5th Wheel Hitch Latch Kit

[MSHappyCampers]

I finally got around to installing my 5th wheel "insurance policy". This is a latch kit that you can install on your hitch to catch the king pin if it disengages from the hitch. My hitch is a Reese 15K, but I understand that it can be installed on many other kinds of hitches. You can find it here http://www.butchsservices.com/ . Butch just makes them up a few at a time, so you will have to work it out with him when they are available. This device is extremely well built, top quality all the way. I don't see how he can make it for $49.50 with free shipping! Below are some pics of my installation.

[Ray,IN]

Thanks Joe! That is a simple effective design IMO. Sure beats the prices of the Blue Ox bedsavers. I like the design of the 2nd picture (yellow part), it's fully automatic. The Blue Ox website appears to be having a problem right now, so the details are not available.

[tvman44]

A lot cheaper than any bed saver I have ever seen.

[webslave]

I've got the same unit installed on my B&W Companion hitch.



I had to move my mounting plates in towards the middle to clear the web on the underside, but, it still leaves plenty of space for the king pin to slide in. Sturdy enough to do the job, compact and light enough that I can still disassemble and remove my hitch solo to have my flat bed back when not towing.

For what he charges for them, I consider them "safety chains" for the king pin. Much easier for me to pay the $49.50 than to "eat" the cost and bother of a crushed bed...

[MSHappyCampers]

One further thought. Since the latch mounts to the sloped part of the hitch, we will need to be careful and maybe raise the 5er hitch a little higher when hitching so as not to hit the bolts and brackets. Just a minor thing, certainly not affecting my impression of this great product!

[Franka548]

Jminyard,

Looks like a nice addition to your hitch. Here is hoping that you never need it, but sure is nice to know it is there if you do.

Frank

[shortlance]

I just ordered one from Butch and it will ship on Wednesday. This latch is just like my snowblower--nice to have but hope I never really need to use it!

[partsman01]

Could you not mount it underneath, that would make it lower.
I like the idea, I could make one of those with my arc welder and a little bit of time.
Might be an interesting project.

[Arch Hoagland]

Woke up one morning to a horrible crash noise. Opened up the windshield curtains and five feet in front of our coach sat a pickup with a fifth wheel crushing the tailgate.
Sure did a number on his tailgate!

The couple had just pulled out of a site a couple sites from us and the trailer came off. The guy had forgotten to latch it down the night before and didn't check it in the morning.

I think if I had a fifth wheel I'd have one of these devices for sure.

[wingnut60]

Webslave,
Do you actually use that hitch? Wish mine looked like yours.
joe

[shortlance]

I just received mine from Butch today and I am impressed with the quality. He even includes a centering punch and a drill bit. It is well worth the money. I just hope I never have to tell anyone how good it works!!

[partsman01]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortlance I just received mine from Butch today and I am impressed with the quality. He even includes a centering punch and a drill bit. It is well worth the money. I just hope I never have to tell anyone how good it works!!

Very good, and I hear you, you want it, but don't want to use it.

[nosticks]

I posted this great product on the Montana Owners Forum. I think Butch is going to need a bigger shop.

[shortlance]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosticks I posted this great product on the Montana Owners Forum. I think Butch is going to need a bigger shop.

When I ordered mine I told Butch about this posting and said to expect a lot of buisness. The man came up with a good product at a fair price--he deserves to make some serious money!