I just ordered a new Grand Design Reflection 318RST 5th wheel (GVWR 13,995) and plan to buy a 2016 GMC 3500 Duramax truck next. The truck has a 6.5' bed. I've spent a week reading up on hitches on multiple forums and I've narrowed my choice of hitches to the B&W Companion and Trailer Saver BD3 Air-Ride. My needs:I want the hitch to be completely removed from the bed when not in use (nothing at all showing).It has to be something I can lift out myself without a hoist.It needs to provide a smooth ride that protects the truck and 5th wheel.Is there a factory under bed hitch mount option I should order with my truck that will make installing the hitch easier or can I get everything I need from the hitch manufacturers? I guess I'll throw in one more question while I'm at it...Can I get the best of both worlds by replacing the pin box on the 5th wheel with a Trail-Air and then getting the B&W Companion which appears to be lighter for removing from the bed?Kind of overwhelmed with all the options available. Money is no object which helps. Any help would be appreciated!

Everyone will defend the one they have, and you will get twelve more suggestions. I will only offer my thoughts, I have a Trailer Saver, I liked the idea of moving the hitch should I upgrade my current truck. Felt like if I put the air bags in the pin box I would have to leave it.Best of luck, safe rides!

You could go with a goose neck adapter and Goose neck hitch from factory.

I think they call the four mounting holes the puck system. I think you can order this from the factory. They didn't have this when I ordered my truck.

3 dog nights wrote:I have a Trailer Saver, I liked the idea of moving the hitch should I upgrade my current truck. Felt like if I put the air bags in the pin box I would have to leave it.Excellent point. ThanksDo you think I should order the factory GMC under bed hitch prep (whatever that is) or just order whatever is available from Trailer Saver for their hitch system?

I just moved from a '13 GMC to a '15 and had a B&W put in this time around. Had one in a previous Super Duty but when I picked up the '13 GMC went with a Reese because that is what was available at the time. I could not stand the bed rails and removal of the hitch was a pain as well. I quickly regretted not going back with the B&W.This time around I went back with B&W as a hitch and have the Mor/Ryde pin box on my 5'er from the factory. It's a smooth combination. Zero chucking or squeaking and everything is always in place inside the unit upon arrival.The clean bed when not in use is a plus and having the ability to hitch to a gooseneck if necessary is just added flexibility.There isn't a thing needed from the factory, the B&W kit has everything necessary. Do have the installer put a plug in the bed though so your power cord isn't banging around on the tailgate or drag/snag hazard. The top part is universal so if you change vehicles down the road you only need the bed rail kit.The B&W comes out in 2 pieces but neither is very light. Doable for 1 person as I do it all the time solo but it is so much easier for 2 people. I'd time it to have a buddy and a beer handy just to have a reason to. :)

Help with hitch decision | Good Sam Community

hbillsmith
Explorer
Nov 26, 2015
gwcamp wrote:
Hi all would like to know if a trail air pin box would work with Anderson set up. Thanks GW.

According to Andersen, they have users reporting back favorable results using the Trail Air. One thing to be aware of is the height of your truck bed. In my case, the 2015 GMC is so high that adding the Trail Air would mean my 5er would be an inch or two off level. Lowering the hitch (Andersen or others) isn't a solution because the 5er would be to close to the bed rails.

A solution that does work well in cases like this is the Reese 5th Airborne whose shock and airbag are internal and it does not add the extra height that the Trail Airs do.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Nov 26, 2015
shepstone wrote:
I like the simplicity and strength of the B&W and being able to slide the truck under it just enough to slightly lift the fiver for a positive connection, (thanks to Cummins12v98 for recommending it) but I can see where some would like the light weight of the Anderson

You are VERY welcome!!!
shepstone
Explorer
Nov 26, 2015
I like the simplicity and strength of the B&W and being able to slide the truck under it just enough to slightly lift the fiver for a positive connection, (thanks to Cummins12v98 for recommending it) but I can see where some would like the light weight of the Anderson
crcr
Explorer
Nov 26, 2015
Me Again wrote:
W5CI wrote:
I jsut got a new 2015 RAM 3500 with the Prep Kit, a clean floor when hitch is removed, I would post a picture but I cant figure out how

Setup a free Photobucket account, upload the pictures to it and then just embed the link it a post. Chris

Or ... go to http://postimage.org/
... free pic hosting and no need to sign up.
gwcamp
Explorer
Nov 26, 2015
Hi all would like to know if a trail air pin box would work with Anderson set up. Thanks GW.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Nov 26, 2015
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Me Again wrote:
W5CI wrote:
I jsut got a new 2015 RAM 3500 with the Prep Kit, a clean floor when hitch is removed, I would post a picture but I cant figure out how

Setup a free Photobucket account, upload the pictures to it and then just embed the link it a post. Chris

I use RV.net photo posting. It's very easy and it takes the pics right off your computer.

In fact I use it on every site I post on except for turbodieselregister.com, theirs is the fastest easiest I have seen.

With Photobucket or other similar service you just upload it once! And you still have possession of your photos with the ability to delete them from a single point. Chris
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Nov 26, 2015
Me Again wrote:
W5CI wrote:
I jsut got a new 2015 RAM 3500 with the Prep Kit, a clean floor when hitch is removed, I would post a picture but I cant figure out how

Setup a free Photobucket account, upload the pictures to it and then just embed the link it a post. Chris

I use RV.net photo posting. It's very easy and it takes the pics right off your computer.

In fact I use it on every site I post on except for turbodieselregister.com, theirs is the fastest easiest I have seen.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Nov 26, 2015
mtofell1 wrote:
Does anyone have a problem with just releasing a hitch from the truck (while leaving it clamped on the king pin), elevating it with the landing gear, driving the truck out and storing it hanging from the 5th wheel?

This seems to be a pretty easy way to move and store the hitch. Given the design of the 5th wheel and hitch, the static load of a couple hundred pound hitch hanging from the king pin is nothing compared to what occurs while driving. Something tells me there will be many naysayers :)

My Dad has done that for many years with no ill effects!
alboy
Explorer
Nov 26, 2015
I wish now that i had gone with the Andersen hitch, just too much monkeying around to remove my 350 lb slider with a trans hoist, storing it etc.It would be just simpler to take out and install.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Nov 26, 2015
W5CI wrote:
I jsut got a new 2015 RAM 3500 with the Prep Kit, a clean floor when hitch is removed, I would post a picture but I cant figure out how

Setup a free Photobucket account, upload the pictures to it and then just embed the link it a post. Chris

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