what size hitch do I need

[tobidean]

My wife and I are having a 38BR build as I
write this, I purchased a 2007 Chevy Duramax/allison Dually to pull it and it
has a 16K draw-tite hitch that I got with the vehicle. but the spec (see below) in the
floorplan show the following. Do I need to get a bigger hitch because the GVWR
is 16600 and could someone explain the different weight combinations to me?
</span>Any help would be appreciated.

<table ="specs">
<t><tr ="element element-text first"><td ="label">GVWR</td><td ="value">16,600</td></tr><tr ="element element-text"><td ="label">Carrying Capacity</td><td ="value">3,100</td></tr><tr ="element element-text"><td ="label">Hitch Weight</td><td ="value">2,665</td></tr><tr ="element element-text"><td ="label">Axle Weight</td><td ="value">10,835</td></tr></t>
</table>

[Oriana]

When the coach leaves the factory they will weigh it with all installed options, which is posted on the coach.

A basic 38BR weighs about 13,500 lbs, which is distributed on the axles (10.8K) and hitch (2.6K). The carrying capacity is the difference the weight of a basic coach and the GVWR. The maximum you can load the coach to is 16,600 lbs (GVWR), whichincludes for the weight of options, possessions, fluid in the tanks, etc. The additional weight will be distributed over the axle and hitch depending on location.

If loading your coach to the maximum GVW you will require a larger hitch. When taking the local drivingI required the hitch excede the coach GVWR by 20%.

We use the Ford factory prep package so had 18K or 25K options. I went for the 25K.

[tobidean]

Thank you, I've called the dealership it's being delivered to and they recommended at least a 20K to be on the safe side. I have read many of the posts on this web site and for the most have part have seen very helpful and usefulinformation.

Thanks again,
Dean

[atom ant]

20K was a good choice. I figured a GVWR of 16,500lb + 3,000lbs on the rear hitch, should I choose to use if for something. That equals at least 19,500 lbs. Edited by: atom ant

[5th_Time]

Remember,if you ordered the Trailair Tri-Glide pin box option from Redwood, it is rated as18K capacity. Something to think about...



Some of the TrailAir aftermarket models you add later can be as high as 21K capacity.Edited by: 5th_Time

[tobidean]

I'm not sure what you mean, I did order the TrailAir Tri-glide and just found a 25k valley hitch on Craiglistthat I'm considering. Are you saying that it's not good to have a hitch with a higher rating than18k or it needs one with at least a 18Krating.

[5th_Time]

People willpurchase a 25K hitch, and there is certainly no harm in doing that, but since the"weakest link" will still be 18K, that's your capacity.



Since the 25K hitches are that much more expensive than the 18K versions, it could be a better value to put the difference into something like airbags or something more effective. It's personal preference of course...

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by 5th_Time

Remember,Â*if you ordered the Trailair Tri-Glide pin box option from Redwood, it is rated asÂ*18K capacity.Â* Something to think about...
Â*
Some of the TrailAir aftermarket models you add later can be as high as 21K capacity.Â*

Ah - didn't realize that but sure enough, it's marked 18K GVWR. Guess that is the max, including anything towed on the rear hitch.

Thanks for pointing that out. Sorry if I distracted from the thread, but my 19,500 limit stated earlier would not be correct if the pin box is only rated to 18,000.