Does Fifth Wheel Weight Capacity Have to Exceed Total Weight of Trailer or Max Weight Rating

Updated 12/03/2016 | Published 12/02/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(396)

$519.60

Question:

Im buying a new 5th wheel. it has Max Weight rating of 16,500 lbs and weighs 13k dry. it will weigh a little over 14k once I load it. It has a 18k rated king pin. Can I legally pull this with a 16k hitch or does the hitch have to match the 18k rating of the king pin even though I will be well below 16k in actual weight? Thanks.

asked by: Steven C

Helpful Expert Reply:

You will need a fifth wheel hitch that has a higher rating than the overall weight of the trailer as it's ready to tow. Since your trailer will only weigh 14k when loaded a 16k hitch like the Reese part # RP30047 would work well.

As long as you stay under the weight capacity for the truck and hitch you would be fine.

expert reply by: Jameson C