5th wheel hitch

[BikesAndGuns]

Originally Posted by ChiefStan

I am researching 5th wheel hitches, in the past I have only used Reese hitches. I am leaning towards the B&W Companion hitch and interested in opinions on the Andersen hitch.

thanks,

I highly recommend the Andersen Ultimate. We've had ours for over 4 years and love it. One great feature is that you can adjust the ball up and down so that the correct tongue weight is on the hitch. It's lightweight and easy to remove when you wish to use your truck bed. https://andersenhitches.com/collecti...mate-5th-wheel

[grassy]

My last 5th hitch was a McCall with a binkly head. 4 airbags - 2 for ride and two for push / pull plus 4 shocks. Best hitch ever. Sold the truck / hitch last year.

I am disabled and lifting heavy weights is an issue . Bought another truck and was looking for a light hitch and could reduce chucking.

I bought an Anderson ultimate .. real easy to install and remove and great to tow so far..

I should also mention that my average trip is 10 to 11k miles..

Good luck..

[ChiefStan]

Thanks everyone,

this is great input, and has narrowed down some options for me.

[TB673]

Originally Posted by PLDieter

I absolutely swear by my Badger hitch. They are handmade by a one-man operation in Stoughton, WI. They REALLY smooth out the ride, and are incredibly simply during hook-up and unhooking. They don't make a slider, but when it was installed in my (sort of) short bed Toyota Tundra, I've had an incredibly easy time traveling. Jerry, the main guy told me that the hitch works better with a standard, solid-mount kingpin, as opposed to any of the various cushions, bladders, and other ride modifiers. I kept my kingpin with the inflatable "tire" but I keep it inflated to well over 100 PSI.




Badger Hitches

608-719-2532

This hitch looks a lot like the Comfort Ride hitch.
I wonder if one of the previous employees started Badger Hitches after Roadmaster bought Comfort Ride?
I know that Comfort Ride hitches were previously made in Stoughton, Wisc. also.


Tim

[SnowNCycle]

Originally Posted by ChiefStan

I am researching 5th wheel hitches, in the past I have only used Reese hitches. I am leaning towards the B&W Companion hitch and interested in opinions on the Andersen hitch.

thanks,

B&W all the way. I use both. Use a B&W gooseneck ball for my 38' music equipment trailer and then add the B&W 5th wheel adaptor for towing my daughter/son-in-laws 34' 5th wheel camper. As long as you have two people, both are very easy to line up and connect. With one person and the cameras in my F350, it is a bit tougher but still doable. You also get better with practice.

[Ryqster]

I also am a fan of the Trailer Saver TS-3. Been using these since 2005. Yes they are heavy and expensive. It will be the last hitch you ever buy. Very solid and smooth down the highway and the Binkley head is on par with the commercial units. I made an extension bar for my engine hoist to remove and install it. I am using it in the back of my 1 ton Ram long bed using the puck system adaptor. Love it!

[gcsprayjr]

We have a B&W Companion that fits into a B&W gooseneck under the bed of the truck. I installed it myself back when our F-350 was brand new in 2002. I liked the fact that with the 5th wheel hitch out of the truck the truck bed has zero obstructions which was necessary because we have 36 foot fifth wheel and an 11 foot slide in camper. The truck only has 76K miles on it, however no issues with the B&W equipment in 19 years. I only had to cut one hole in the truck, and that was for the gooseneck. I purchased a 4 inch hole saw for the task, measured it out with template provided and couldn't have gotten a better fit! It looks like Ford put the hole there during assembly. Used some black Rustoleum paint to prevent rust from forming on the bare steel, and haven't had to touch it for 19 years.

[2Cats2Go]

Originally Posted by ChiefStan

I am researching 5th wheel hitches, in the past I have only used Reese hitches. I am leaning towards the B&W Companion hitch and interested in opinions on the Andersen hitch.

thanks,

Purchased the Companion 3300 [20K] to tow our 5th wheel with our 2016 Ford 350 Super Duty DRW with Ford puck mounts in the bed. Now retired and travel to Texas for the winter. Very happy with the hitch and its features. Would highly recommend.

[Lt58DMTP]

Reese 20k Goosebox in my F350DRW pulling a 42' 5'er, you couldn't pay me to switch my set up. I need my truck bed so the Goose connection is perfect. The Reese set up adds an airbag & shocks that really dampen the 12,5k beast behind me.

[tjerram]

I have been pulling a 5th wheel in a short bed for years with a Reese manual slider. I just replaced it with a DEMCO auto-slide Do yourself a favor if you have a short bed get the auto-slide it makes a world of difference to not have to get out and manually adjust the slider. It seems like the only time you need to turn too tight is when traffic is backing up and the situation is stressful. Then you often just bull ahead without getting out to fight with the manual slider (I have the dents in my cab to show it) get the auto slide it's well worth it as you can turn 90 degrees if you have to and you will never forget to slide it back when you are on the road again (I have also done that and bent the bed rails as a result)

[ChuckandSun]

I use a Hensley Trailer Saver with built in air bags. YouTube this product. It is pricy but it will last your lifetime, be gentle on your RV appliances & frame, and eliminate chucking etc. Absolutely the finest hitch. Their customer service is outstanding too.

[Jincali]

Originally Posted by Bhidalgo

Waiting on a short bed 2022 F-350 and looking at a b&W slider to put in it. I'm new to this whole 5th wheel RV life. Heck, I won't even get the rig for another month. Thought I could do without the slider but with all I've read on this website and seen on YouTube, I'm pretty confident a slider will be the end product for us.

I have a F250 short bed with a rockwood 5th wheel. If the nose of the 5th wheel is curved like mine you may not need a slider. I’ve had it at 60 degree angle or so with no clearance issues. I’m not using the pivot built into the pin box either.

[JEDDIE]

Originally Posted by 1960C182

I am now , after destroying 2 Andersen's, useing a B&W Patriot 18K. I've also in the past used a 16k Reese and it simply is a cheap sloppy fitting hitch.
Those Andersen's are a great idea but they will bend and it doesn't take a panic stop from 75 mph to do it.

Curious to know the real circumstances that caused the destruction of your Andersen hitches.

After runnng through some serious “whoop-de-doos” and bridge approaches on the Edmonton bypass, I have no sign of damage after another 15000 kms.

I’m definately sold on durability.

[SGhost]

Really like the B&W Companion slider. With all the things you have to watch for, clearance to the cab is sometimes hard to see effectively on tight turns. I'd rather take the time and slide that puppy back than have an "oops" event like my brother in law.....