Hey everyone, could I get some real world opinions on some class 5 hitches? What has or hasnt worked for you. My wife and I are selling (most likely foreclosing) the house and moving into a destination trailer. We are looking at the Sandpiper 391QB Park Trailer which is quite heavy so Im looking into all the prep work prior to making the decision. Exhaust brake, air springs ect... Thanks for the help.

 

Reese makes a good class V and air bags will be a must.
Firestone /ride rite / pacbrake all good bags

 

Class numbers of hitches have no meaning since there is no industry standard. What Reese calls a Class IV could be a Pull-Rite Class V, etc. What you need to know is the hitch weight of the trailer in the configuration you will be towing it and buy a receiver and weight distribution hitch that has a rating that meets or exceeds that weight. FWIW, I just moved a 40 ft park model that was empty. It's hitch weight wasn't any heavier than many of the 32 ft TTs I move. The stock receiver could very well be sufficient for the one you are getting.

 

I would recommend a Fiver over bumper pull. They tow much better and do not need equalizer/sway bars. The pin weight is over the axle, not 3-4' back.
You need to think about weight rating of the truck. A 40' Fiver is nice for size, but typically weighs 16-18k, which would require a dually with 4.10 gears. They are also imposiible to park in smaller RV parks with tight quarters.
A 36' is about as big as you can go & still stay in weight rating, more or less. If you will not travel at all, a Park model may be the way.
I once read that 32' is the ideal size and that is still a big trailer. Getting use to hauling these beasts around, providing for the tighter turning radius of the trailer, big turns, height and trees, etc. takes some getting use to and can be scary at first.
Perhaps you caan tell us what you want to do with thr rig, how many people, travel plans, etc.Do you have a CTD now?
Lots of help on this forum.

 

Well our plan is to sell our house (most likely foreclose) and move into our trailer. Im getting medically retired from the military wont be able to afford a house anymore. Numbers wise, a camper will be more economical and it will be easier to go where the work is. It will be semipermanent with maybe a trip from NC to FL. Not a back and forth deal. Once the work is good and we decide to stay there then we will look into getting another home. Thats why we are looking into the park model. Right now its just my wife and I and our 2 boys, 1 and 3. The camper: Dry Weight 10569lbs. Hitch Weight 1334lbs. The only extra weight would be clothes and whatever food is in the fridge. I would not tow with any water in any of the tanks to keep weight down. Extra crap would go in the cargo trailer and the wife would tow that with our expediton. All furniture we own now would be staying with the house. So in a nut shell its 2 kids with 2 adults semi permanently. Could be longer though....months or even up to year. I would love the 5ver but its a bit more pricey and heavy.

 

I have a 15k superhitch on the 05 and am happy with it. On the dodge it gives me two receiver heights which is handy.
Clark

 

Thank you for serving and all your sacrifices as well

To everyone else Thank you, too.

 

You are very welcome!! Its been a fun 12 and a half years but my back just cant do it anymore. I would feel more self satisfaction if i were able to make it to 20 but the doc says NO. Its been great time though!

 

I tow a 14k trailer with my Putnam Class V XDR (not sure if you can still get these) and I have a 14k Equalizer WDH. The Putnam hitch is rated for 16k or 17k with WDH. It is very stout. After looking at the factory hitch and the Putnam; I wouldn't tow more than 10k with the factory. Just my opinion.

Also I highly recommend the PACBRAKE airbags. With that much weight you'll definately want some. They are a very easy install.

 

The Super Hitch is WAY overbuilt. It is so strong I have a snow plow hooked to one.

http://www.torklift.com/p.php?w_page=superhitch

 

Well it looks like im gonna go with the super hitch!! That thing looks insane!! We got our camper on order and should done in a few weeks!! Definitely excited!! We are going with the Sandpiper 391QB from RV Wholesalers.

 

Talk about an understatement!!! The UPS guy left a gift at the front door today!! I couldnt believe how heavy this thing is. INSANE!!! WAY overbuilt!!!

 

I'm running the same setup with my 14K flat bed. The XDR is stout, and I like the extended arms going forward to distribute the load over more of the frame. It also ties into the factory hitch (after cutting off the receiver, not fun) for additional strength. The nicest thing about the XDR was I got it on clearance for $130 shipped. Their hardware was a bit cheesy, so I upgraded everything to grade 8.