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Old 09-27-2017, 08:44 PM   #1
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Hitch recommendation for 3500HD

I have a GMC 3500HD, crew cab, Duramax diesel on order. I think the 5th wheel towing capacity is 17,100#. I'm looking strongly at a Cardinal 3850RL. What hitch do you recommend and why. Slider or no slider? I'm like everyone else high end/low price. Where to purchase?
Thank You in advance,
Kim
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Old 09-27-2017, 10:26 PM   #2
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Replied once to this but ran into a tech issue. I'm admittedly an RV newbie and researched 5th hitches a bit before selecting an Andersen hitch, their aluminum version. Major drawback to typical 5th wheel hitch design is "bucking " and "chucking ". Absolutely none of that with mine; when running we (my dualie Ram and my Cedar Creek 29RE) feel like a single unit. Plus it is really strong, backed by a million dollar insurance policy against failure due to the hitch, and, since is based in ball and socket, is a smaller target for typical snatch and grab highjacks. Check out Andersen. And no, I don't work for Andersen. I'm just a happy consumer.
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Old 09-28-2017, 05:38 AM   #3
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You didn't mention if the truck was a standard (8') or short bed. If short, then an auto sliding hitch might be a good choice. I have a standard bed 3500 DRW so don't need a sliding hitch. I do recommend some sort of air ride system though. Either an air ride hitch, or pinbox. Will make your towing experience much more enjoyable.
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Old 09-28-2017, 05:48 AM   #4
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do you plan on switching hitch out often to use your bed or not? we snow bird and I went with the BW companion it is a great hitch but real heavy and a pain to switch out. if I had to do it again I would seriously look at the Anderson just for the ease of switching out of the bed.
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Old 09-28-2017, 10:31 PM   #5
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I have a Chevy 3500 DRW and have the B&W companion. It comes in two pieces which makes it easier and lighter to remove. It's not as light as the Anderson but much lighter than your standard 5th wheel hitch. I can remove it and pick it up myself.
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Old 09-29-2017, 07:14 AM   #6
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Do yourself a favor and seriously look into the Reese GooseBox. It is an air ride pinbox/hitch all in one. It bolts up to the trailer frame replacing the pinbox and connects to a goose neck ball in your bed. This way there is no bulky or heave hitch to remove, you have more bed space and it provides a fantastic comfortable ride.

We just traveled 2800 miles pulling our Cedar Creek and could not be more impressed with the hitch. At times I would forget the trailer way behind us...

You will perhaps hear from others that a goose neck adapter will void the frame warranty on your trailer. True, some adapters might.... GooseBox is not an adapter, It is a pinbox replacement that Lippert not only endorses for use on their frames.... they will sell you one too if you like. I bought mine from Autoanything.com.
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Old 09-29-2017, 07:31 AM   #7
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You didn't mention if you are getting a single rear wheel or dual rear wheel or bed length, but according to GMC's site, here are your tow capacities for those combos, so you can plan accordingly:

SRW gooseneck/5th wheel, long bed: 17,000lbs max, 4000lbs max pin weight

SRW gooseneck/5th wheel, standard bed: 17,200lbs max, 4000lbs max pin weight

DRW gooseneck/5th wheel, long bed: 22,700lbs max, 5000lbs max pin weight
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Old 09-29-2017, 07:42 AM   #8
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another vote for B&W

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Old 09-29-2017, 09:04 AM   #9
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We have a B&W also. Just went 10,000 and had no issues. We switched to the B&W because it was easier to move since it breaks down in 2 parts. We have a 2002 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel long bed and are pulling a 3160RL Montana.
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Old 09-29-2017, 09:55 AM   #10
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Curt Q20 fan here. Vey happy with it. I never considered the ease of taking the hitch in and out when I was looking. My truck is only used to tow the RV.
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Old 09-29-2017, 11:34 AM   #11
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08 Silverado 3500 DRW and '11 Big country 3250 (14,000 gvwr) .I installed the B&W turnover ball, and went with the Anderson Ultimate hitch. Sooo much easier than the companion to move around. Absolutely no regrets, and pulls great.
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Old 09-29-2017, 11:39 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DJNCJ View Post
Do yourself a favor and seriously look into the Reese GooseBox. It is an air ride pinbox/hitch all in one. It bolts up to the trailer frame replacing the pinbox and connects to a goose neck ball in your bed. This way there is no bulky or heave hitch to remove, you have more bed space and it provides a fantastic comfortable ride.

We just traveled 2800 miles pulling our Cedar Creek and could not be more impressed with the hitch. At times I would forget the trailer way behind us...

You will perhaps hear from others that a goose neck adapter will void the frame warranty on your trailer. True, some adapters might.... GooseBox is not an adapter, It is a pinbox replacement that Lippert not only endorses for use on their frames.... they will sell you one too if you like. I bought mine from Autoanything.com.
Does the hitch with a gooseneck take more time to hitch up that 5th wheel hitch?
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Old 09-29-2017, 02:11 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zybane View Post
Does the hitch with a gooseneck take more time to hitch up that 5th wheel hitch?

Yes, the first couple of times. After my wife figured out what to reference as I backed under the hitch she is now able to guide me in each time...first try.

I am able to hitch up within a couple minutes without her guidence. A little practice and it becomes second nature. Due to my fold up tonneau cover I am unable to see the GN ball in my bed camera. It could be seen if I had a roll up cover.
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Old 09-29-2017, 08:43 PM   #14
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Highly recommend the Andersen Ultimate Hitch. 24k rating, very lightweight, super easy hitch / unhitch process.
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