Community Forums

Ice336 · 05-24-2006, 03:38 AM

I recently moved from a TT to a 5er. I ordered a reese 15K hitch using an old book for data. The old 15K could be had with the double swivel. The new 15K I received (the old 14K) is a single pivot (front to back) unit. Now, It's my darn fault. But, now I sit wondering if I should pay for the swivel I wanted or if this unit will work OK for me. Can anyone tell me clearly the pros and cons of the side to side swivel?

Ice336 · 05-24-2006, 03:38 AM

I recently moved from a TT to a 5er. I ordered a reese 15K hitch using an old book for data. The old 15K could be had with the double swivel. The new 15K I received (the old 14K) is a single pivot (front to back) unit. Now, It's my darn fault. But, now I sit wondering if I should pay for the swivel I wanted or if this unit will work OK for me. Can anyone tell me clearly the pros and cons of the side to side swivel?

Stylin' · 05-24-2006, 04:16 AM

Welcome fellow Wisconsinite. Where are you from? The double pivot will help when you are trying to hook when either the truck or the trailer are not level, as well as when not on level roads or drives. They are a definite plus.

Two Bit · 05-24-2006, 04:21 AM

Welcome to the forum!

You can easily live without a double swivel, but it sounds like you wanted one and would be happier with one. You know when you buy a new vehicle with a brown interior, but really wanted the blue interior, and it bugs you for the next five years...if you have that kind of feeling about the hitch, then get a rocker. If you haven't used the new hitch, contact the seller, explain your mistake, and see what they will do. Bottom line is get what makes you happy.

We have a double swivel RBW Li'l Rocker and like it. Where it helps the most is hooking up and unhooking on uneven ground. 99% of the time it is never an issue. On ours you can lock out the side to side swivel or let it swivel. I have pulled it both ways, and going down the road, I honestly cannot tell the difference in ride quality or sway. Locked or unlocked doesn't seem to affect the comfort level inside the truck. Sway has never been an issue with our fiver. I usually leave ours in the swivel mode all the time. I dont think there are really any cons to a swivel. I think you will really like the way a fiver pulls vs. a TT.

If you will list your truck and trailer size in your signiture, the info will help others answer future questions you might have.

RustyJC · 05-24-2006, 04:29 AM

I used the "non-swivel" Reese 14K in a previous truck for 6 years. There were a few times where it was difficult to hitch or unhitch on uneven ground, but the hitch served its purpose.

The B&W companion 5th wheel hitch we use now swivels fore/aft as well as side-to-side. I like it better than the non-swivel (side-to-side) Reese 14K, but either will do the job.

By the way, I see that this is your first post. Welcome to iRV2 - we're glad you found us!

Rusty

Ice336 · 05-24-2006, 05:31 AM

OK, I figured out how to modify my signature and added my camper and truck info. I have verified with the dealer that since the unit was specified by me and bolted in, it's mine to keep.

I know what you are saying Two Bit. That's why I ended up with my Bright Red crew cab. It's what I wanted. You are right on the money though. That's the way I feel. But, since I have never towed 5ers before, I am wondering if the difference is in my head and not as needed as I think. I just don't want to trough the money away (almost $400) if it's not too much of a difference.

People talk about the stress and such on the pin and truck without the swivel. Has anyone experienced any damage? Not just heard about it. But, lived it? People say they like the swivel better, but not much detail why. My father has had both. He like the swivel for hooking, but says that he honestly didn't notice any difference in towing. He only changed because that is what the dealer had in stock. Since I have yet to actually tow my 5er, I can't say that I really need the swivel. I used to pull a 29'tt with a ford convertion van. I can't wait to see how right you are about liking the way a 5er pulls. Everyone keeps telling me that.

I am from Wautoma in the central part of Wis.

Thanks for the warm welcomes. Our first trip is scheduled for June 9th through the 11th.

By they way, the hitch I purchased is a slider. Not that it makes a difference too much.

Stylin' · 05-24-2006, 02:49 PM

You said that you purchased a slider; that would be more important than a double pivot considering that you hava a short box. I hunt just north of town; I might run into you in Daskals Hideaway.

Ice336 · 05-25-2006, 06:19 PM

I would bet we might run into eachother.

I installed the hitch today and did some playing in the lawn with the camper. I am glad I got the slider. The new Fords turn extra sharp since 2005. Nice when empty. I carefully investigated the possibilities of hitting the cab. If I turned long and sharp enough, it sure would. So, you are right about the slide being important. I tood the rig for a ride and I did not notice a difference from when I brought it home with my dad's swivel 15K. I think I will get along with this one well. Thanks everyone for your input.

Great sight and great postings! Glade to be here.

Ray,IN · 05-27-2006, 06:14 PM

Virtually all commercial campgrounds have reasonably level parking spots. You may run into a spot that is so unlevel that the hitch and pin bind but I doubt it. Now if you plan to use USFS, BLM, or state owned primitive CG's you may likely run into a higher percentage of difficult unhitching/hitching situations. You already have the hitch, give it a fair test before you replace it.