Dumb 5th wheel questions of the day
Looking at making a change to a 5th wheel from bumper pull. When a f250 has factory 5th wheel prep can you buy any hitch or do you have to buy something from the dealer? If the truck is on the l...
Forum Discussion
Just got my first 5er last Tuesday after 50 years of bumper pulls. Had a construction shell on my bed, and had to give it up. That was one of the die hard reasons I refused going 5er all these years.
Now that the shell is off, I have no plans of removing the hitch. I have a good utility trailer I use for hauling "stuff" when I need to haul something. The whole purpose for the pick-up truck in the first place was to tow, not haul. So, I will now get a Tonneau cover to keep snow and ice out of the bed and keep the 5er hitch clean and dry. Although the hitch I got comes apart in 2 sections, about 50 pounds and about 70 pounds, it is possible to remove it by myself. But why?
My RV dealership installed the hitch for me. However, my dealership is a very good and reliable dealership, have a top notch mechanical staff, and have been a family run business since it was first established. They have an excellent reputation and take every single customer's concerns as if they are the only people on earth. So, I trusted them to do the work. I'm not one to take risks, so my life and the life of my family when on the road, and over $120,000 worth of equipment is now riding on the expectation they did the job right! (scarry when you think about it).
Besides, when we took delivery of the 5er, installing the hitch right then was crucial for proper height adjustment. And, because they've been doing this business for a zillion years, they know what they are doing. To save a few dollars to go to an unknown shop for the hitch install is a risk I didn't want to take. I probably paid more than somewhere else, but I DO trust their work. That's something no amount of money is worth.
I have an 8 foot bed, and I'm pretty certain I could put in a tool box. Could I reach it from the ground? Nope, not at all. My bed rails are just too high. Someone on these forums suggested I use a bucket as a step stool. I took a 5 gallon dry-wall mud plastic bucket with lid and started using it as a step stool to reach the release lever for my 5er hitch jaws. A tool box? Nah! won't happen. Not practical. I'd rather have the cover instead.
And one more thought to answer your questions? Can you buy any hitch. Yes you can, but do you really want to buy just "ANY" kind of hitch, or the right one for your unique combination of tow vehicle and trailer? My advise, consult with your mechanic, whoever you purchase your hitch from and don't skimp just because something is cheaper in price. Remember, you and your family lives are riding on your choices.
Now that the shell is off, I have no plans of removing the hitch. I have a good utility trailer I use for hauling "stuff" when I need to haul something. The whole purpose for the pick-up truck in the first place was to tow, not haul. So, I will now get a Tonneau cover to keep snow and ice out of the bed and keep the 5er hitch clean and dry. Although the hitch I got comes apart in 2 sections, about 50 pounds and about 70 pounds, it is possible to remove it by myself. But why?
My RV dealership installed the hitch for me. However, my dealership is a very good and reliable dealership, have a top notch mechanical staff, and have been a family run business since it was first established. They have an excellent reputation and take every single customer's concerns as if they are the only people on earth. So, I trusted them to do the work. I'm not one to take risks, so my life and the life of my family when on the road, and over $120,000 worth of equipment is now riding on the expectation they did the job right! (scarry when you think about it).
Besides, when we took delivery of the 5er, installing the hitch right then was crucial for proper height adjustment. And, because they've been doing this business for a zillion years, they know what they are doing. To save a few dollars to go to an unknown shop for the hitch install is a risk I didn't want to take. I probably paid more than somewhere else, but I DO trust their work. That's something no amount of money is worth.
I have an 8 foot bed, and I'm pretty certain I could put in a tool box. Could I reach it from the ground? Nope, not at all. My bed rails are just too high. Someone on these forums suggested I use a bucket as a step stool. I took a 5 gallon dry-wall mud plastic bucket with lid and started using it as a step stool to reach the release lever for my 5er hitch jaws. A tool box? Nah! won't happen. Not practical. I'd rather have the cover instead.
And one more thought to answer your questions? Can you buy any hitch. Yes you can, but do you really want to buy just "ANY" kind of hitch, or the right one for your unique combination of tow vehicle and trailer? My advise, consult with your mechanic, whoever you purchase your hitch from and don't skimp just because something is cheaper in price. Remember, you and your family lives are riding on your choices.
