16k hitch for 2008 3400RL?

[snfexpress]

Okay, everyone...we were seriously considering a Landmark Augusta by Heartland RV, which would require an upgrade to our Super 5th Hitch, rated at 16k - it's GCWR is 16,500 pounds. But, we did the measurement thing (all the cabinets and the basement, etc.) and realize that we can't get all of our stuff into this unit.

So, we're back to the 2008 3400RL (btw - the Augusta is the *only* 5er we have looked at that we would consider purchasing over a Montana, and we have looked at quite a few different lines). We know that our stuff will fit in the 2008 as we have the 2006 model.

My question is: Is it recommended to upgrade the hitch to 18,000 pounds, considering the GCWR of the 2008 3400RL is 15,500 pounds? I'm looking for real world considerations.

Thanks in advance,

[bsmeaton]

I'm still pulling the 15,500lb 3400 with my original 16K hitch. I'm not going to run out and buy another just because it's close, but if I ever have reason to replace the hitch I'll upgrade to an 18K.

By the way, my real loaded weight is only 13,800, but we are only vacationers. I have a greater safety margin than you might as a full timer.

[FLSTS03]

Michael & Kathy,
Nancy and I also were very close to buying an Augusta(loved the stainless appl. and under mount ss sink) before we found our 06' 3400RL. The Montana was the right choice. Our combo weighed in 21100 (CAT) which is at the top for our 07' Dodge Dually, the landmark was a much heavier trailer and would have put us over the top. I like bigger so I spent a couple hundred bucks on sandblasting/paint and bought a used 20k reese from a friend, looks brand new, fraction of the price of new and I just feel better with the heavier hitch. Steve

[sreigle]

I agree with Brad. It's the actual weight of the trailer you want to be concerned about, not the rating. If the trailer actual and hitch weight ratings are close, you'll want to periodically weigh the trailer to make sure it's not getting over the hitch rating. Or get a bigger hitch.

Our Montana's actual scaled weight is 14,620, last weighing. The hitch was originally a Reese 15k Classic. The head was replaced with a 16k (because of damage to the original) but it's still a 15k hitch. So I do keep an eye on weight.

[Delaine and Lindy]

I think big always go with the bigger hitch, I would never go below a 18,000 lb hitch. And I know for a fact the Landmark (Augusta) is a heavy unit. Its 400 lbs lighter than the Cambridge. I'm using the B&W with the Companion 5th wheel hitch, its rated at 30,000 lbs with the Gooseneck and 18,000 with the Companion 5th wheel hitch. Good Luck with your decision. GBY....

[NASCARon]

We upgraded from a 16K to an 18K when we bought the 3400RL. We have way to much money into our RV to skimp on the hitch.

[sreigle]

Hitches are good for as many pounds as they are rated. So long as the FW weighs less than the hitch rating there is no skimping going on. That said, if I were buying a new hitch I'd go with a bigger one, just because it would be there should we go to a heavier rig. Our current hitch is 18k. However, if I already had a 16k hitch and the rig will not weigh more than that, then I'd consider it a waste of good money to change hitches. That money could buy more diesel.

[TLightning]

These weight questions are always interesting to me. Some avow it's okay to exceed all ratings (they are 'guides'); some avow it's okay to exceed the truck rating, but not the tire, hitch, or axle rating; and some avow not to exceed any rating.

Seems to me if your total actual trailer weight is less than the hitch rating...you are good to go.

[DonandJudy_12]

I have read a lot on the MOC- I think most are in agreement that we need a properly equipped tow vehicle to pull our homes- we consider the capacity of our TV, the extra weights we do put on board, so must we also consider the capabilities of the hitch- We weigh our units on commercial scales so we know what we need and most of us get what we need- just my 2 cents worth- Don