Started to do some research on fifth wheel hitches, the prices range from $200 to $2200. are some really not a good idea to buy ?i don't want a bic razer hitch, but not a rolex either.which hitch brands should be avoided due to poor quality or too entry level and would need an upgrade after 6 months ?i here B&W are good, specially the reversible goose (for hot shot as part time gig). maybe air ride, reese etc.we'll be towing 40 foot or there abouts so upper end weight. currently have tow vehicle. 2010 F350 DRW 6.4 powerstroke (stock, not deleted).thanks.

They all have their Pros and Cons, I like the Little Rocker cause of the positive slide bar that holds the kingpin. You can visually look and see the bar is in position.

F-TROUP wrote:They all have their Pros and Cons, I like the Little Rocker cause of the positive slide bar that holds the kingpin. You can visually look and see the bar is in position.thanks, what about used ones ? they ok. etrailer.com sell used ones and appear like new.

We are on our second Reese hitch. Started with the 15K straight bar one and it was nice. We are now on a 20K Reese professional one. A lot nice has the locking jaws and more options. But all depends on what you want and all. We have a short bed truck so we have a slider but have yet to ever use the slider feature. We don't take our hitch out of our truck so how heavy it is isn't really a big deal for us. Our truck only leaves the garage to pull the 5er. Do your research and find one that's good for your needs.

4 way articulating headWrap around jaw or jaws1000# higher rating them GVWR of trailer being towedI have used a Husky 16k (5vr weighs 14K) for past 10 yrs.....first 7 yrs FT towing 5vr weeklyI have had ZERO issuesRoughly $500 plus rail kit $250

I have the Andersen Ultimate. No negative issues at all. Best thing about it is it weighs 35lbs. Easy in and out of the truck. Paid under $1000.

Are there any hitches to avoid, looking to buy ?

limericc
Explorer
May 08, 2017
Rygar wrote:
I have the Andersen Ultimate. No negative issues at all. Best thing about it is it weighs 35lbs. Easy in and out of the truck. Paid under $1000.

I have the same hitch, best pull ever for me and easy to remove from the truck bed. And you can't beat the price.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 06, 2017
jerem0621 wrote:

I have thought a lot about that hitch head pulling off the upright...Cummins, is there any chance that the locking levers pulled up or the owner didn't have locked down right?

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Based on the pictures you can see the pin was bent as it pulled up and then the head lifted off then bent the other support then tore off. I think a separation is a good thing most of the time but it could be bad also.

I was in a rollover many years ago when the tow behind trailer with load levelers and sway control started swerving and could not regain control. The truck separated and rolled completely over and the trailer slid on it's side.
jerem0621
Explorer II
May 06, 2017
Cummins12V98 wrote:
RCMAN46 wrote:
This will most likely get this posting closed or my post removed.

But you should look at this and make up your own mind.

B&W failure

I really don't think it was considered a "FAILURE" as you listed it as.

BTW what hitch do YOU recommend?

I have thought a lot about that hitch head pulling off the upright...Cummins, is there any chance that the locking levers pulled up or the owner didn't have locked down right?

Thanks!

Jeremiah
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 06, 2017
minnow wrote:
To the OP, as a fanboy and owner for the Andersen Ultimate, let me say given the size/weight of your RV. I'd look at a traditional hitch. I'm a member of the Grand Design facebook page and have been following experiences of a fellow on there that has a larger GD fifth wheel and has had some hitch base weld cracking as well some other issues. This is not the first report I've seen either regarding that hitch and large fifth wheels. I think the Andersen is fine for lighter weight fivers but I personally would be looking at something else if I had a 40' RV.

I have been saying this for a long time. ^^^^^^^

Bed deflection is a reality with the heavier RV's. If I towed a 12K or so and never would go any heavier an Andersen may be in the bed of my truck.
minnow
Explorer
May 06, 2017
To the OP, as a fanboy and owner for the Andersen Ultimate, let me say given the size/weight of your RV. I'd look at a traditional hitch. I'm a member of the Grand Design facebook page and have been following experiences of a fellow on there that has a larger GD fifth wheel and has had some hitch base weld cracking as well some other issues. This is not the first report I've seen either regarding that hitch and large fifth wheels. I think the Andersen is fine for lighter weight fivers but I personally would be looking at something else if I had a 40' RV.
Learjet
Explorer
May 06, 2017
I would avoid the Curt Q16, weak and loose jaws...made in China. Sold mine quick.

B&W = quality, heavy duty and american made.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 05, 2017
RCMAN46 wrote:
This will most likely get this posting closed or my post removed.

But you should look at this and make up your own mind.

B&W failure

I really don't think it was considered a "FAILURE" as you listed it as.

BTW what hitch do YOU recommend?
Me_Again
Explorer III
May 05, 2017
RCMAN46 wrote:
This will most likely get this posting closed or my post removed.

But you should look at this and make up your own mind.

B&W failure

Like I said in the other thread "if your trailer is hanging over a cliff you would want it to separate, if your truck is hang over a cliff you would not want it to separate!"
jnharley
Explorer
May 05, 2017
I would say to buy the best you can afford. We have had a Pullrite and we now have a B & W Companion (new truck) with the puck system. Both are really good hitches.
RCMAN46
Explorer
May 05, 2017
This will most likely get this posting closed or my post removed.

But you should look at this and make up your own mind.

B&W failure

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Are there any hitches to avoid, looking to buy ?

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