5th Wheel Hitch - Underbed Mount or Not?

CarnationSailor wrote:
We just traded our travel trailer for a 5th wheel and need to get a hitch for our new 2015 Silverado 2500HD Duramax. I am leaning toward the Demco Hijacker (autoslide) hitch, but can't decide whether to go with the under bed mount model or the above bed model.

I don't plan on using the truck for much other than towing the 5th wheel so I have no real need for a "clean" bed for cargo hauling. However, why wouldn't I want the flexibility of having a clean bed in case my needs change?

I guess I'm asking, "What is the downside of going with an under bed mount?

Also, any pros or cons regarding the Hijacker are welcome.

I have the GMC version of your truck. I went with the B&W turnover ball and I use the Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection with it.

The reasons I went this route is that the Andersen hitch is only 75 pounds. I can lift it by myself if necessary. Also, it saves me maybe 150 pounds (compared to other hithces) of payload weight for use on other things (pin weight, etc). I can install or remove it in about 3 minutes. The hitch ball is slightly offset back a couple of inches -- I hoped that would eliminate need for a full slider when considering my 5th wheel has a cap designed for 6.5' bed trucks. I also got a flat bed when not using the hitch. Since the hitch is so easy to take out, I don't leave it in the truck.

Last, I knew if I didn't like the Andersen hitch I could sell it and still use my turnover ball with a B&W Companion hitch which is hugely popular and recommended by everybody.