[duallydog]

Just picked up an 07 Weekend Warrior LE3505 and want to make sure it's safe to tow with my current Reese 16K 5er hitch (4000lb pin rating). The LE3505 GVWR (max loaded) is 16K with approx 2200lb pin weight.

I will be loading a Rhino and (2) YFZ's along with all the water(150gal) and fuel (60gal). I estimate the total weight will come in around 14.5K to 15K.

Do I need a hitch with a higher rating (20K?) to ensure an adequate safety margin?

Truck is an 05 6L F350 dually FX4 with Tow Boss (4:30's). It's not the truck I'm concerned about, just the 5er hitch.

Any help would be much appreciated!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[GreyHorse]

Weighing it is the only real way to know...... lots cheaper than getting a new one if you don't need it.

 

[SmokeyWren]

A 16k hitch should be just fine and dandy for a 16k trailer.

But I know what you mean about a fudge factor. I have a Reese Classic 16k hitch, and my 5er has a GVWR of 7,900. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif

 

[NickKent]

Load it up to the absolute max you'll ever have it at, and take it to the scales. It's the only way to know for sure.

 

[duallydog]

Is there a general rule-of-thumb that says over-rate your hitch by 10-20% over max expected load?

I don't have a local scale I can take it to plus the wife will make use of every open space so over time I think it wil be heavier than my "max" load right now.

I guess the question I'm asking is it safe to use a 16K hitch on a 16K trailer?

The 20K reese is an obvious choice but I just spent a ton-o-money on this rig and need to save a few bucks where I can. All that being said, maybe it's just better to "bite-the-bullet" and spend the bucks for the cool-guy hitch (20K) and be done with it. Any thoughts?

Thanks again guys!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[NickKent]

Get in touch with Reese and talk to a tech guy. See what they say about their hitches. My guess is you'll be fine with the hitch. I'm sure they engineer in a safety factor.