Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > TRAVEL TRAILER, 5th WHEEL & TRUCK CAMPER FORUMS > Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 04-09-2016, 08:15 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
chertz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 542
Ram 3500 5er hutch recommendation

Just bought a Coachmen CHAPARRAL 360ibl. ... needless to say we are excited!

My truck has standard rails in it for the 5er hitch... I need recommendations on what hitch to get.

I did back under the camper today when we bought it, sitting fairly level and had 4-5 inches of clearance, so with so adjustment and weight on the truck I think height will be ok.

Leaning towards the B&W patriot 16k, the Curt Q16, and the Pull-rite 1900... any suggestions on which is the best value?

What hitch are yall running?
__________________
2014 Ram 3500 CCLB 4x4 Dually 68RFE, 370/800 Cummins 3.42 highway gear - Deep Cherry Red
2016 Coachmen Chapparal 360IBL
Sold - 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT QCLB 4x4 - Cummins Power
chertz is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 04-09-2016, 08:21 PM   #2
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Alberta
Posts: 8
I have curt q16 slider. No complaints slider is loud is my only complaint. My next hitch will be Anderson ultimate that's just cause I'm tired of taking heavy hitches in and out of my truck.
__________________
2015 Palomino Sabre 35qsik
2011 Ram 3500srw Laramie CCSB cummins deleted, tuned.Canada/U.S.A. Travels every summer.
chinnysnewrv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2016, 05:12 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 691
I run a b&w and just can't see how a hitch can be made better (aside from an air ride ts3). The build quality and sturdiness dwarfs Reese and others imo. Disclaimer..I have the rvk3600 for the ram puck system rated at 5k pin and 25k towing. Just a stout piece of equipment
gtsum2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2016, 10:06 AM   #4
Member
 
Tractor Guy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 39
Another B&W

I installed the heavier B&W in my RAM 3500. For a few more dollars you can have a 25,000 pound hitch without limitations on your current or next trailer. Factory puck system meant a 20 minute install. I just put a couple of pictures in the photo area with the hitch and the aux fuel tank I just put in.
__________________
2016 RAM 3500 6.7L DRW w/ B&W Companion
2015 XLR Thunderbolt 415 AMP
Tractor Guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-10-2016, 10:19 AM   #5
Member
 
Tractor Guy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 39
Pictures of aux tank and hitch in RAN 3500 DRW

This should load the photos. I'm pretty happy with this set up with the small toolbox on top. It all fits under the cover too so even though the tank and toolbox lock, most people would not mess with it. 51 gallons added of fuel means no worries about diesel access with the 43 foot toyhauler attached.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	RDS 51 gal and B&W hitch in RAM 3500 3.jpg
Views:	180
Size:	50.0 KB
ID:	123697   Click image for larger version

Name:	RDS 51 gal and B&W hitch in RAM 3500 4.jpg
Views:	329
Size:	57.7 KB
ID:	123698  

__________________
2016 RAM 3500 6.7L DRW w/ B&W Companion
2015 XLR Thunderbolt 415 AMP
Tractor Guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2016, 03:49 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
chertz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 542
That is a great setup tractorguy! I had a 91 gallon aux fuel tank I just sold... I hope someday to replace it with about a 50 gallon unit when we are traveling farther from home.
__________________
2014 Ram 3500 CCLB 4x4 Dually 68RFE, 370/800 Cummins 3.42 highway gear - Deep Cherry Red
2016 Coachmen Chapparal 360IBL
Sold - 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT QCLB 4x4 - Cummins Power
chertz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2016, 11:43 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Army Nurse's Avatar
 
Monaco Owners Club
Holiday Rambler Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 106
Another vote for B&W. I have the Companion, and it too is quite sturdy.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	1460439796208.jpg
Views:	102
Size:	55.7 KB
ID:	123872  
__________________
2011 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 36PFT
9.3 Liter Maxxforce 10 (International HT570) -- 350 HP, 1150 lb/ft Torque
No, it's not the same engine that had all the issues in semis.
Army Nurse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2016, 12:13 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
Bushman512003's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Wallaceburg,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 984
Hitch

I have a Reese slider have had it for years works great also I have a 2015 Dodge 4x4 and the rail system also a home made safety pin to stop the trailer if it ever comes off the hitch .My new Dodge is 4"higher than the 2009 was so I lifted the trailer pulls great and great fuel mileage.
__________________
John&Jeannette Just enjoying life, camping, friends, sitting around the fire at night LOL life is good. Bye John the Bushman!! EH
Bushman512003 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2016, 08:40 AM   #9
Moderator Emeritus
 
SmokeyWren's Avatar


 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: HillBilly country, Smokey Mtns
Posts: 4,171
Quote:
Originally Posted by chertz View Post
Just bought a Coachmen CHAPARRAL 360ibl. ...
GVWR 14,000, so any 16k 5er hitch will do.

Quote:
My truck has standard rails in it for the 5er hitch... ...Leaning towards the B&W patriot 16k, the Curt Q16, and the Pull-rite 1900...
You say you have a long bed pickup, so assuming by "long bed" you mean an 8' bed, then you don't need a slider hitch. Both the Patriot and the Q16 are available as sliders, but the Pull-tide 1900 is a Super 5th, not a SuperGlide. If by "long bed" you mean less than 8' long, then you need a slider. If a slider is needed, then the SuperGlide is by far your best choice, even though it's heavy and expensive.

