Chicken or the Egg? The 5er or the hitch? Which comes first?

[roughcut]

I'm stumped. I want to buy a used 5er from a private party if at all possible. But how to I get the trailer without a hitch and how do I know which hitch I need without the trailer? i have been reading all your posts about hitches and am even more confused. How did you do it? Obviously I am a newbie. HELP!!! Linda

[jstme1]

If you know the weight range off the 5er you want, get a hitch for that range. 12, 000 trailer, 15, 000 hitch

[Farmer Dave]

I would think trailer first. I'm sure if the seller is going to get the cash they would wait a few days while you got your hitch installed.

[SkiSmuggs]

More info on your truck would be helpful. If you have a long bed, it isn't much of an issue, but short beds require you to consider cab to trailer clearance. Will you need a slider hitch? Does the trailer have an extended pin box which reduces the clearance issues for a 6.5' bed, but a 5.5' bed will probably need a slider or Reese Sidewinder/Revolution pin box for clearance.

[Seann45]

Personally I would get the biggest hitch my truck could handle then I would know that I could tow any RV in my weight range. That way you can "test tow" with your rig and not hope that it will be the same as towing with someone else's rig

[norty1]

What type truck do you have? That may limit what size fifth wheel you could tow, before a hitch could be considered.

There are companies that will tow a fifth wheel for you if you do not have a hitch. Look into that or have the seller deliver it to your location.

Be very careful buying a rig from anyone unless you have someone that can help you on the condition and value of the rig. Just saying!

[roughcut]

Thanks everyone. I have a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad cab, 6ft. Box, Cummins Diesel. I am planning on a rig less than 30 ft. I believe that is what I can handle the best. I want to keep the gross weight less than 10,000 lbs. I am thinking that I may need to get a pullrite automatic slider. Thanks for all you ideas. Linda

[Boubou]

Originally Posted by roughcut

Thanks everyone. I have a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad cab, 6ft. Box, Cummins Diesel. I am planning on a rig less than 30 ft. I believe that is what I can handle the best. I want to keep the gross weight less than 10,000 lbs. I am thinking that I may need to get a pullrite automatic slider. Thanks for all you ideas. Linda

Nice hitch! that is the one we use. Although it is bulky and heavy, it is strong, safe and works really well. I would do it all over again.