New 5th wheel owner, now what?

[beerdude]

Originally Posted by efstewart

I just made a deal for a new Glacier Peak 5th wheel, Model F26RKS, Titanium.

Congrats!

Originally Posted by efstewart

Questions;
Is the MorRyde hitch pin, and a B & W Companion hitch sufficient to handle any extreme motions, shaking, and rough rides that other owners have complained about?

Outstanding hitch. Spray the rubber head (fore/aft movement) grommets with white lithium grease every 500-1000 mi or so, or they'll squeak/chatter (assuming you're paying attention to travel noises). I also grease the hitch's yaw shaft (or whatever it's called) zerk, maybe twice a year or so with the same chassis grease I use on my pickup when I'm lubing its chassis. Bonus: It's also easy to visually confirm your hitch jaws are locked with a B&W when hooking up.

Recommend installing the Companion with the arms positioned in the forward-leaning position if possible. It offered a better ride for my setup certainly. Watch for 5er to cab clearance on your setup, of course.

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by efstewart

Thanks for the advice. I'll update my signature as soon as the purchase agreement is read and signed. My TV is a 2022 GMC 2500, AT4, Diesel. It has the factory installed 5th wheel/gooseneck puck system read to go.

My updated payload capacity is around 2940 pounds, and the PIN weight of the 5th is about 1995 on paper. I'll update everything when I take it to a CAT scale in about 10 days.

We need the sleeper sofa for family and grandkids that come occasionally on trips. We have a large family with lots of grandkids so we will look for a sleeper sofa soon. Then we will try to sell the recliners or trade in, if possible.

That 1995 Pin is DRY Pin based on the 9670 DRY Weight (21% ratio)
GVWR 12,995 at 21% = 2729 WET Pin

So with 5th wheel loaded 'camp ready' expect a 2500 WET Pin

SO truck loaded up 'camp ready' -----8000#?
Might be close to GVWR with the Wet pin but UNDER RAWR.

Enjoy...good combo!

[efstewart]

Should I be concerned about bugs and such hitting the front cap area? What protectant would be good for a quick spray on before we travel?

[CecilD]

Fifth wheels deliver two kinds of energy to the truck. Bouncing motions - up and down, and chucking forces - back and forth. Your MORryde pin box will do a nice job quelling the chucking forces. The Companion, although a nice hitch, will do zero in dissipating bouncing forces. It is a solid connection between truck and trailer.

Suggest you look into a Trailer Saver BD3 to fit your truck's puck system. You will never regret this decision based on the quality of ride the hitch will deliver. New truck, new trailer, an air hitch will protect both from the jarring forces, provide a smooth ride, and deliver less driver fatigue. Your time frame could be a problem.

If going with a BD3, I wouldn't feel the need to get onboard air. I air up my hitch at the beginning of the season and forget about it.

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by efstewart

Should I be concerned about bugs and such hitting the front cap area? What protectant would be good for a quick spray on before we travel?

Yes, yes and yes. The decals on the nose of our Road Warrior are damage so bad that wife has considered me removing them. Notice I said me, not us.
We were heading to Las Vegas from Lake Havasu last year and as we crossed the California state line we hit a swarm of honeybees. It took 2 hours of scrubbing to get it off and damaged the decals because of the bees hitting the nose.
The bees were so bad I had to stop the truck and clean the windshield off to continue, first time I have seen that many bees. Not sure what type of spray on protector you can buy that will keep the decals from being damage by bug impact.

[MADP4301]

RE: Bugs. Do a search and you will find all kinds of feedback. I’m not aware of any spray on that really works. I use a hand applied polymer annually on the front cap and have a 2 gallon sprayer with bug remover to aid in removal. The polymer works good enough that driving through rain alone removes most bugs.

On my prior DP I did the same thing on the front and windshield. Really helped on the spring days when it was a bug battlefield!

[Rickeoni]

I have the same unit and use a BD3 hitch, tows like a dream. These are heavy units but with the rear kitchen make sure you put enough weight in the front. We have no issues towing with the rear kitchen but other with less capable hitches have had issues with drawers opening and fridge doors opening or even falling off due to bouncing. Great unit though and you will enjoy it.

[Old-Biscuit]

Used Dryer Sheets....after laundry day save them in zip lock bag

Then wet them down, wrap around a long handled brush/ squeegee etc and clean the bugs off

As for stopping them ........good luck with any spray on product