New Hitch

I do not think that the old hitch is "too" worn, but it does have wear. As to how long it will last it is hard to say. I can manage with the weight on removal but it is heavy. I have a non drilled non modified bed right now, so now is the time to decide.

You seem to have a moving target. Is it that your old hitch is too worn? Or too heavy? If removing a 100 pound hitch is a problem, you will have trouble finding a quality 5th wheel hitch less than 100 pounds. Your best option is to just leave the hitch installed. Or use your pinbox to lift your hitch out of the bed.

If you just want a new hitch, the BW Companion is an OK hitch.

I am 67 years old. Not a muscle man. But I remove my 300 pound SuperGlide manually by my self. Just tip it up. "Walk" it back to the tail gate. Then flop it down gently, on my tailgate height table. And roll it away. Ten minutes and no sweat. Re-installing is simple the reverse.

smithrjd wrote:
Bought a new truck, and am wondering if it is time for a new hitch. The old hitch is a Husky 16K about 8 years old. No real issues with it, but it does have some wear on the pivot points. New parts seem to be an issue as it is no longer in production. I have looked at some newer hitches and don't really like the open pivot areas. What do folks think of the B&W Companion? Seems a bit expensive however. What is the best hitch out there now? Fiver is a 321RLTS Jayco Eagle.

I think I have the same hitch - purchased in 2003. I replaced the legs (uprights) with the newer design but the hitch head is holding up well. I keep a hitch cover on it when not in use and remove the hitch from the bed in the winter. It is heavy - get help taking it in and out of the truck bed now.

I remove the center pivot pin a few times a year and coat it with wheel bearing grease. I have not taken the side pivot points apart. I spray the side pivots with lithium grease and silicon spray frequently.

I purchased the new legs (uprights) from etrailer.com. I think you can purchase the new 16K hitch from them. The center pivot pin now has a grease fitting.

The hitch is about 8 years old. The side pivots are not that worn, but some galling. The center pivot pin has the most wear, noticeable. Not a sloppy fit, but wear is present. Husky only sells to dealers. This model is no longer made. The newer model has different pivot point setups. The wear is actually on one side which makes sense as the lower downward side is where the weight is loaded. Rails do not really bother me that much, but the ability to remove the hitch by myself is a selling point. The Husky is over #100 pounds and large, I'm not as young as I used to be LOL...

Keep what you have. The pivot points might be a little shiney. But I really doubt they are really all that worn. Can you measure the wear and report? If the wear is beyond the service limit, a call to the factory could get you replacement parts. They are very good.

But after 3 years, I doubt you really see measurable wear on the pivot points.

Have had Pullrite and Reese . Liked the Pullrite better. Seemed to lock in better.
Pullrite was with a 40' cardinal , Reese was with a 37' HH. CE.
IMO.

B & W is worth every penny. great hitch, great company, great customer service.

I will likely use my 8 year old Reese 16k for a few more years. If I were to switch today it would be the B&W Patriot since it can utilize my current rails.

If I were starting from scratch it would be turnover ball and Companion.

No idea what the best is, but I have B&W and its great. I have had no problems for the 3 years I have owned it. I will say that B&W has the best customer service of anyone. I sent them a message last week, and told them I had a 3 year old 5th wheel hitch. I asked them if there was any update on the hitch. They sent me 4 new rubber pads (as I did mention that 1 was missing), and 4 updated plastic feet and a spring kit for the head. The last 2 items were new since I purchased my hitch. They sent everything at no charge, and were very quick about it. I will never buy anything but B&W.

I guess I should add that I have a long bed, so no slider.