I’m using a husky 16K fifth wheel; my trailer weight is less than 14K, and most of the time closer to 12K.
The hitch is a 1999 model but we don’t tow with it all the time as we only take 4-5 trips a year with the average towing miles of between 2000-5000 miles/year.
I keep the hitch jaw well greased and use a lube plate
Is there a life span for these hitches that I need to keep in mind?

 

I am not a 5th wheel user...

From a mechanical perspective, check all the pivot points, keeping them lubed, and you should be fine. Clean all the grease (and dirt) regularly then inspect all wear points.

Tony

 

I would think they could last for 15, 20 years or more. I would keep using this hitch until a failure occurs in a weld or the jaws wear out. Unless you just want a new hitch then replace it,
If this was me, I would checks for weld failures and if the jaws are showing signs of wear then either replace or repair the unit. Look over the unit closely and see if the paint in the weld area are starting to crack, if so then the welds are working and will soon fail. I would find a local weld shop and see if the welds can be scarfed out and re-welded. If the parent material has not cracked then the welds can be repaired. On most hitches the jaws can be replaced, at least on mind they can be.
Just my $0.02
Jim

 

My last one had 500,000 miles on it.

When I bought the new truck, I put a new one in.

It has 450,000 on it now.

On the average, about 40% of the hauling is for 5th wheels.

 

Lots of miles on my B&W, service and maintenance is the key.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I have driven an 18wheeler many a mile and know the basics of keeping a full size fifth wheel in good shape. But I was just not sure whether these baby ones had the same type of life span.