What is the strongest most reliable type 5th wheel hitch jaw? I currently have a Reese 16K on a slider rails that has the double jaw clamp type. I took the hitch out of a short bed and plan to upgrade to an 18 or 20K hitch with a standard mount. A Reese I looked at, 18K, had a J type hook jaw that was laminate construction. It appeared that once that jaw wrapped around the king pin, it would be very secure. Any opinions or facts on jaw type and preference.A search of hitch jaws didn't produce any results.

I had a Pullrite and now a Reese, both with the spring loaded wrap around J hook latch. Based on my experience with both that is what I would buy again.

Thanks for the quick reply. It does appear to have a secure latching system and the laminate construction is a strong method.

I have a Pullrite Superglide that has a J type hook. Seems very secure.

drwwicks wrote:Thanks for the quick reply. It does appear to have a secure latching system and the laminate construction is a strong method.The laminated jaws must be new. My give year old Reese 16k non slider has cast steel jaws.

powderman426 wrote:drwwicks wrote:Thanks for the quick reply. It does appear to have a secure latching system and the laminate construction is a strong method.The laminated jaws must be new. My give year old Reese 16k non slider has cast steel jaws.Likewise. Until I saw this I would never consider using anything but the "J". But laminated??? I don't know.....

5th wheel hitch jaws | Good Sam Community

BB_TX
Nomad
Sep 16, 2013
I had a Pullrite and now a Reese, both with the spring loaded wrap around J hook latch. Based on my experience with both that is what I would buy again.
drwwicks
Explorer
Sep 16, 2013
Thanks for the quick reply. It does appear to have a secure latching system and the laminate construction is a strong method.
mileshuff
Explorer
Sep 16, 2013
I have a Pullrite Superglide that has a J type hook. Seems very secure.
powderman426
Explorer
Sep 16, 2013
drwwicks wrote:
Thanks for the quick reply. It does appear to have a secure latching system and the laminate construction is a strong method.

The laminated jaws must be new. My give year old Reese 16k non slider has cast steel jaws.
Hoppypoppy
Explorer
Sep 16, 2013
powderman426 wrote:
drwwicks wrote:
Thanks for the quick reply. It does appear to have a secure latching system and the laminate construction is a strong method.

The laminated jaws must be new. My give year old Reese 16k non slider has cast steel jaws.

Likewise. Until I saw this I would never consider using anything but the "J". But laminated??? I don't know.....
Vulcaneer
Explorer
Sep 17, 2013
Laminated is much stronger than cast. Once the cast cracks it is done. Laminated has several layers that will continue to hold together. The J type jaw is designed so that it is failsafe. The load keeps it latched...no matter what. My SuperGlide release lever bounced out of it's keeper, due to a very rough road. But the hitch never let go. The reason? Because the J style jaw was failsafe and could not possibly let the pin go.
drillking
Explorer
Sep 17, 2013
I run the Reese 24000# and had a Reese 18000# great hitches.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Sep 17, 2013
I would now go with the Reese R20 5th Wheel Hitch. Big jaws that have the pivot point behind the pin. The pulling force of the pin actually forces the jaws shut tighter, just like on your current hitch.
guidry
Explorer
Sep 17, 2013
B&W is the easiest and best (my opinion). I love it
laknox
Nomad
Sep 17, 2013
guidry wrote:
B&W is the easiest and best (my opinion). I love it

x2. I love my B&W as well as the company. I've never heard of a B&W Companion cracking the jaws.

Lyle

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