Is it Safe to Tow 25,000 Pound Trailer With 5th Wheel Hitch Rated for 24,000 Pounds

Updated 05/09/2022 | Published 05/07/2022

Question:

I recently purchased a 24k lb rating pullrite 3900 5th wheel hitch. I plan on purchasing a 2006 kaufman Ez 4 car hauler. I was told the axles on the trailer is 7k per axle not sure if that is accurate. However, I believe the trailers triaxles are actually 8k each. But my 5th wheel is rated for 24k. Is it safe to pull a 25k trailer or being that my trailer says 24k am I restricted to 24k lbs only?

asked by: Adrienne B

Expert Reply:

You will always be limited by the lowest rated component of your setup. Since the PullRite 5th wheel hitch you have now is rated for 24,000 lbs that would be the most you could tow. I recommend checking the GVWR and axle rating of your trailer so you know what your trailer is capable of.

Trailer axles may seem underrated at times when compared to the trailer weight but you need to account for the pin weight which won't be on the axles when towing. Also, you can still tow your trailer using that 5th wheel hitch as long as you do not exceed the capacity of the hitch, your vehicle, or your trailer.

expert reply by: Robin H