I'm new to 5th wheels and don't know what I need to consider when I shop for a new hitch.My new trailer is 18,000 GVWR, so I assume I should get a 20k hitch. I've had good experiences with my Reese dual-cam hitch for my bumper pull, so I'd probably like to stay with Reese.So my questions are:- What should I consider when I look at the different Reese hitches?- Where are the best prices for Reese hitches?(And pay no attention to the TV and trailer in the sig. We are in the process of upgrading both.)

Have you looked at B&W hitches yet? We are really happy with our B&W Companion hitch. When removed the bed is empty and no rails. 2 u-bolts and tensioning bolt are all that needs to be removed and 2 pins hold the upper and lower halves together. Not a heavy one piece unit like the Reese. Has a lever that latches the jaws when you pull it and then pin it manually to lock it. No slam latching, just back up into pin, pull lever closed and pin it. Not rocket science!!

cmeade wrote:Have you looked at B&W hitches yet? We are really happy with our B&W Companion hitch. When removed the bed is empty and no rails. 2 u-bolts and tensioning bolt are all that needs to be removed and 2 pins hold the upper and lower halves together. Not a heavy one piece unit like the Reese. Has a lever that latches the jaws when you pull it and then pin it manually to lock it. No slam latching, just back up into pin, pull lever closed and pin it. Not rocket science!!Thanks. I'll check it out. On first glance they look more expensive.

Tweedys and etrailer carry them. We have a non slider in our 2010 Ram 3500 4x4 megacab. Think the gooseneck frame mount is $450 and 5th wheel hitch is about $800. You would be able to tow 30k gooseneck or 20k fifth wheel trailers with the B&W setup. Try to take a look at this setup at an RV dealer or a friend before you drop the hammer.

I got a Reese Elite hitch on a promotion when I purchased my 2013 Ford truck. I had nothing but problems trying to get it to release. I tried everything but couldn't get it to work properly. I eventually had the head assembly replaced under warranty. I sold the hitch shortly after. If I were to do it again I would likely purchase a B&W hitch.I know others on this forum like the Reese hitch and report that they've been trouble free.I don't recall ever reading a complaint about the B&W hitch.

Will you new truck be a long bed or a short? If the latter will you want a slider hitch?

Shopping for 5th Wheel Hitches | Good Sam Community

walker111
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
Ford Man wrote:
B&W with Companion in my current truck. The new F350 DRW that is on order has the puck system and will be getting a B&W RVK3300 for the puck system.

You will love it. I have it on my SRW F350 and have had 2 trips locally this past few weeks and can't believe how nice this hitch is.
Being able to take out in two 55-65 pound pieces was also key for me as I had spinal fusion a year ago. I can handle this myself and my neighbor is happy too as he doesn't have to help with the big Curt 16k slider!

One note on the adapters. While they work and can save money as you can usually go with any hitch, I also found the negative that there was now another point of contact and movement. Even on my last fifthwheel at only 8k I had puck system, adapter, and big slider. Worked but a lot of extra movement.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Apr 22, 2016
It's too bad Ford has such small front to back spacing and did not increase the distance with the 17 SD's. B&W only rates the RVK3300 for 20K it has the exact same head and side supports as my RVK3600 for RAM's puck system that is rated at 25K. Only difference is Fords base is shorter front to back. Makes me really question the 24K Curt and higher rating of REESE @ 26,500#.
MFL
Nomad II
Apr 22, 2016
Ford Man wrote:
B&W with Companion in my current truck. The new F350 DRW that is on order has the puck system and will be getting a B&W RVK3300 for the puck system.

Good choice!! The 3300 is easy in/out, and lighter weight base, but still rated 20K.

Enjoy that new truck too!!

Jerry
Ford_Man
Explorer
Apr 22, 2016
B&W with Companion in my current truck. The new F350 DRW that is on order has the puck system and will be getting a B&W RVK3300 for the puck system.
gtsum
Explorer
Feb 27, 2016
The B&W is the only hitch I have used, but comparing it to others at campgrounds and family members, there is just no comparison. The reese/husky, name others just look frail next to the B&W. Hooking and unhooking is easy...I dont see how you can high hitch with the B&W as long as you look to see if the jaws are around the kingpin?? They are built like a tank
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Feb 27, 2016
"Also check Amazon for pricing. I'm a Etrailer and Tweetys customer also. But they couldn't touch Amazons pricing."

B&W sets minimum pricing. $1,159 is the minimum advertised price you will find anywhere. Details like shipping costs and tax may change final price.

I just looked the above price is at Amazon, Tweety's and E Trailer.

You may have found a "used" B&W for less on Amazon.
Greene728
Explorer
Feb 27, 2016
Former Reese owner and sold it. Now a B&W owner and will never, ever go back!
Not a fan boy or cult member either. Simply and bluntly put, the B&W is a superior hitch.
Also check Amazon for pricing. I'm a Etrailer and Tweetys customer also. But they couldn't touch Amazons pricing.
RustyJC
Explorer
Feb 27, 2016
Another happy B&W user. Although, after consulting with B&W, I upgraded the base and adapter post to the current 20K Companion design to handle our new 5th wheel, I'm still using the same B&W hitch head (with B&W's blessing) that I bought back in 2001. Used in conjunction with the Trailair tri-glide pinbox on the 5th wheel, it tows very comfortably and is easy to hitch and unhitch. B&W owners are enthusiastic fans of the hitch and the company for very good reasons.

Rusty
kennethwooster
Explorer
Feb 27, 2016
After about 14 years of towing 5th, and 5-6 hitches. I had a 20K Reese, and had to fight it hooking and unhooking. Went to Pullright SG, and couldn't believe how much easier. Due to Overweight bought F350 DRW, decided to get Pullights non sider. My repair guy said B&W was best on market at the time. Checked prices and B&W at a commercial trailer outfit in Amarillo, I bought the B&W puck system for around 800.00 installed. Took the installer about 40 min. putting hitch together, and installing in the pucks. I've cut hitch time and unhitch time about 1/2 the time. Using the MorRide pin box, I got rid of of racket and banging.
Learjet
Explorer
Feb 27, 2016
had Curt 16k...sold it and now have a real hitch B&W :)