Got another 5th wheel

[Texas Diesel]

We have a 26' Prowler, fiberglass, slide, etc. Just too heavy and big for the two of us on weekend trips so we traded the Aerolite TT on a 22' Sportsman 5th wheel (used but garage stored it's whole life).



I want to pull a small boat or perhaps a jet ski behind the 5th wheel, does this put too much strain on the trailer frame? I'm thinking of the expansion joints on the interstate, pot holes, etc, mainly anything that would cause a rapid up/down movement on the rear of the 5th wheel.



Anyone heard pf problems like this?



TIA

 

[RustyJC]

I would pose this question to the manufacturer's engineers who designed the frame. They would know how much "reserve" is in their design for an application like this. The best the rest of us can do is speculate or give you one-off anecdotal experiences.



Rusty

 

[CROW]

Have a Kountry Star fifth wheel and asked the manufacturer about mounting a boat hitch on the trailer. Got the answer I expected: it will void your warranty on the frame as it puts too much stress on it. Apparently this is the answer you will get from any fifth wheel manufacturer since they don't want to be endorse towing double and they may have some valid concerns about frames when a hitch is welded on. However, many individuals do this. The secret may be get a good install. I would not think a small boat or a jet ski would be a problem; have seen any number of fellas double towing large fiberglass bass boats that can be quite heavy.

 

[Bill Stockard]

I've owned two Hitchhiker II 5th wheels with a factory installed rear hitch. The factory added reinforcements on the frame, gussets at the frame to bumper connection, and added an extra steel angle the full width of the bumper. A four-way flat type electrical connection was also provided. The hitch was limited to a max weight of 3,000 lbs. I towed a Ranger bass boat behind the first HHII 5th wheel a couple of times, but decided it was too much of a hassle and never did anymore. The rear hitch does make a good place for a bike rack!!



Bill