Help with hitch decision

bertschb wrote:

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.

If Grand Design's have Lippert frames and give the a-ok....Reese Goosebox:

I remove my B&W RVK3270 manual slider and Demco 6099 picture frame as a single unit from the RAM pucks with just my thumb and a HF hoist! Chris

bertschb wrote:
. 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

Check out the "Andersen Ultimate Aluminum Fifth Wheel Hitch". It will attach to your trucks underbed flip gooseball. Removal means lifting a light weight 32# attachment. All the other 5er hitches weigh hundreds of pounds. I have used mine to tow over 10000 miles and it is everything you describe as wanting.

bertschb wrote:
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!

I'm a B&W "fanboy", according to some, and have no hesitation on recommending them. You can get a factory-prep for a FW hitch on the GM, which leaves you with a clean bed when it's removed without the necessity of adding the Turnover Ball GN hitch to secure the Companion. I use both the GN and FW hitches and love the clean bed when not in use.

Lyle

tabraha wrote:
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.

OK, that's good to know I don't need the under bed prep kit from GMC. I think the truck will come with a "trailering wiring provision" option. The description is "Includes additional 7-way wiring harness routed to the front of the pickup box". Sounds like that will work.

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. :)

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. Thanks

Do 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 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.

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

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!