New to fifth wheeling

[partsman01]

So bid on a 1989 Prowler tandem axle fifth wheel, they wanted 7900.CDN, got it for 6000.CDN and now I have to find a hitch to install and need to find where one could find info on these units, how good were they and such and what are the pitfalls to look out for.
I am starting from scratch, so any help would be appreciated.

[partsman01]

So bid on a 1989 Prowler tandem axle fifth wheel, they wanted 7900.CDN, got it for 6000.CDN and now I have to find a hitch to install and need to find where one could find info on these units, how good were they and such and what are the pitfalls to look out for.
I am starting from scratch, so any help would be appreciated.

[Me2Hunter]

Check out http://reeseprod.com/index.htm

[charliez]

What kind of Tow Vehicle do you have. Please don't say Toyota Corolla.

[partsman01]

Sorry guys, I have a 77 F-250 Supercab long box, 400 cubic inch engine, C6 auto propane/gas system.
Heavy duty dual piston discs on front heavy duty shoes on the back.

[Ray,IN]

There are several quality brands available. Reese, as already posted, B&W hitch, if you want a smooth bed when the fifth wheel hitch is removed, or, you'll find most all brands with advertising comments here: towing world

[Bob Boucher]

Partsman:

What part of Canada are you in? I have the Reese 15000 slider and it has given me five years of trouble free service. Once I know where you're at, I may be able to refer you to a good supplier where you can compare hitches and prices.

Thanks:

Bob

[partsman01]

Thanks for the replies.
I am in British Columbia, Canada
In the town of Port Coquitlam

[FatDog]

Partsman,
Like Bob Boucher, I have a slider hitch although mine is the Husky name brand. I feel the Reese and Husky offer similar hitches.
You will not need a slider hitch of course, since you have a long box, but at least you have a couple good name brands. Both those manufacturers make a variety of hitches.
good luck,
Mike

[Bob Boucher]

Partsman01:

Nope, don't know any dealers in your area. Generally, for the Reese 16K non-slider, with four way pivot, you are likely looking at between $600. and $850. installed. A lot depends on who does the install and their hourly rate. You can get a two way pivot for $150 or $200. less, but I do not recommand it.

The four way allows for much easier hook-up on uneven ground and to me, is a must. Make sure you select an installer that knows what he is doing, placement and anchoring are crucial.

Husky should run you about the same. Do a Google search for dealers in your area and shop around. Good Luck.

Bob

[Rick A]

I have been using a Hidden Hitch 18K with four way pivot for the past three and a half years with no complaints.

[partsman01]

Well a fellow that works in the RV business came up with a used Hijacker fifth wheel hitch for me, everything but the bolts for mounting for 320.00CDN, so I bought it and will have to see about installing it myself, the fellow says I should not have a problem.

[partsman01]

Well I don't seem to get on here much, but did get the hitch, hooked her all up and went for two short trips and one three week trip and did alright.
One close call with a picnic table when backing into one site when I was all by myself.
But it was all good.
I swear that table jumped out at me.
Here is a link to pictures of said unit I bought.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?&collid=13...&page=1&sort_order=0

[geo5th]

Partsman 01. Here's a tip for backing by yourself that someone gave me and it works. Carry two of the red rubber dayglow traffic warning devices you see set up when crews are painting lines on roads and for other road hazards. They stand about 36 inches high.I place them where I want to go behind me and where I can see them in my mirrors. As long as I stay between them and stop when I am even with them (assuming they don't jump out at me) I make it into the spot ok. I am reluctant to get help from strangers because everyone uses different signals and references as to how and when to turn and stop!!!! They fold up fairly small and take up little room when not in use.