PAylor Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 Hi all, We have gotten three new rvs over five years without replacing the hitch in the truck bed. The one we have is a 15,000 lb hitch in our long bed Dodge ram. We are right at the limit and are getting a bit nervous. So any advice on hitches would be appreciated. I don't think we'll be getting an fifth that is heavier than we have now (but you never know!). Also what to do with the old one? Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devilishjim Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 check the mounting pins for wear and the latching mechanism , If in doubt go to RV dealer and have them look at it...squirt some black paint on it and go another five years or sell it on craigslist and buy a new one. Unless you have been doing some serious slam banging while hooking up it should be fine ! Jim Spence 2000 Dodge 3500 1 ton QC 4x4 dually 5.9 diesel LB BD exhaust brake, 6 spd manual trans 34CKTS Cedar Creek 5er, Trail-Air hitch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalkie Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 I agree with Jim. If the hitch is adequate to your current needs, and there is no major wear on the parts, just keep it. Why spend a lot of money for a new hitch if it is not needed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimalberta Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 When you consider that HDTs and the miles and years that they put on their hitches....I wouldnt worry about your hitch. Inspect it and look for any obvious signs of wear or cracks or failed welds but I doubt you will find any. Plus a new hitch could have a defect as much as any used one......these things dont really wear out. <p>....JIM and LINDA......2001 American Eagle 40 '.towing a GMC Sierra 1500 4X4 with RZR in the rear. 1999 JEEP Cherokee that we tow as well. IT IS A CONTENTED MAN WHO CAN APPRECIATE THE SCENERY ALONG A DETOUR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Greg Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 Easy....you said you have a 15K hitch. Annual cleaning, lube and grease and an inspection will ensure it's in good shape. Ours is 8 years old and I do the maintenance twice a year. No problems....yet. That said.....how much does your fifth wheel weigh??? If you "think" it's 15K either weigh it to be sure or get a 20K hitch. If you have been through 3 fifth wheels in 5 years I think there's a good chance you'll have more. If that's the case they will probably be larger or heavier meaning a large hitch. I do not believe in running things at their max rating. I'd have a hitch that is at least 2K more than a fifth wheel. My opinion. Greg Greg & Judy Bahnmiller Class of 2007 2014 F350 2007 HitchHiker Champagne Both sold 2/19, settled in Foley, AL after 12 years on the road http://bahnmilleradventure.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 As suggested, take it apart, clean it up and check for wear, if it isn't worn to the point it is unsafe then lube it up and keep it. Most decent hitches if kept clean and lubed will last a long time. Un-lubed and full of grit they can wear the pivots out in a few years. If it needs replaced I'd be really tempted to just buy another that will fit the existing mounts to save the expense of re-doing them. First rule of computer consulting: Sell a customer a Linux computer and you'll eat for a day. Sell a customer a Windows computer and you'll eat for a lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.