Community Forums

JDT · 05-03-2015, 09:27 AM

We bought a Hensley BD3 last year and it is a gem of a hitch. Very comparable to the B&W Turnover and Companion I replaced with the BD3 except for the added air ride system. I went with the BD3 because it comes apart in two pieces that I can lift myself, with some effort. You can't do that with the TS3. I bought the Hensley because of the bucking we could not seem to cure in the 2012 GMC 3500 srw with the standard (short) bed we had at the time. Drfife mentioned the problem with the BD3 not being adjustable fore or aft, only up and down. When I installed it, it sat 6" closer to the cab than the B&W and I knew it was just a matter of time before I hit the cab. On the upside, it did cure the bucking and made for a super smooth ride.

We had already been thinking about a new truck because we were pushing the weight limits of the 2012 and went ahead and got the new dually. With the long bed the BD3 is not an issue but I think you may want to consider a slider of some kind. When looking at the weights I think most will tell you to add about 20% to the listed hitch weight on the GD. Ours was listed at close to 2600 pounds but is bumping 3100 in reality, fully loaded with a Splendide washer/dryer combo also sitting up there. Except for the air ride you really can't go wrong with the B&W.

C130 · 05-03-2015, 09:39 AM

My TS3 instruction manual shows Hensley has a slider adapter for the TS3.

PhoneDude 8289 · 05-03-2015, 10:18 AM

We went with the BD3 three years ago and never looked back. Totally happy with the setup.

jkn1946 · 05-03-2015, 05:26 PM

With the short bed you will more than likely need a sliding hitch. We like the look of the swb and felt it was worth the money. We have a F350 lariat diesel 4x4. Based on the numbers we should be able to pull most.

JKN
2014 Arctic Fox 29-5T
5 Wheel. full time

SkiSmuggs · 05-04-2015, 10:28 AM

The difference between the F250 and F350 is the payload. The F250 would be approaching capacity with that fiver and the F350 will have plenty to spare. I got the F350 because I know that if I get another fiver, it will be heavier for quality and insulation.

blang311 · 05-04-2015, 06:59 PM

No need to beat a dead horse but the payload and towing of srw 2015 f250 and f350 are very similar. You need drw to really increase the capacity.

caissiel · 05-04-2015, 07:19 PM

But the F350 gets the bigger payload by allowing more spring travel which is a false security because the main plies get overloaded.

JIMNLIN · 05-04-2015, 09:19 PM

Quote:

I know the difference in the two trucks and while it's not a lot of difference the F350 has a higher tow capacity, at least from what I've read and seen it does.

The clicky I posted and the clicky you posted agree with each other but neither agrees with your statement.
Check them both out and you will see The F250 actually has a bit higher tow rating (100 lbs). I know its a moot point but may save some new guy from buying more truck than is needed.

5th wheel and GN
...F250 2wd diesel reg cab....16600 lbs
...F350 2wd diesel reg cab....16500 lbs

...F250 2wd diesel super cab....16300 lbs
...F350 2wd diesel super cab....16200 lbs

...F250 2wd diesel crew cab....16100 lbs
...F350 2wd diesel crew cab....16000 lbs

You saying tow capacity ??
Now if your referring to weight carrying capacity then sure the SRW has more load carrying capacity than the 250.

SkiSmuggs · 05-05-2015, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caissiel

But the F350 gets the bigger payload by allowing more spring travel which is a false security because the main plies get overloaded.

AND the extra layer of springs which is hardly a false sense of security. 4x4 crew cab SRW F250 has a payload of 3100 lbs while the F350 is 3800 lbs.
The towing capacity is the same with each model.

caissiel · 05-05-2015, 06:40 AM

I know because I have an F250 with the said reinforcements on my springs. Every Ford around home has broken a main ply. And so have I, And it's not by hauling heavy trailer. Like all Heavy duty trucks here the ply breaks without loading on rough roads. 1/2 ton are preferred.
That's the first thing I was told when I bought my first HD GM.

SkiSmuggs · 05-05-2015, 07:15 AM

Breaking springs without a load is a different issue than payload. And I preferred my F150 for the ride as well, but needed the Super Duty payload and towing capacity as the F150 was at its limits.

Cumminsfan · 05-05-2015, 08:17 AM

Your main concern is the bed height of either the 250 or 350. The GD 303RLS has a low overhang height. You want the 5er to be level. Check the height difference of the 250-350. Also if you option out 20" wheels then it will be slightly higher too.

The 303 can be towed by any 3/4 ton gasser and most 3/4 ton diesels. Dry pin of 1660lbs would be in the 2000-2100lbs loaded. Well under every 3/4 tons RAWR.

Clicker1943 · 05-05-2015, 12:43 PM

When I was buying my 5er I saw it came with a Reese Revolution pin box. I called Reese and asked them what hitch they would recommend. I have a 2015 F250 6.7 4x4 6 1/2 ft bed. The tech said I did not need a slider because the Revolution came with a wedge that would allow 90 degree turns with a short box. I bought a Reese 16k pro hitch...guess what...I can make 90 degree turns and it tows great. Very good decision to call the pin box manufacturer and get their advice.

SkiSmuggs · 05-05-2015, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clicker1944

When I was buying my 5er I saw it came with a Reese Revolution pin box. I called Reese and asked them what hitch they would recommend. I have a 2015 F250 6.7 4x4 6 1/2 ft bed. The tech said I did not need a slider because the Revolution came with a wedge that would allow 90 degree turns with a short box. I bought a Reese 16k pro hitch...guess what...I can make 90 degree turns and it tows great. Very good decision to call the pin box manufacturer and get their advice.

Yup, I'm about to enter my 4th season with a short bed and Reese Sidewinder/Revolution. 90 degrees several times with no issues and the first 3 seasons were with a 5'7" bed.