16k or 21k pinbox?

[Duramax]

Wondering what size pin box I’d need ? My 2017 HC 352 rl has a gvr of 15k. Could I get away with a 16k or do I need to go up to the bigger one? Leaning towards a Reese fifth airborne if that makes a difference

[Mikendebbie]

I went out and looked at my road armor pin box and it says “19,000 GVW”...so is that the same number I would look for in a 5th Airborne or other pin box?

[Dam Worker]

If you are positive you will never upgrade to a bigger heavier unit you can get the 16k hitch. If you have a possibility of upgrading I would go bigger. My unit is 16k gross weight. I have a very high quaility Reese 20k hitch. Because it will not work with my new trucks puck system with out an adapter bra kit I bought a RBW 25 k companion. I did this because I know my truck ratings could support a bigger unit and I have had those crazy irrational thoughts of upgrading.

Oops reread the post and you are talking about pin box.

Tom Marty

[rohrmann]

Our 2012 3402 grosses at almost 16k, and our pin box is rated at 18k, so as long as you are over your gross, you should be good.

[DQDick]

We have an 18K also.

[1retired06]

Curt 24K

[mtlakejim]

I got the 24K Curt/Ram with the brand new Ram 1 ton. There just wasn't enough cost difference between a lighter hitch and the heavier hitch to justify not going with the max I could get in the truck. If I ever decide to upgrade to a heavier trailer I am already setup (or if I need to help a friend with one).


OP, You should be fine so long as your hitch is rated above the max weight you will ever tow. Keep in mind though that you have to consider not only the trailer weight but the weight of everything in it including a full water tank! And if your like at least 75% of 5th wheel owners you WILL be upgrading to something larger in the future..... Is there really that much price difference between the 16K and 24K? Compared to say your truck or 5th wheel? Just remember this is THE critical link between your truck and camper and as such a rather important piece of equipment. It is certainly not one I would go the cheap route on!!!

[BuilderBob]

What doe's the sticker say on the pin box that is on your 352 we have the same 5er and ares is 19k pin box. And I have a curt Q25 hitch.

[Duramax]

Mine is the lippart 19k but I’m wondering since I’m gonna upgrade pinbox and my options are 16k and 21k. My gvr is around 15k so I think the 16k would be fine but that’s why I’m asking.

[mtlakejim]

Originally Posted by Duramax

Mine is the lippart 19k but I’m wondering since I’m gonna upgrade pinbox and my options are 16k and 21k. My gvr is around 15k so I think the 16k would be fine but that’s why I’m asking.

You will be fine if that is all you will never go over the rating BUT why not buy the higher rated hitch if there is only a couple hundred difference? That way you have a little bit of cushion. It's sorta like buying a little heavier tire than you need for the camper. Yeah an F rated tire would be rated ok for some trailers but the G rated tire is still a good idea.......

Besides like I said the vast majority of folks end up getting a bigger trailer.....why not be ready for it.

[BuilderBob]

Go withe the 21k Lippert put a bigger one on there for a res-sen 16k does not leave much of a cushion. More is better in my book.

[jcurtis934]

If you were getting ready to parachute out of an airplane and had your choice of a chute that may hold together with an extreme opening or one that can handle opening under any weight and condition...which one would you grab?

[jeffba]

Originally Posted by jcurtis934

If you were getting ready to parachute out of an airplane and had your choice of a chute that may hold together with an extreme opening or one that can handle opening under any weight and condition...which one would you grab?

Now is this chute for me or my ex-DW?