Forum Discussion

Kevin_O_'s avatar
Kevin_O_
Explorer
Jan 10, 2015

Advice on a good quality hitch that will work with my setup.

The wife and I are planning on buying a fifth wheel this spring.And I know absolutely nothing about fifth wheel hitches. Before we go to the dealer and they try and sell us a hitch that they have I figured I would get some advice from you guys..
My truck is a 2001 F350 crewcab shortbed. The trailer we are interested in is a Keystone Cougar 29RBS.

Specs for 29RBS
Shipping Weight 7690
Carrying Capacity 2310
Hitch 1405
Length 32' 11"
Height 11' 11"
Fresh Water 43
Waste Water 28
Gray Water 56
LPG 60
Tire Size ST225/75R15D

Any help will be very much appreciated. Thanks guys!
  • Since it appears you are new at this fifth wheel towing lifestyle, might I suggest getting a simple hitch, that does not require a long time to learn how to hitch and use it properly.

    That said, the Demco Hijacker sliding hitch for short box pickups may be the one for you.

    A slider to avoid taking out the rear window of your truck.

    A Sliding bar style hitch which is about the simplest style fifth wheel hitch to learn to use properly.

    PS: I don't own nor have I ever used this hitch. However, I have used two different types of sliding bar hitches over the years. Very simple to learn correct operation, and visually, gives one a clear picture that yes, my fifth wheel is hooked up correctly.
  • With the short bed I would also recommend a slider, preferably an auto slider. Yeah, it is a little pricey. But compared to the cost of the truck and 5er, not so much so. And the slider will still be in the truck if you trade for a new 5er. And can be moved if you trade for a new truck.
    As the old saying goes, it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. A good friend knocked out his back window on his short bed with no slider on a tight back in turn into his RV site.
  • Buy the hitch that most closely meets the capabilities of your TV, not your intended trailer. That way you can upgrade trailers without buying a new hitch or tow any other trailer that your TV can handle. With an F350, I'd probably look at 20k hitches.

    EDIT. Owning a TV with an under rated hitch is like owning a Corvette with tires speed rated at 65 mph. You own a vehicle with limited capabilities because of a relatively inexpensive aftermarket component. If you never intend to drive the Vette over 65 mph, the tires will work just fine, but why buy a Vette. Why own a TV that has a hitch with less capability than the TV.
  • For a 10k GVWR trailer I would look at the 15k-16k sliding hitch for your short bed truck.
    You have choices of manual or auto sliding hitches and if you don't want a sliding hitch look into the Sidewinder hitch by Reese.

    Also some of the new trailers have a notched rounded front corner profile that doesn't need a sliding hitch.
    Many GM truck owners report they don't need a sliding hitch as GM have a longer dimension from the back of the cab to the trucks rear axle. Simply no need for spending big bucks on a auto sliding hitch if its not needed.

    Make sure the hitch has the four way pivot (side to side). Makes hooking up and unhooking easier when your camping on a out of level campsite or a primitive area.

    I use a 16k Reese manual slider for my 11200 lb 5er. No problems in 19 years of service. Slides like a hot knife through butter in any position on any grade.

    I've used a Hijacker and a Atwood and a Curt over the years so I'm not loyal to any brand

    Others have their favorite hitch brands which is usually the one they have.
  • There are a lot of good hitches out there, Reese, B&W, Pullrite to name a few.
    I think the most important consideration with your shortbed truck is whether you need a sliding hitch or not.
    Without a slider, there is an angle at which the corner of the fiver WILL go through the back window of the cab (or worse, the sheet metal).
    This angle depends on a number of things, such as
    - the pin distance from the cab,
    - the contours of the trailer corners
    - and the length of the pin box.

    A sliding hitch will ensure no contact in extreme manoeuvres.
    Now you have to decide if you will get a manual slider, an auto slider or a pivoting extended pin box (such as a Sidewinder) that moves the pivot point of the trailer pin to the rear.

    Manual sliders are least cost, but you have to remember to use them (and be able to get out of the truck to do that).
    I'm a big fan of the Pullrite Superglide, which is fully automatic and provides total peace of mind. But it is heavy and quite expensive.
    The Sidewinder pin box performs a similar function.

    Sorry to throw all this at you, but it is an important consideration.
    Many on here will say they have never used their slider, but there are plenty who HAVE taken out the back window of their truck.
    Your call!