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

Me_Again
Explorer III
Feb 24, 2016
Get a new RAM 3500 dually with hitch prep, 4:10 gears, Aisin, rear air and the B & W RVK3600.
YnotTurbo
Explorer
Feb 24, 2016
I have the Curt Q24 and I like it. Affordable and no issues. I tow a 19K lb. Mobile Suite. Bought on Amazon Prime and saved a lot of money on shipping.
BB_TX
Nomad
Feb 24, 2016
If getting a new long bed truck, look into getting the factory hitch prep. Hitch can easily be removed leaving no rails in bed.

Unlike above, I have a Reese Elite that works great. Never a problem of any kind. And fits my F350 factory prep.

But B&W, Pullrite, and maybe Curt also make hitches to fit the factory prep.
mileshuff
Explorer
Feb 24, 2016
Will you new truck be a long bed or a short? If the latter will you want a slider hitch?
grampscamper
Explorer
Feb 24, 2016
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.
cmeade
Explorer
Feb 24, 2016
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.
dedmiston
Moderator
Feb 24, 2016
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.
cmeade
Explorer
Feb 24, 2016
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!!

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