Anybody have a fifth wheel trailer hitch?

I found a really good buy on a Jayco 23ft travel trailer. But, it requires a fifth wheel hitch. Is this even possible with the composite bed? If so, what hitch are you running and how do you like it?

 

Um no one here that I know of runs a fifth wheel hitch. You would be better off to tow with a tundra.

 

Regardless of the composite, 5th wheel hitches generally go over the rear axle. You don't have a big enough bed for a 5th wheel. Also its probably way over your payload capacity.

 

Payload is not a problem. The trailer does not exceed the trucks max payload or tow rating.

 

The owner's manual plainly states "Gooseneck towing is not recommended"
The 5th wheel plates will break the composite floor

 

It should be possible, assuming that the towed load fits within all of the ratings. Mounting a 5th wheel hitch, though is going to require making holes in the bed so that the hitch will attach directly to the truck frame. Possible, but probably not a great idea.

 

That was my concern.

 

There is not a bolt in kit. However it has been done. If you search this site a member up here made his own. It is not recommended because the truck really was not designed to tow with a fifth wheel and insurance could also be an issue.

 

Not concerned with holes, they can be patched.

 

Thanks for the quick replies fellas. These comments pretty much mirror my concerns. Ill probably keep looking for a good deal on a conventional travel trailer.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/199692-5th-wheel-hitch-installed.html

Here is a link to a thread where a fellow custom mounted a hitch.

 

Even if you wanted to take the time to fabricate a hitch setup that would not put any stress on the bed floor, the pin weight will make for a truck that is dangerously light on its front wheels, probably ending up with a totalled truck soon after

 

Oh wow. Don't want to cut up my bed that much. A couple holes isn't bad but, not that. Thanks man.

 

I'd say go for it if you had a long bed, but I'm thinking the sb won't give you enough turning radius before the trailer hits the cab

 

I think if you do a search you will find that some one did the mod by cutting holes and adding a metal plate. Not sure if I saw it here or some place else.

Doug

 

Wasn't going to overload the bed. This trailer is duel axle and is designed to put as little tongue weight as possible. Its not a heavy trailer. The fifth wheel is more for convenience as in getting the most out of the trailers interior room by creating an extra sleeping space above the trucks bed. Not necessitated by the weight of the load.

 

I don't know what trailer it is, but I have a hard time believing you found a 23' 5th wheel trailer that is under 6400lbs loaded. With a tongue weight of less than 1280lbs minus anything else you put in the truck (including passengers).

 

5th Wheel Hitch Installed


Found the post did copy & paste not sure if it worked

Doug

 

Jayco 5th wheel travel trailer Kiwi series M-23 B. Look for yourself. http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/2000/Jayco

 

Are you aware thats a travel trailer and not a fifth wheel?

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2000-Jayco-Kiwi-23B-110987118