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As usual, Art speaks knowledgably about the weight calcs. Here's another weigh (I had to) to look at it. If the trailer axles are rated for 7K each, then your weight on the wheels could be 14K if you filled the trailer with everything you might want or need. Add 20%, or 2800lbs. for the weight on the pin, and your trailer could weigh 16,800lbs. It's not unusual for full-timers to carry a substantial load of STUF in their rigs. So, the 18K hitch starts to look pretty good. Then, as Art says, add the 2800lbs of pin weight, plus the weight of the hitch, to the empty weight of the rear axle and see where that takes you, compared to the rear axle weight rating on the truck's door sticker. If the rating is exceeded, as it often is, then you're depending on the reserve strength built into your truck suspension. It's pretty big, but not infinite, as my step-son can attest after collapsing the rear suspension of his half-ton Ram. We have a dually for all of the reasons above. Good luck with your choices and enjoy the ride.
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