Shortbed 5th Wheel Towing

[Shmelton]

Anderson Ultimate all the way. If you have an impact wrench you can take I out in less than 3 mins. It’s 3 bolts and a pin. The hitch ways 35lbs. You can’t beat it. I have a short bed and never run into problems with it.

I went to the dealership planning on getting the Reece Gooseball, but after talking to the salesman and a few service guys, I went with the Anderson.

I don’t have a problem with chucking either like some of the 5th wheel hitches do.

[CecilD]

The downside to Reese Revolution pin box is dealing with a capture plate and a solid hitch. There could be issues hooking up in some scenarios. Your pivot point will be further back so backing dynamics may be improved or hindered, depends on how you look at it. You are still going to need some type of hitch taking up much of your bed. The rotating hitches will not work with an Andersen hitch unless you lock the rotating feature out and use it as a standard pin box.

If your fifth wheel comes with the rotating pin box, you are good. If not, then you will have to buy the pin box and a hitch, adding costs. I suggest you take a look at the Blue Ox Super Ride hitch and consider using it with the standard pin box. You would use it in the tow position most of the time, and articulate it rearward when needed while tight backing. Many report this is an easy procedure. Many new fifth wheel owners discount the value of a shock absorbing hitch, I know I did. The Blue Ox is a soft hitch, and apparently disassembles easily for lightweight removal.

Have fun shopping.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by Shmelton

Anderson Ultimate all the way. If you have an impact wrench you can take I out in less than 3 mins. It’s 3 bolts and a pin. The hitch ways 35lbs. You can’t beat it. I have a short bed and never run into problems with it.

I went to the dealership planning on getting the Reece Gooseball, but after talking to the salesman and a few service guys, I went with the Anderson.

I don’t have a problem with chucking either like some of the 5th wheel hitches do.

Love mine and hang it on the wall when I'm not using it. But I don't use an impact, just my long handle torque wrench to loosen the bolts...

[Bamaman]

I have a B&W Patriot 16K hitch on rails. They're very well made and fully adjustable forward and back, up and down. Best part is that the head unit can be removed in about 5 seconds and it's lighter in weight when in two pieces.

In my 6 3/4 foot bed, I've not had any problems turning with my fifth wheel with the new style front cap. Only problem might be if I turned very tight backing into a campsite and it was very hilly. And I don't get into such places.

[chasmatt]

I tow a 9000 lb dry fifth wheel with a Ram 2500 short bed. I use the Andersen Ultimate. Never had a problem. This is much better than the Reese hitch I used to use.

[JSM180]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

Pretty sure the only reason for that is Lippert OWNS Reese and they want you to buy their product.

Reese is owned by Horizon Global Corporation and has no affiliation with Lippert other than they approve the use of the Goose Box on their frame.

I use the Goose Box on a 6.5' bed and a square front 5th with no issues.

[Sundance5534]

Doing a gooseneck adapter on a 5th wheel not designed for it is asking for trouble. It's physics...... When you move the attachment down to the bed you
are increasing the fulcrum effect and greatly increasing the load and force exerted on the frame of the RV.

You may "get by" with it, but that frame is getting more abuse than it's designed for.

[AGoodLife]

Originally Posted by Sundance5534

Doing a gooseneck adapter on a 5th wheel not designed for it is asking for trouble. It's physics...... When you move the attachment down to the bed you
are increasing the fulcrum effect and greatly increasing the load and force exerted on the frame of the RV.

You may "get by" with it, but that frame is getting more abuse than it's designed for.

That's why I chose the Andersen Ultimate hitch. You get a solid no clanking connection that pivots well and is light weight without any additional stresses to the trailer's frame. Can't loose!

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by JSM180

Reese is owned by Horizon Global Corporation and has no affiliation with Lippert other than they approve the use of the Goose Box on their frame.

I use the Goose Box on a 6.5' bed and a square front 5th with no issues.

Then I stand corrected, I had read it on another forum and assumed the guy knew what he was talking about. Just shows you can't believe everything you read on the net.

[vsmit1]

Thanks everyone for the great input. Since I will only use the hitch to tow a 5ver in in the 9000lb dry range and really not use the hitch otherwise , I am thinking the Anderson Ultimate is the hitch for me .

[edfgrf]

Lippert won't honor the warranty with Anderson hitch. I have just gone through this. Call Lippert. Reese Sidewinder may be a good option. Demco makes the Recon it is a light easy to remove the hitch. I bought one but it makes my 5th wheeler too high with my Ram 3500 4x4 srw. I am going to buy a Curt A16 it is supposed to adjust down to 13" plus your rails. Take your pin hight at a level towable position subtract that from your bed height and then you would have your hitch height.

[JSM180]

I bought and returned an Andersen Ultimate, one of the reasons was it would not adjust low enough. With the pin box in it's highest position and the Andersen in it's lowest the 5th was still 2" nose high.

I have owned 2 Curt hitches and now the Goose Box, all adjusted low enough to keep the 5th level.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by edfgrf

Lippert won't honor the warranty with Anderson hitch. I have just gone through this. Call Lippert. Reese Sidewinder may be a good option. Demco makes the Recon it is a light easy to remove the hitch. I bought one but it makes my 5th wheeler too high with my Ram 3500 4x4 srw. I am going to buy a Curt A16 it is supposed to adjust down to 13" plus your rails. Take your pin hight at a level towable position subtract that from your bed height and then you would have your hitch height.

Please explain what you just went through as far as warranty with Lippert and Andersen. There are thousands of Andersens out there with zero issues, mine included.

[Daycruiser]

Originally Posted by AGoodLife

That's why I chose the Andersen Ultimate hitch. You get a solid no clanking connection that pivots well and is light weight without any additional stresses to the trailer's frame. Can't loose!

Until your overhang frame cracks and lippert tells you to go pound sand.