Question on 5er hitches

There are several older discussions on Anderson failures. There are also many many discussions on hitch vs goosenecks. The general consesus is RVs are not suited for a goose nech hitch. The upper deck area is simply not steong enough to handle the added stresses a goose neck can place on the frame.
Best thing you could do is add a suspension pin box, either a morride or air ride will do more for your ride comfort than about anything else.

The Andersen and Pullrite Superlite are not really gooseneck hitches. They do use a ball, but the ball is on top of an elevated frame and the ball receiver is mounted right on the pin box frame. True gooseneck hitches have the ball in the bed and an extended arm from the pin box to reach down to the bed, hence the “gooseneck” looking frame member. The gooseneck adapters are essentially a lever putting additional torque stresses on the pin box. The Andersen and Pullrite do not put that same torque on the pin box.

Now after being a bit long winded, there have been some reports of the Andersen failing. But many are very happy with them.

You have the pucks so get the best standard hitch on the market, slider or non slider B&W.

Thank you all for responses.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
You have the pucks so get the best standard hitch on the market, slider or non slider B&W.

What he said !!

I'm brand new to 5er's as of October 2018, so I'm learning a lot about these critters. My dealer set me up with a standard, normal 5er hitch. I don't have pucks in my bed. My tow vehicle is a 2014 3500 Chevy Dually Long bed, crew Diesel Duramax, 6.1 Liter HD truck. The 5er is brand new in October, 2019 model and weighs in around 13,500 empty. I've towed a few thousand miles already and have absolutely no complaints. Everything on my truck is still factory, no alterations. The only exception is, I purchased a foldable Tonneau bed cover to hid the hitch, as I have no plans to ever remove it from the bed. So far, no complaints. Tows very nice after my initial fears were alleviated, it's very easy to forget the trailer is in tow, it's so comfortable. I attribute that to the truck. Our previous travel trailers towed absolutely flawless with this truck too.

I've done some reading up on the Anderson system, and from what I've learned, they seem to be OK. If you want something that's lightweight, easy to remove from the bed, this is probably one of the better alternatives.

However, I never realized that with a goose neck system, many states require safety chains on the trailer. The rule is, if it attaches with a "ball" safety chains are required. The debate on these forums got rather "interesting" when it was discussed, does that mean the ball is pointing upwards, or downwards. In the end, I think a "ball" hitch is still a "ball" hitch, no matter which direction it's pointed. So, if you decide to go this way, just make sure you check out all the road requirements.

Other than that, slider 5er hitches, stationary 5er hitches, 5er hitches that are attached to the bed with rails and pins and can be disassembled in 2 or 3 parts (which is what mine can do), are all good and all work equally as well. It's just a matter of the user's preference and what is most convenient for him (or you, or me).

From my perspective, they all appear to be equally good, it's just a matter of what will work best for your needs, and really ... what you do with your truck when NOT towing a trailer. What do you need the bed of the truck for? That will drive what kind of hitch you need or want? And then? Can you cover it, out-of-sight-out-of-mind if you leave the hitch in the bed of the truck.

I know, I did not answer your question, but maybe gave you more to think about and research on. Good luck!

looks like your in Texas, so, ball + hitch = safety chains. same as most states.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
You have the pucks so get the best standard hitch on the market, slider or non slider B&W.

What ^he^ said! :B

Lyle

Cummins12V98 wrote:
You have the pucks so get the best standard hitch on the market, slider or non slider B&W.

^^^ agreed.

I've had 2 different B&W Companion hitches (gooseneck mounts, before I had a truck with pucks), the Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel Connection, and now have a Trailer Saver TS3.

For a vast majority of cases, I'd recommend the B&W.

I have a B&W vs. Andersen comparison on my site:
http://learntorv.com/tag/3-part-hitch-series/