Questions regarding hitch & Landmarks

[ericandalice]

The truck that we're considering already has a 5th wheel hitch in the back. I haven't been able to get much more information about the hitch aside from the brand: Draw-Tite.

So I have a few questions:
1. Assuming there's something wrong with the hitch or it won't support the 16,250# Landmark (and associated pin weight) can I just install a new hitch? Would they have to cut new holes in the truck or anything? Would that affect the safety? (I'm a total hitch newbie so these may be silly questions...)
2. Assuming that the current hitch is up to snuff weight wise, what do you think of the brand?
3. Regardless of this truck and hitch, which brand/hitch do you prefer and which would you not recommend?
4. As I said, I'm a hitch newbie so I'm curious about the mention of an airbag hitch. I've seen that recommended and am wondering about that and also the air ride king pins I've seen advertised. Would these work together or would that be overkill?

Thanks so much for your help! I want to be educated before I walk into a dealer so they can't sell me something I don't need or won't work.

 

[mmomega]

For a Landmark I'd suggest an 18,000lb hitch at least. No need for anything larger, next smallest is a 16,000lb and that won't do.

1. It is most likely an 18k and as long as there is nothing physically/mechanically wrong with it you will be just fine. A lot of hitches do have a proprietary setup when installed. Some are a single hole in the bed, some are 4 holes, some are 5... it really can vary and if that hitch is fine stay with it unless you want a swiss cheese bed
Saves spending another $1000 give or take on another hitch and you could put that cash towards an airbag equipped PinBox.
Such as the Ultra-Fab Trail Air http://www.ultra-fab.com/new_detail.cfm?mfgnum=35-946203 or the Reese 5th Airborne http://reeseprod.com/content/products.aspx?lvl=2&parentid=7300&catID=7340&part=0

2. It is a good brand and should hold up well to many more miles of use.

3. If I were to choose by personal preference, there would be 2 choices.
a. Get a TrailerSaver TS3 Air Ride hitch and leave the trailer pin box alone
b. Get a B&W Turnoverball with Companion 5th wheel hitch and then choose one of the airbag equipped pin boxes I listed above.

4. See answer #3, I'd suggest one or the other. Going with the TS3 hitch I mentioned above. It can stay with you for life, trailer after trailer.
Going with the airbag pin box, you'll have to switch it between trailers if you ever trade in or let it go and buy another one. Which also means hanging on to the original pin box if you decide to keep it and IF it will fit the new trailer. It basically comes down to what you can afford at the time. Both are great solutions.

and lastly.... yes gather as much info as possible and pick our brains before you buy.

 

[boatto5er]

I have a Reese 20K now that I installed in our new truck. Our previous truck had a reese 16K. The mounting rails for the two were VERY different in size and capability. The hitch should have a label and/or stamp with the weight rating on it. If it is a 16K you probably would not be able to simply replace the hitch itself. Although the holes would possibly line up with the 16K rail kit, the rail kit itself would not be strong enough. I recommend a new setup. If the original rails were installed correctly, then the new rail kit may fit the holes in the bed. BUT, the 20K rail kit has mounting brackets under the truck that attach to the frame with holes that must align with the holes in the truck bed. Chances are this won't happen. I got my hitch and rails from eTrailer.com - great deal at the time. If you don't feel confident with this type of installation and drilling in your bed (takes some heavy duty measuring and drilling), then go with a professional installer. Hitches are very personal in that everyone has their favorites and you've gotten some great advise on some differnt ones. Bottom line is go with the peace of mind of the heavier hitch, and if it were me, and I was getting the Reese again, I would still go with the 20K model just for the added security. Good Luck with your choice!

 

[ericandalice]

Thank you so much for answering my questions. There are so many components to fifth wheeling, I find it easy to get overwhelmed. Especially when it seems like we change our minds once a day. I don't think we're considering the truck with the 5th wheel hitch in it anymore due to mpg estimates. So we'll certainly be looking at your recommendations when it's time to buy/install a brand-spankin' new hitch in our truck. Thanks again!