5th Wheel Hitch Question

[ndfinfan]

Morning Gents, got a question regarding tow capacity on 5th wheels. The wife and I currently have a 27ft bumper pull, but we are planning to upgrade to a 5th wheel this year or next. I've noticed most of the newer 5th wheels have the hitch attached to the rear frame, but looking at the specs, most state they have a 3,000 pd tow capacity. So I assume they are a Class III receiver? But every weekend during the summer, you see 5th wheels being towed with a 5k glass boat behind it...so are those guys throwing caution to the wind or did they get a Class IV receiver put on their 5th wheel? Can 5th wheel frames handle a higher capacity class hitch? My current Lund set up weighs less than 3,500 pds, but good chance I'll have a 4,000 pd set up soon. Always appreciate your experience and insights...thanks gents!

 

[tikkalover]

Last 3 campers I’ve had didn’t have the receiver hitch on the back bumper. I took them to Magic Mile Welding and they beefed up the camper bumper and added the receiver. Never had a problem when pulling the boat.

 

[ndfinfan]

Last 3 campers I’ve had didn’t have the receiver hitch on the back bumper. I took them to Magic Mile Welding and they beefed up the camper bumper and added the receiver. Never had a problem when pulling the boat.

Right on...guess that's always an option. I was just worried these newer lighter 5th wheels might have frame limits?

 

[jdfisherman]

Guessing any modifications would void the warranty (not that they stand behind them anyway).

 

[Fester]

I could have swore a number of years ago when looking at a camper that a reciever hitch was an option on the rear.

 

[johnr]

Your boat trailer to be legally towed behind a 5th wheel must be a dual axle, and have trailer breaks.
Most guys don't follow this rule, and are taking everyone else on the roads life into their hands.

I pulled the boat behind my old 5th wheel, the new one has the hitch, but it is so long, I don't dare do it, even though it would be legal for me, just not a risk I want to take.