Forum Discussion

Explorer

Sep 16, 2013

5th wheel hitch jaws

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.

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34 Replies

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.
mileshuff
Explorer
Sep 16, 2013
I have a Pullrite Superglide that has a J type hook. Seems very secure.
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.
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.