Are 20K-Rated B&W 5th Wheel Hitches Sufficient for 18,000-lb 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 04/11/2018 | Published 04/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K

(5035)

$1699.00

B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5035)

$1199.00

Question:

I just purchased a 18k lb fifth wheel rv. Will the BandW that’s rated for 20k lbs be sufficient? I know it’s 2k over the weight of the trailer, but didn’t know if I should jump up to the 24k hitch

asked by: Perry

Expert Reply:

If your new 5th wheel trailer's GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), which is the very most it can weigh when fully loaded for the road, is 18,000-lbs then I would be comfortable using a B&W 20K hitch. Odds are that you will not be routinely loading the trailer to the absolute maximum weight.

If you were talking about another brand of hitch then I might urge you to step up to a higher-rated model, but the superb build quality of B&W 5th wheels such as # BWRVK3300 and # BWRVK3370 (the version made for the Ford factory prep kit) gives you a level of stability and durability you often just don't get with other brands.

B&W does all their fabrication in-house in their family-owned Kansas facility; their products are in the opinion of many the best available American-made 5th wheels. Good choice.

expert reply by: Adam R