Sliding Bar fifth wheel hitch

I've only ever had a hijacker 16k and when properly adjusted and greased bar it is both quiet and very fool proof. I occasionally think I should get something more complex but why? It has served me well through 3 trucks and 3trailers so I'll keep using it.

I liked my 16k RBW slide bar hitch and would still have it but purchased a heavier trailer that came with a 20k Reese.

The slider bar is noisy but I've never heard of someone dropping their 5th wheel thinking it was latched with this set up. When the bar is across you are hooked up 100% every time. Not to say I don't do the pull test: I still do but it is a great chance to also check the trailer brakes.

My Hijacker Ultra 16K has been in two trucks and towed two different trailera starting in 97. Would not use anything else.

I have been using my B&W slide bar hitch since 1987. It is spring loaded so that hitching is easy. B&W does not make this hitch any more.
I have towed many miles during those years and never a problem.

BB_TX wrote:
Although it is a secure latch once pushed in, it is sorta old school. As mentioned, it has a single point of wear on the bar and can be noisier after it wears some.
And seems most of the newer hitches are spring loaded self latching, rather than require you to manually latch them. When the handle slams in you know it is latched. And the design of the two I have had with a wrap around latch would make high hitching almost impossible.
Some still require manually inserting a pin to make sure thay can't come unlatched by themselves. But being spring loaded and sometimes a detent or catch, that is not likely.

My bar hitch is self latching. Mine is getting a little worn and loose after 5 years so my fix is two minutes with a welder and two minutes with a grinder. Done, like new.;)

Although it is a secure latch once pushed in, it is sorta old school. As mentioned, it has a single point of wear on the bar and can be noisier after it wears some.
And seems most of the newer hitches are spring loaded self latching, rather than require you to manually latch them. When the handle slams in you know it is latched. And the design of the two I have had with a wrap around latch would make high hitching almost impossible.
Some still require manually inserting a pin to make sure thay can't come unlatched by themselves. But being spring loaded and sometimes a detent or catch, that is not likely.

I rank hitch types as follows:

Slide bar: Generally found on lower cost hitches. Can be rather noisy because pin is not held as tight as other hitch types.

Double Jaw: Generally found on mid priced hitches. Quieter and better riding as it holds tighter than the slide bar type.

Single Jaw: Generally found on higher priced hitches. Quietest and better riding since the jaw completely surrounds the pin.

I think all three are safe. The problem I have with the slide jaw is that the bar is straight and the pin is round. That puts contact only on one small part of the pin and bar rather than more evenly distributed for better wear.

the slide bar can be bent so manufacters are getting away from them.i use to have a little rocker never had any complaints

Same can be said for gooseneck adapters for fifth wheel trailers. I have friends that have used them for many years without issues. So long as it works for you...thats what counts.