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Dutch_Oven_Man's avatar
Dutch_Oven_Man
Explorer
May 13, 2013

Are hitches universal?

We just sold our travel trailer and we are in the market for a fifth wheel. I wanted to go ahead and have the rails and hitch installed by a local shop in case we buy a used one from an individual, and so I don't have to sit around at the dealer all day if we buy a new one.

My question is this: will all rails/hitches work on all fivers? My parents just bought a new Flagstaff with the Reese Sided Winder pin and the dealer said you had to have a Reese hitch. To me, it looks like any hitch would work.

Also, are all rails universal to all hitches? I also thought about just having having the rails installed to get that part out of the way.

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  • The_Mad_Norsky's avatar
    The_Mad_Norsky
    Explorer
    May 13, 2013
    First, any hitch will work with any fifth wheel.

    But, as others indicated, the mounting systems (rails) are different from brand to brand. So the rails may or may not work, dependent on brand.

    Unfamiliar with Reese Side Winder Pin, assuming this is on the pin box of the fifth wheel???? Cannot help there.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    May 13, 2013
    In general they are completely interchangeable. A few sliders require an adapter plate. I would advise you to stay away from Reese, they are known to 'chuck' which is a very unpleasant slamming when you speed up or slow down. B&W and Pullrite are both excellent. B&W has some lower priced models too.

    Rails however must be matched up with the right hitch. With the exception of the Ford prep kit which takes some hitches from Pullrite, B&W and possibly other brands.

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