Community Forums

WyoFree · 05-30-2022, 08:39 PM

Didn’t know a thing about this hitch until an hour ago. Do you know about it and does it provide a reason to switch from Anderson?

CecilD · 05-31-2022, 09:27 AM

I never heard of the Crosswind so I looked it up on the Curt website and read the installation instructions. A few personal takeaways:

Relatively lightweight as some of the hitch stays on the pin box.

Similar in function to a ball type hitch except, no ball. I presume no safety chains are required. This could be a large advantage.

No moveable jaw mechanism for hook-up.

4" adjustable offset similar to Andersen.

Seems like an over complication compared to an easy process with a traditional hitch.

No need for lube plate to drop off due to mangled or worn attachment fingers.

Don't know how many RV owners own or carry a 300 ft-lb torque wrench (I don't).

I would like to witness the ease of hooking and unhooking.

Anti-theft of fiver may be an advantage. It is nice to see some manufacturers are stepping out of the box. However, I see this as a market share response to the Andersen and Pullrite ball type hitches. What are your thoughts?

WyoFree · 05-31-2022, 09:41 AM

Hi CecilD, yes I read that too. I’ve not towed before and will be buying my first hitch. I settled on the Anderson because it’s light weight, easy ball installation and years of service.

It strikes me the Curt would take longer to install and/or take out with the four points of install.

Other than that do you see much difference in the two. I like that Anderson has years of service to the fifth wheel community. The only YouTube video on Curt is a brief Curt produced video.

CecilD · 05-31-2022, 10:04 AM

First hitch, Andersen would be on the list. Take a hard look at the Goose Box. It weighs virtually nothing as it stays attached to your trailer. Its articulation geometry and air bag would ensure a more comfortable tow than any solid hitch.

I looked at the youtube video of the Crosswing hitch. I honestly cannot detect any side to side articulation even though the website description touts it as having such. That would be a deal killer for me.

TXiceman · 05-31-2022, 10:06 AM

Seems like an adaptation of the Andersen design. Personally, I do not like the Andersen hitch design and prefer to stay with a standard heavier design like B&W or such.

The Andersen is too hard to line up and it requires safety chains in most states as it is a ball hitch.

If you want a great hitch, look at the Trailer Saver air ride hitches.

Ken

Nlambert · 05-31-2022, 01:53 PM

I'd second looking into a Goosebox. It's easy to line up and leaves nothing to remove from the bed. This Curt hitch seems like a variant of the Andersen as some have said and would still require installing and removing to use the truck bed. But... to each their own.

WyoFree · 05-31-2022, 03:14 PM

Hi guys and thanks for your comments. Ken the Trailer Saver air ride hitches are a No Go for me. I’m not as young as I used to be and I want to be able to put the hitch on and off without help.

Curt is new to this category of Anderson style hitch. I frankly like the center ball style of Anderson. It seems easy to use and functional. I was curious if maybe Curt built a better mousetrap?

JDT · 05-31-2022, 08:36 PM

If you only want to deal with a 5 or so pound ball I second looking into the Reese Goose Box. We've had ours for 2 years now and couldn't be happier with the convenience and the ride.

WyoFree · 06-01-2022, 04:43 AM

Hi JDT, I’m talking about the hitch not the pin box. I don’t plan on changing out what I already have.

Nlambert · 06-01-2022, 08:21 AM

If you're going to change the hitch and have to install something else it seems that changing the pin box would be no different other than it's a 1 time install.

The biggest advantage to the GB is that once you swap the pin box (really easy with 6 bolts), there's nothing to come in and out of the bed. If removing a hitch is cumbersome, the GB eliminates all of that.

However, your TV would have to be set up with a gooseneck receiver already (or have one installed). That was my only reason for suggesting it, but other styles do work well. It comes down to what you're looking to gain. Curt shows the Crosswing as a prototype on their website, so not sure of its availability yet. Maybe it's a decent option.

WyoFree · 06-01-2022, 07:35 PM

My coach comes with the Trail Air Flex Air Pinbox and I don’t know of a pinbox better than that! Now that will start a firestorm.

I know a number of people with that pinbox on the larger fifth wheels and are super happy with it. Most also have the Anderson Ultimate hitch.

Nlambert · 06-03-2022, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyoFree

My coach comes with the Trail Air Flex Air Pinbox and I don’t know of a pinbox better than that! Now that will start a firestorm.

I know a number of people with that pinbox on the larger fifth wheels and are super happy with it. Most also have the Anderson Ultimate hitch.

There's nothing wrong with the Trail Air pinbox... Better is of course subjective, but if you like it, go with it. I only recommend the Goosebox because it worked best for >me< with what I wanted. I do like that it has the shocks and air bag, similar to a Trail Air. If you don't mind having a hitch in the bed, there are a ton of good options out there.

WyoFree · 06-03-2022, 06:13 AM

Hi Nlambert, I’m not talking from personal experience but I’ve always heard that the bed hitch is the safest of the fifth wheel styles. It’s Certainly what is seen the most.

Nlambert · 06-06-2022, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyoFree

Hi Nlambert, I’m not talking from personal experience but I’ve always heard that the bed hitch is the safest of the fifth wheel styles. It’s Certainly what is seen the most.

It's definitely the most common, but I haven't identified any difference (in my specific case) of it being any more or less safe than a Goosebox. I presume that nothing is impossible, but I haven't seen any indications of issues.

I think you'll begin to see more alternatives to 5th wheel hitches in the future but I definitely see no issue with keeping a 5th wheel hitch if you're more comfortable with that.