receiver class IV, different specs

[airmac]

had the airstream dealer install hitch setup , for a 27 se. the receiver he installed is a valley #82800 , class iv 500/5000 - 750/7500 w-distribution. it only clamps around existing frame tube + bolts into bumper.
all the other class iv receiver brands have a separate tube + bumper bolt. they are rated at 500/5000 - 800/8000.
trailer specs are 5400 unloaded wt , 790 hitch wt , 7600 gvwr wt.
receiver dealer installed is 40 lbs lite on hitch + 100 lbs lite on trailer.
i don't see myself getting the trailer over 6500 lbs ,but is this ok+safe???

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I wouldn't want to answer that question after having an accident; It seems so close, but I would want an extra safety margin. How much would it cost to buy a hitch with a higher rating? Is this on the previously mentioned Dodge Dakota? OK? Maybe. Safe? Maybe. Is it worth takeing that risk? No.

[2airishuman]

i agree with the newly retired robertsunrus!

and would expect a frame mounted receiver only.

bumper ball mounts are for utility trailers and tiny pop-up campers.

i'd insist on a receiver with 1,000/10,000 capacity using weight distribution...

the airstream tongue weight is just an ESTIMATE, and is often on the low side.

add lpgas and gear in the bed room and it goes up.

so a 1,000/10,000 used to 80% capacity is 800 lbs, or close to your tongue mass.

why cut corners on the most basic towing items when the price difference is ~100$...

perhaps no one makes a beefier frame bolted receiver for the d'kota?

cheers
2air

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

i agree with the newly retired robertsunrus!

why cut corners on the most basic towing items when the price difference is ~100$...

What he said...


It's better to have more than you need, than need more than you have.

[moosetags]

I agree with the others. The numbers are too close for my comfort zone. Also, I think it will be a feat to keep a loaded 27 under 6500#. Good luck.

[airmac]

thanks for the replies. i didn't frame the question correctly.i get the point on the total setup being to close to comfort for all of you. trailer will always be under 5600 lbs , when it is moved. i know it is close as that the truck is 4700lbs. + is rated at 6800 lbs towing + 11,700 total. the question is about the receiver brands. they are all class iv , but the valley brand is 500 less with distribution. there is a 2.5 inch tube that is part of the frame across the back of the truck ,that is what this valley hitch is bolted around + the bumper. which class iv receiver is best /valley/reese/ draw tite or hidden hitch? money is not the problem. as you all say , "get the best". which brand of class iv receiver is the best? i'll get the one you recommend.
thanks again

[markdoane]

I have just installed a Hidden Hitch brand receiver on my Tahoe. The paint and ID sticker quality was poor, but the welding and design was first rate. Bolted right on and only cost me $130 for a class V, rated 14,000lb. The dealer might have made a mistake and given me the "wholesale" price.

I've looked at the Valley receiver, and I agree it looks a little cheesy. The Hidden Hitch model (87753N) for your truck is a full bolt-on-the-frame model, not a clamp model.

[ROBERT CROSS]

This is a good choice.......
|| REESE PRODUCTS ||
Class IV or V

Have used Reese recievers since we started Stream'n.

Good Quality products...

[airmac]

thanks to all for your honest input. dealer in new mexico was great. no questions asked, he upgraded the hitch. i now have a hitch setup above truck + trailer specs. tows great.
thanks again

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by airmac

thanks to all for your honest input. dealer in new mexico was great. no questions asked, he upgraded the hitch. i now have a hitch setup above truck + trailer specs. tows great.
thanks again

What was your final choice?....

Glad all worked out well.

A lot of good folks on this Forum....keep us posted...and don't forget the

photo's.

[airmac]

dealer got a drawtite the same day , all welded , frame to frame ,8000/800. just the ticket. tows just fine. took it out again today.
thanks frank