I have over 100,000 miles on the Reese 5er hitch with 4-way tilt. Works great. If buying again I'd probably go for the Reese 16k. But not the Pro-Series, which is a cheap hitch.

2014 Dodge Ram Pickup Fifth Wheel - Reese
__________________
Grumpy ole man with over 60 years towing experience. Now my heaviest trailer is a 7'x16' 5,000-pound flatbed utility trailer, my tow vehicle is a 2019 F-150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost SuperCab with Max Tow (1,904 pounds payload capacity).
SmokeyWren is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2016, 09:13 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
chertz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 542
Quote:
Originally Posted by SmokeyWren View Post
GVWR 14,000, so any 16k 5er hitch will do.



You say you have a long bed pickup, so assuming by "long bed" you mean an 8' bed, then you don't need a slider hitch. Both the Patriot and the Q16 are available as sliders, but the Pull-tide 1900 is a Super 5th, not a SuperGlide. If by "long bed" you mean less than 8' long, then you need a slider. If a slider is needed, then the SuperGlide is by far your best choice, even though it's heavy and expensive.

I have over 100,000 miles on the Reese 5er hitch with 4-way tilt. Works great. If buying again I'd probably go for the Reese 16k. But not the Pro-Series, which is a cheap hitch.

2014 Dodge Ram Pickup Fifth Wheel - Reese

Oh, there is my good friend Smokey.. I love your posts!

Yes, by long bed I mean an 8' bed...

I did order the Patriot 16K hitch yesterday... Now I just gotta figure out how to adjust it to get the proper clearance over the bed rails.

On the patriot hitch, the coupler position can be positioned in 3 positions closer to the cab or closer to the tailgate... does anyone know for certain where would be the best to start?

I assume with a long (8') bed, that the full forward position would be the best, but I hate to assume anything!
__________________
2014 Ram 3500 CCLB 4x4 Dually 68RFE, 370/800 Cummins 3.42 highway gear - Deep Cherry Red
2016 Coachmen Chapparal 360IBL
Sold - 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT QCLB 4x4 - Cummins Power
chertz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2016, 09:17 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 691
I have mine mounted closest to the cab (2 inches forward of the rear axle). Putting 3300lbs pin weight on it actually increases my front axle weight by 20-40lbs. I think most folks recommend putting it ahead of the axle if possible
gtsum2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2016, 09:45 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
chertz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 542
Thanks gtsum!
__________________
2014 Ram 3500 CCLB 4x4 Dually 68RFE, 370/800 Cummins 3.42 highway gear - Deep Cherry Red
2016 Coachmen Chapparal 360IBL
Sold - 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT QCLB 4x4 - Cummins Power
chertz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2016, 12:49 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 773
I have the B&W Companion as well. Rated at 25K, it provides a comfortable safety margin for our current 5er.



The tank is 90 gallons and not ideal for a 5er but I've never had to jack knife enough to come close to it, yet.
__________________
2012 Dodge C3500 DRW 4x4 Long Box, WeatherGuard 90 Gal transfer tank, B&W Companion Hitch
2012 Keystone Montana 3100RL, 520W Solar, 460AH batteries, Morningstar MPPT 45 CC, Bogart 2030RV monitor.
drdarrin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2016, 05:09 PM   #14
Moderator Emeritus
 
SmokeyWren's Avatar


 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: HillBilly country, Smokey Mtns
Posts: 4,171
Quote:
Originally Posted by chertz View Post
On the patriot hitch, the coupler position can be positioned in 3 positions closer to the cab or closer to the tailgate... does anyone know for certain where would be the best to start?
Way back when, ideal on a Ford SuperDuty with 8' bed was to place the 5er hitch so the center of the kingpin is 4" in front of the center of the rear axle.
If for some reason you cannot achieve 4" in front of the center of the rear axle, then you want at least 2". Short bed pickups with 6.5' bed dont' have that luxury, so they have to put the kingpin dead center over the rear axle. Under no circumstances should the kingpin be behind the rear axle.

Clearance between the front of the trailer and the back of the cab is one concern. But another is clearance between the outside corner of the rear bumper and the lower part of the trailer when making a tight turn. Some 5ers cannot have the kingpin 4" in front of the rear axle because then they would have rear bumper to trailer contact. Usually in that case 2" in front of the axle will work.

To determine the front to rear center of the rear axle, drop a plumb bob from the top of the bed to allign with the center of the rear hub. Mark the top of the bed. then do the same thing on the other side of the bed. Then stretch a cord or wire across the bed with the ends on those two marks. Then drop the plumb bob from that stretched cord or wire to the center of the bed. Now you know where the center of the rear axle is located. Then move toward the cab and make marks 2" and 4" in front of the center of the rear axle. Now you know where the center of the kingpin should be after you have installed the 5er hitch.
SmokeyWren is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Air Hitches for new Ram 3500/W41GKE TEAMTJ Excel Owner's Forum 6 07-23-2011 07:14 PM
GMC 2500 is similar to RAM 3500 for towing 5er? Dmitri Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion 6 04-17-2011 10:53 PM
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 towing capacity StarTraveler Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion 6 05-26-2010 08:44 PM
3500 Ram owners questions with big 5th wheel tim k Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion 35 12-15-2005 04:10 PM
New Ram 3500 SRW Travis Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion 15 05-18-2005 10:34 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:36 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.