Question on 5er hitches
Sorry if this topic is covered somewhere else; please point me in that direction. Setup - '15 F350 dually/'18 Cedar Creek 38EL - have standard 5th hitch mounted to OEM puck system. Not sure if all t...
Forum Discussion
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!
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!
