRVK3255 Patriot 5th wheel hitch you'd looked at, you'll be okay other than risking is the drivetrain of the truck.

If the as-towed weight of your toy hauler is greater tan 18K, I wouldn't recommend using that hitch. I'd recommend a 20K capacity hitch like the Curt A20, part # C16140 for the stationary model or # C16541 for the sliding model for short bed trucks.

I've linked to some product videos for the Curt 5th wheel hitches I mentioned above.

expert reply by: Mike L

Russell L.

5/14/2025

I have a toy hauler she is 18000 pounds and 6000 vertically and I have a 3500 gmc 66 durmax and I bought a A20 curt am I ok with that one because it says on the hitch 5000 pounds vertical

Andrew N.

5/21/2025

@RussellL If your curt A20 hitch has a vertical pinweight limit of 5000lbs and your toy hauler has a pinweight of 6000lbs then no you are not ok and I don't recommend doing that. You'll need a hitch that is rated for your toy hauler. If you have industry standard rails, you can use something like # 16180 Curt A25 Fifth-Wheel Trailer Hitch - 25,000 lbs which has pinweight limit of 6,250lbs, or the # 16320 Curt PowerRide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 30,000 lbs which is rated for 7,500lbs of pinweight.