Suggestions for Fiver Hitch

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
Yep, and alot of those measurement issues are eliminated when a short bed is not in the equation.

Agree.

Almost purchased a long bed. Again, like we did with the hitch, glad we measured first. Found it was too long for our driveway. The long bed would have blocked the sidewalk---a no-no with the HOA.

Fortunately, our 5th wheel has very scalloped corners. All said and done we've been just fine towing without a slider hitch with our short bed. Can't get 90, but we get reasonably close.

otrfun wrote:

On theProwl wrote:
Thanks for all the replies! I definitely have some thinking to do, but leaning toward the B&W. I like the thought of having a gooseneck ball available if ever needed.

Our TV is a '16 Ram 3500 SB. Basically the same truck you have. Our 5th wheel weighs approx. 12k loaded.

I'll leave it up to everybody else to hash out the brand-war.

The height requirement for your prospective hitch may drive your choice more than anything else. If you need a hitch much lower than 16" or so, you're going to find your choices more limited. Sure don't want to tow nose high. See a lot of that on the road.

Also, be careful with your choice of a slider hitch if you decide to get one. Measure carefully. We almost purchased a slider that slides back 12". Come to find out we only 11.5" of clearance between the rear of our king pin assembly and the tailgate. That would have been an expensive mistake.

Fortunately, we were able to borrow a hitch and make some critical measurements before we purchased a new hitch. So glad we did. We ended up needing a hitch about 13-14" high. Almost purchased a new $1300 brandname hitch the day before. We would have been way nose high with that particular hitch adjusted to it's lowest position.

Good luck!

If you have basicly the identical truck, which did you go with?

You bring up a great point. I guess I should see where the the kingpin height comes in when Fiver is level before I buy a hitch.

Yep, and alot of those measurement issues are eliminated when a short bed is not in the equation.

Double Post

Another note on slider hitches. I was visiting a local RV dealer a few weeks ago. A gentlemen had just purchased a new 37 ft. 5th wheel and had a new Pull-Rite slider hitch installed on his late model Chevy 2500 SB. Just as he was pulling out to the right, the rear of his king-pin contacted the side of his bed. Doubt his truck was more than a 50-60 degree angle to his 5th wheel. Fortunately he stopped before doing any damage.

Have no idea why this occurred. But, it just goes to show not all 5th wheel hitches are a simple case of plug and play. Lot of issues with clearance and such that need to be considered.

On theProwl wrote:
Thanks for all the replies! I definitely have some thinking to do, but leaning toward the B&W. I like the thought of having a gooseneck ball available if ever needed.

Our TV is a '16 Ram 3500 SB. Basically the same truck you have. Our 5th wheel weighs approx. 12k loaded.

I'll leave it up to everybody else to hash out the brand-war.

The height requirement for your prospective hitch may drive your choice more than anything else. If you need a hitch much lower than 16" or so, you're going to find your choices more limited. Sure don't want to tow nose high. See a lot of that on the road.

Also, be careful with your choice of a slider hitch if you decide to get one. Measure carefully. We almost purchased a slider that slides back 12". Come to find out we only 11.5" of clearance between the rear of our king pin assembly and the tailgate. That would have been an expensive mistake.

Fortunately, we were able to borrow a hitch and make some critical measurements before we purchased a new hitch. So glad we did. We ended up needing a hitch about 13-14" high. Almost purchased a new $1300 brandname hitch the day before. We would have been way nose high with that particular hitch adjusted to it's lowest position.

Good luck!

On theProwl wrote:
Anderson Ultimate is interesting as well. Hmmm...

I use the rail mount version and love it. Simple, light and user friendly. Made in Idaho. I use it flipped to the rear and it works great in my short bed Ram - no contact at full lock going forward.

Anderson Ultimate is interesting as well. Hmmm...

We love our B&W Patriot. If I can buy American I do.

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
One great thing about the B&W is, it's 100% made in American, by American workers! :b

Most, if not all, these days, of Reese's stuff is made in China... and they don't charge any less for it either..

Curt 5th wheel hitches are also made in china.

I believe that Demco/Highjacker are still North American made. I say NA as I do not know if Highjacker still has production in Victoria, BC.

Chris