(EXPERIENCE DISCLAIMER!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/cool.gif) I'm a 19 year Navy Seabee Equipment Operator. Suffice to say I've hauled a few miles of OTR, including heavy and oversize loads. I will say that I'm fairly INEXPERIENCED with towing RV's. Wife and I recently rented a 29' TT rated at 10k full. My '04LLY had zero problems hauling.

I just purchased a 2005 Raptor 3018 Toyhauler. This is a bumper pull, not FW. The sticker on the frame reads 13000lb maxed out. Although I doubt I have enough toys to get it fully loaded, I don't have any doubt that the wife will try like heck to fill it to the gills.

Question 1: Will the factory reciever hitch at 12k be "safe"? (My guess is NO.)
Q#2: Advice on best quality/cost efficient Class V hitch
Q#3: Advice on best quality/cost efficient W/D assembly

I've done a little reading (RV.NET forum, etc) and have seen a HUGE variation. I'd like a 14,000lb setup. ANY advice would be seriouly appreciated. I live in San Diego and would like to purchase locally if any of you know the area. Otherwise internet is fine.

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The factory hitch is rated for it but I would pullit off and scrap it.

Any of the big name class V's will be fine, I have a Husky.

Make sure you have a WD hitch and a sway controler of some sort. Post this on RV.net you'll get more help that you can move with a dozer.

Keep telling the wife "plastic" that will help on the weight :)

Stay safe out there, dont over spent to much at 19 :blahblah: I'll get off the horse.

Have fun camping!

Marbee,

My trailer has an 1140lbs dry hitch weight and a GVW of 11,700. I didn’t trust the factory receiver so swapped for a Reese Titan V. Others have suggested that the Putnam XDR is as strong and has the added benefit of being a 2" (instead of the Titan’s 2 ½") receiver, eliminating the need for a reducer sleeve to fit a standard 2" drawbar used with most W/D hitches. I’m sure either one would do fine. I use an Equal-i-zer brand 14,000 lbs W/D hitch made by Lindon. It has performed beautifully in every condition I’ve thrown at it so far (heavy rain, wind, very twisty mountain roads, heavy city traffic, crowded freeways and various combinations of each). Hope this helps.

TC