440727

I'm looking at a 1998 Dodge 2500 4X4, quad cab, 8ft. bed, auto, 12V, with 128,000 on the clock.

The truck is originally from Florida and has a 5th wheel hitch in the bed. Its for sale by a dealer so I don't know what the previous owner was pulling with the hitch.

Now my question is......... do 5th wheel hitches or gooseneck hitches put more strain on a truck compared to a bumper hitch ? Is there anything I should check for or be aware of ?

Pros and cons to each style of hitch ?

Thanks !

cowboykilla235

5th wheel hitchs are better because they distrubite the weight evenly on the rear axle. bumper mount hitches put the weight on the frame. you can haul more weight with a 5th wheel hitch

440727

Thanks !

Hodge

A 5th wheel hitch will tow more weight. Either way, the weight is on the frame- what matters is where is the weight distributed? The closer to the axle, the more you can tow, and the more safe/stable. The farther back, the more leverage imposed, and weight is taken off the front end, affecting steering. So, if it does have a 5th wheel hitch, the previous owner;
1) Towed the better way,
2) Possibly towed heavy loads- you can tow more when the hitch is centered over the axle, than when it is centered behind the axle.

If you know trucks, or you have someone who does, you should be able to check the truck over real well and tell if any damage or excessive wear has occured.

cowboykilla235

what Hodge said... LOL thanks!

Robert Rausch

Ditto Hodge. The presence of the 5th wheel hitch implies the previous owner did indeed tow heavier loads, but as long as he did so carefully there is no reason the doubt the truck. If the truck looks very well cared for, then the p.o. probably was careful towing with it.

traverler48

I have had both. The 5th wheel is easier to pull but the wind drag is a killer. Some of these 5th wheels now are nearly 13' tall.