Comparing 5th Wheel Hitch and Gooseneck Hitch on 2016 Nissan Titan XD Diesel 4x4

Question:

Looking at the specifications for the truck, it refers to hitch weight for the gooseneck mount of about 1200 pounds maximum. For the 2018 model which is the same truck essentially it now says about 1800 pounds. The rest of the towing specs are very close between the two about 11,000 of dry trailer weight and just over 2000 pounds of payload. My question is, does a fifth wheel hitch create a higher pound weight allowance for the hitch weight than using the gooseneck mount? Im looking at a fifth wheel trailer that weighs 8600 pounds, but the hitch weight is stated as 1700 pounds which seems high. We are also interested in the Anderson System but not sure what we need to buy to mount that system plus would like a slider option for backing. Thank You Experts!!!!

asked by: Douglas M

Expert Reply:

The 5th wheel and Gooseneck towing capacity of a vehicle like your 2016 Nissan Titan XD Diesel 4x4 will be almost identical. A 5th wheel trailer will have more weight directly over the bed in most cases, but it is built for the weight to be dispersed between the king pin and axles in the same way that a gooseneck trailer is dispersed over the coupler and the axles. Due to that slightly higher weight on the hitch of a 5th wheel trailer, the hitch itself has a wider base over the frame to help balance that weight better over more of the frame.

When towing a 5th wheel using the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Nissan Titan XD Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs # C16540-16026 or other hitch confirmed to fit your truck, you will be limited by your truck's capacity and not the hitch capacity. The 5th wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches are rated independently of the vehicle they are attached to.

For instance, the Curt Ball and Safety Chain Loop Kit for Chevy, Ford, GM, and Nissan Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch # C60692 is rated for 30,000 lb capacity and I think only one vehicle in all of those brands is currently rated to pull that weight.

The tongue weight you stated on the 5th wheel trailer you are looking at is not too high. It is not uncommon for 20-25% of the trailer weight of a 5th wheel to be on the hitch.

For a sliding hitch compatible with your truck, I recommend using the Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter for Nissan Titan XD OEM 5th Wheel Towing Prep Package - 21,000 lbs # DM6200 and then the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Ultra Slide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - 16K # DM6076P-UL-16K. This will give you a hitch with 8 inches of travel that will give you the turning clearance you need that and Andersen System won't offer. You may also want to consider a wiring harness like # DM8555002 for a clean look and easy connection access.

Let me know if you have any other questions.