5th Wheel Hitch Size

[TnB]

Thanks for all the replies. I will probably upgrade to a 20 K or 24 K hitch. The RW won't be built until December time frame.

[TnB]

The Trail Air L07 is the 21K pin.

I had the L07 added to my SOB by Lippert after one of the rallies. When I asked about the model, the tech stated that I was getting a better deal because of the capacity and that the longer pin box provides a smoother ride.

When I was making my first 45 degree turn in the Lippert parking lot, I noticed that there was only about an inch clearance between the back of the pin box and my side rails of my GMC 3500 (2008).

I went home and cut off the 45 degree slant on the back of the pin box.

I never did find out if the L07 is longer than the L05.

When I traded in my SOB for the RW, I left the L07 on the unit and got the L05 on the new unit.

[Rick and Mindy]

Originally Posted by atom ant

That's an excellent point!

Don't forget you have an available 3,000 lb additional tow capacity with the rear hitch on the Redwood. I fully plan to pull another toy trailer someday with a boat, jetskis, ATVs, or maybe my wheelchair if that day comes. That quickly puts me into 20K "capacity", not necessarily "actual".

The downside for me is the tri-glide pin box is only rated for 18K. Man it looks like it is closer to 100K just by how heavy it looks. I know others out there have some rated at over 20K

Wow, I never even thought about the pin box weight rating. Where did you find that rating? Is it stamped on the pin box?

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by Rick and Mindy

Wow, I never even thought about the pin box weight rating. Where did you find that rating? Is it stamped on the pin box?

Ya, its there on the curb side on mine in yellow. I was a little shocked when I saw 18,000

[johnboytoo]

With a slider and the electrical junction box on the back of the pin box and OUTSIDE instead of inside...
there is a danger with sliders

[Rick and Mindy]

Originally Posted by johnboytoo

With a slider and the electrical junction box on the back of the pin box and OUTSIDE instead of inside...
there is a danger with sliders

That doesn't look good!

[TnB]

Looking at a couple of websites:

The Tri-Glide L05 (18k) replaces a Lippert 1621 pin box. The distance from the King Pin to front bolt holes is 17 3/4 ". The distance to the back row is 25 5/8".

The Tri-Glide L07 (21K) replaces a Lippert 1716 pin box. The front distance is 20 3/8" and the rear is 29 1/8".

The difference in length could account for my trailer hitting my side rails, before my modifications.

It would be interesting to learn if RW owners with the 21K hitches have short distances to their side rails when making 45+ degree turns. This could account for the switch to the shorter L05 (18K).

[atom ant]

Hmm,
Seems backwards to me for some reason. Usually the shorter pin box has the higher rating. I am really sad mine is 18K. I'm near that now.

[JerryL]

My hitch is a 16k, so I guess I'll have to upgrade before I do any traveling.

[lwg]

Originally Posted by Boca_Shuffles

Looking at a couple of websites:

The Tri-Glide L05 (18k) replaces a Lippert 1621 pin box. The distance from the King Pin to front bolt holes is 17 3/4 ". The distance to the back row is 25 5/8".

The Tri-Glide L07 (21K) replaces a Lippert 1716 pin box. The front distance is 20 3/8" and the rear is 29 1/8".

The difference in length could account for my trailer hitting my side rails, before my modifications.

It would be interesting to learn if RW owners with the 21K hitches have short distances to their side rails when making 45+ degree turns. This could account for the switch to the shorter L05 (18K).

AA's unit was made before mine and he has the 18k hitch, I have the 21k hitch. I'll have to measure when I get back to the RV, but in driving I haven't noticed any near misses other than when jack knifing the trailer for really, really tight turns.

[hoosierguy]

Originally Posted by lwg

AA's unit was made before mine and he has the 18k hitch, I have the 21k hitch. I'll have to measure when I get back to the RV, but in driving I haven't noticed any near misses other than when jack knifing the trailer for really, really tight turns.

My 2012 36RL has the Tri-Glide L05 pin box. Over the past 3 years while making very tight (near 90 degree) turns on un-level ground, the rear end of the pin box has sliced into the decorative plastic cap on the truck bed rails. Fortunately, it didn't cut any deeper than about half way through the plastic cap. I like the TrailAir Tri-Glide. But, it has enough extra length that it can reach the bed rails.

[atom ant]

Wonder if that's why Johnboy's hit on the electrical box.

John, which pinbox do you have?

[johnboytoo]

not sure what 'model' or weight I have...
but if this is the L05
http://www.ultra-fab.com/new_detail....gnum=35-946203

That's NOT a triglide nor what we have...

This is more like what we have:
http://www.ultra-fab.com/new_detail....gnum=35-946228

will have it back from the shop (I hope) Friday and will look, but in the meantime, does the pic below give a hint?

I think mine struck the side because of a trifecta:
1) Our OEM Ford rollup bed cover has velcro embossed side rails that stick up about an inch as show in the second pic below:
2) the tri-glide may have been in the rearward position making it 'LONGER'
3) the junction box on the outside of the hitch instead of the inside like previous 5ers were...

and primarily we have a slider which will move to the side when turning.... and I had gotten into a TIGHT place looking for fuel when it said 15 miles to empty and had to make basically a uturn at least 90 degrees...

[Marty51]

I just ordered a Reese 20K to replace my 16K hitch. We have a 2014 38GK. I hope the 20K is big enough?? Thoughts anyone??

[atom ant]

Sure! I think my pin box is only rated 18,000.

[Jim & Mary]

Here is what we have...........really works great with the Ford installed puck receivers. In and out in 5 min with no tools. Also 20K rated.

[johnboytoo]

Actually MORE than enough - with a GVWR of 16.6K, you BEST not be needed a 20k hitch - I pulled mine all over the a Pullrite Superglide 4400 18K...
(for sale now)

[travelin' texans]

I have the 18k B & W which gives me 10-15% over my trailer gross & as Brad said your Trail-air pin box is only 18k also.

[Marty51]

Thanks for putting my mined at ease.

[Shane Wood]

I have a 24k Curt and the regular trailaire pin box. I have just sat down for a beer after 620 miles today. They both worked great no chucking banging nothing. I have the centerpoint installed and everything rode smooth. The only thing that moved in the trailer was the end table between the 2 recliners fell over we will lay it down from now on.we were on some rough highways today. I was very impressed with this part of the trip. I have another 2700 miles in the next 3 weeks so will post at the end