What do I need
I know from searches and skimming there are about a million different options as far as hitches, sliders, non sliders, etc. But I am still confused as we have been in a travel trailer for the last 16...
Forum Discussion
Back to the OP. I love 5ers, I had a three month driving school with them, and never drove a bumper pull until I was over 40. I wouldn't have anything else.
For the fifth wheel, if it is rated for your pin and trailer weight, they will all work. The head should articulate backy/fronty and left/right. I like a slider, because with the articulation it can help you in a tight spot.
I like rails, but I have ratchet straps that fit the slots and I tie stuff down. I do not haul gravel or sand and I could care less about a flat bed.
Slide bar verses jaws (dual or single). The bar has more movement, but it is less likely to fail than the kingpin, they should cost a lot less. Jaws have less movement, but have wear parts inside. Both get the job done.
When you hook up do a pull test. Then when before you dolly up and hook up the emergency and plug, look to see if you have captured the pin. Use a flashlight if required. I then lock my fifth wheel so no joker can release my pin when I am using the bathroom.
Don't overthink, you can change your mind later without it costing too much money. Checklists are a great idea, and do it the right way, the same way, each and every time. Do not let others distract you.
I use an articulated slide bar, with a slider on rails. But that is just me, and I like simple. Having driven less than truck load tankers I am used to a lively ride, so I dismiss chucking issues and we have visited all of the states save HI and AK by land yacht. Have fun, don't worry.
For the fifth wheel, if it is rated for your pin and trailer weight, they will all work. The head should articulate backy/fronty and left/right. I like a slider, because with the articulation it can help you in a tight spot.
I like rails, but I have ratchet straps that fit the slots and I tie stuff down. I do not haul gravel or sand and I could care less about a flat bed.
Slide bar verses jaws (dual or single). The bar has more movement, but it is less likely to fail than the kingpin, they should cost a lot less. Jaws have less movement, but have wear parts inside. Both get the job done.
When you hook up do a pull test. Then when before you dolly up and hook up the emergency and plug, look to see if you have captured the pin. Use a flashlight if required. I then lock my fifth wheel so no joker can release my pin when I am using the bathroom.
Don't overthink, you can change your mind later without it costing too much money. Checklists are a great idea, and do it the right way, the same way, each and every time. Do not let others distract you.
I use an articulated slide bar, with a slider on rails. But that is just me, and I like simple. Having driven less than truck load tankers I am used to a lively ride, so I dismiss chucking issues and we have visited all of the states save HI and AK by land yacht. Have fun, don't worry.