When you buy a used 5th wheel private party...

Just bought our 1st 5th wheel, after years of campers and trailers. I’m beginning to think that picking out the trailer was easier than picking out the hitch for my truck!??
2001 F350 crew cab long bed

WaterJosh wrote:
Kinda looking at the anderson hitch as i didnt get the 5th wheel prep kit with the truck and honestly, I'm nervous about drilling holes in my new truck. I really appreciate all the info from everyone

I didn't have the fifth wheel prep either. Called a local dealer and asked them if they installed it - they said they sent them to a custom hitch shop in town. I called them, and they installed it.

Go to etrailer.com and purchase a B&W slider for your short bed ram. I did, didn't slide it back because thought I didn't have to, and dented my cab/put out back window while putting it into my driveway - being careful to watch the corners - only takes a second.

It's fixed like brand new now, but lesson learned.

The pin on the trailer is standard and will work with any hitch made to interlock with a pin. Only concern would be the height adjustment. Just drill as needed, people do this every day. Have a pro do it if needed.

If the trailer has a gooseneck or other ball type connection you will need a different hitch. Andersen uses a ball.

Lyle...just curious if that applies to the single point attached Companion, or includes rail mount Patriot, and other puck attached Companions? I know you said ANY FLAVOR, but don't see the issue with 4-point attachment.

Jerry

Kinda looking at the anderson hitch as i didnt get the 5th wheel prep kit with the truck and honestly, I'm nervous about drilling holes in my new truck. I really appreciate all the info from everyone

WaterJosh, if you are at all considering a B&W hitch of any flavor, last I knew, using a Sidewinder, or any other method to shift the pivot position of the king pin, is NOT supported by B&W, will void any warranty and they will offer little to no after-sales support. Double-check with them, to be 100% sure, but I've not seen any policy change on their part.

Lyle

WaterJosh wrote:
The concern for me, i have towed a fair amount, never a 5th wheel. I have a brand new ram 2500 megacab, would love to not wipe out the cab with the trailer if you know what i mean

Certainly a valid concern, but you have to try it out sometime. Planning, patience and being observant when you first start is the way to go. Plan your route so there aren't any tight places, don't move on off level areas without people watching the clearance and do some research with other owners of the same rig to see what hitch and results they have.

Take your time, both when hitching the first time and while getting a feel for how much range you have.

Most of the later model FWs have a front cap designed for 6.5 bed towing. Yes the Ram has the shortest distance from rear axle center, to back of cab. If you install your hitch, set in rear most position, just to get it home, it should work without issue. Yes, as mentioned, caution when turning/backing SHORT, will be necessary. When you get the Sidewinder installed, it will be a non-issue, and you can put your hitch in whatever position works best.

Jerry

Fears justified! As never having a short-bed truck, I’m in “uncharted waters”! ( pun intended)

Best of Luck....hope everything works out well for you!

The concern for me, i have towed a fair amount, never a 5th wheel. I have a brand new ram 2500 megacab, would love to not wipe out the cab with the trailer if you know what i mean