Hitch Advice
I just bought a new 5th Wheel. I have had one before and it came with an old hitch (don't recall the brand but it was nothing special). My new 5th wheel has a GVWR of 12,000 lbs - Dry Hitch of 1625....
Forum Discussion
Cummins12V98 wrote:goducks10 wrote:
As a Patriot owner I see absolutely no way the pin can come out of the jaws when hitched. If you back into the hitch so that the pin box presses on the top of the 5th hitch and the handle closes then it's secure. Pin the handle and that's it. Only way a B&W can not be hitched is if you don't pin the handle and it comes lose. That's not B&W's fault, that's owner error. I had an older Reese before the B&W and same thing on hitching. A look test when plugging in the 7 pin is all that's needed. Those that disagree with this don't own a B&W. Your pin has to be at the right elevation in the jaws to close the handle. It's a no brainer.
Thank you, thank you thank you!!!
Like I have said I don't care what others do. I have explained what I do and why. If I were the only one to do so that is my choice. But it is nice to see others agree.
Like when I was Jury Foreman and there was not enough evidence to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that this guy was guilty. I said I would not convict and all but one went all emotional but there was this one little old lady that agreed with me. That was awesome. If they were all against me I would still hold my position.
I do a "Visual Test" same result as a pull test. I just won't repeat the obvious.
I used to do a pull test with the RBW hitch I had last. All depends on the hitch.
Well, well a weak spot! I will admit to forgetting to lock the handle of my Reese twin jaw TWICE, the first time drove a 1/4 block before remembering.
The second time I drove over 15 miles on a combination of Freeway, county roads and crossing Rail Road tracks. Wide turns tight turns stop and go, the hitch stayed latched. I have made one modification to my 16K Reese twin jaw. I removed the upward bend in the Handle, which prevents any possible contact with the pin box.
While the B&W is a fine hitch, I have concerns about single point of attachment to the frame (Ball replacement), and that basically the weight of the hitch sits on the bed floor. This has caused some deformation in newer truck beds.
BEFORE
AFTER
