5th wheel hitch for puck system

[kimomjtb]

Picked up our new 2016 ram 3500 today ...our old ram 2003 has a husky slider that we have only used four times since we've only had our fifth wheel since last fall...The new truck has the factory installed puck system in it.....I have researched the companion hitch but was wondering if there is any others that would work for our truck. Seems like the companion only comes in one size 25,000 pounds our trailer is approximately 16,000 ...would like to keep the price down as much as possible ...we had to upgrade our tow vehicle and We have a wedding to pay for this year so finances are getting tight ...thanks

[Cummins12V98]

zb39 wrote:
I use the B&W 3600 and my 5th wheel is only 14K GVW. The hitch is rock solid.

I have 23K hooked to my RVK3600. I would not consider any other hitch. Some of these roads will open your eyes!!!

[zb39]

I use the B&W 3600 and my 5th wheel is only 14K GVW. The hitch is rock solid.

[MFL]

Well said bpounds. The 3600 is made to fit your puck system, without extra connections, that can raise hitch height.

You won't have any installation cost, just drop the legs in the pucks. The $1200 cost is not that much more than a lesser quality hitch, and cheaper than a high quality air-ride hitch.

Most any hitch will tow the FW, but the ease of hookup/unhook, will be the first thing you will appreciate.

Jerry

[bpounds]

kimomjtb wrote:
in other words I'm just wondering what makes it worth it paying all that extra money if a less expensive will do the same thing what is the difference...we are not full timers at this point and probably never will be but it would be nice to be able to tow for longer distances than just 2 to 3 hours and feel comfortable

At 16k, you've got yourself a very large fiver. More than most here are hauling. And, you are new to the game. You owe it to yourself to go with a quality, heavy duty, hitch. I'm not a raving B&W fan, but I don't think you will be happy with your existing Husky entry level hitch. And that B&W will do a great job for you forever.

[GoPackGo]

I know that B&W is very highly regarded. I do not disagree with that statement. Let's leave it at that.

My BD3 air hitch in the adaptor has zero slop, zero movement, and zero noise. I know that because I glance in the rearview mirror once in a while and watch how the air hitch absorbs all the little up and down movements between the truck and my fiver. Kinda fascinating, actually.

I fulltime and have been using this hitch since '13. I would not have anything but an air hitch.

[Cummins12V98]

kimomjtb wrote:
in other words I'm just wondering what makes it worth it paying all that extra money if a less expensive will do the same thing what is the difference...we are not full timers at this point and probably never will be but it would be nice to be able to tow for longer distances than just 2 to 3 hours and feel comfortable

If you use a picture frame adapter there will be a connection between nit and your current hitch and that will have movement. Your current hitch is a slider I would imagine it was not the quietest hitch.

I can tell you with the B&W RVK3600 you will have ZERO slop or noise anywhere.

[minnow]

A Curt or Reese will work just fine and are less costly. I'm sure you can use the money saved for other endeavors.

[GoPackGo]

rickeoni wrote:
I use a reese picture frame with my BD3.

X2

Love my air hitch.

[kimomjtb]

kimomjtb wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"Discovered that the Curt is a little more temperamental coupling and uncoupling"

As I mentioned on your other post Curt and Reese can be difficult to hitch. IMHO If the $1,159 is too much for the puck system Companion I would do as MeAgain suggests and get the Demco Picture frame adapter and use your hitch. Personally i would sell what you have and buy the B&W. You will thank me!

Does anyone know if the B&W 20K Companion will work with the gooseneck part of the RAM? If so that would be a good option also.

we may just bite the bullet but I was wondering is it definitely a more stable way of towing then using the picture frame with the current hitch..I mean I want ta decent hitch and I want to be comfortable towing ...I remember when we got our long travel trailer years ago we bit the bullet and bought a Hensley hitch and we never regretted it ...is this going to be something like that where it's such a good thing that we should just invest in it thank you

in other words I'm just wondering what makes it worth it paying all that extra money if a less expensive will do the same thing what is the difference...we are not full timers at this point and probably never will be but it would be nice to be able to tow for longer distances than just 2 to 3 hours and feel comfortable

[kimomjtb]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"Discovered that the Curt is a little more temperamental coupling and uncoupling"

As I mentioned on your other post Curt and Reese can be difficult to hitch. IMHO If the $1,159 is too much for the puck system Companion I would do as MeAgain suggests and get the Demco Picture frame adapter and use your hitch. Personally i would sell what you have and buy the B&W. You will thank me!

Does anyone know if the B&W 20K Companion will work with the gooseneck part of the RAM? If so that would be a good option also.

we may just bite the bullet but I was wondering is it definitely a more stable way of towing then using the picture frame with the current hitch..I mean I want ta decent hitch and I want to be comfortable towing ...I remember when we got our long travel trailer years ago we bit the bullet and bought a Hensley hitch and we never regretted it ...is this going to be something like that where it's such a good thing that we should just invest in it thank you

[Cummins12V98]

Op you did not cut corners with your truck purchase...........

[Cummins12V98]

IdaD wrote:
Seems to me that an adapter with your current hitch would be the least expensive route. I realize there are some big B&W fans on this site but if you're really wanting to save some bucks, we're talking about a $390 adapter versus a $1200 hitch.

Yes I am the President of the B&W "HeavyWeight FanBoy Club" and I did recommend this as an alternative. "get the Demco Picture frame adapter and use your hitch"

[kennethwooster]

Many ways to do this. I bought a Ford set up for the puck system. I checked hitches and found the B&W to be cheaper. Best hitch I've ever owned and I've had probably 5. Very smooth and quiet. However if it is too much money look at other options.

[otrfun]

FYI, the Ram picture frame adapter sits about 2" above the bed of the truck. A universal rail sits about 3/4 - 1" above the bed of the truck. Just something to keep in mind if the height of your 5th wheel hitch is an issue.

[IdaD]

Seems to me that an adapter with your current hitch would be the least expensive route. I realize there are some big B&W fans on this site but if you're really wanting to save some bucks, we're talking about a $390 adapter versus a $1200 hitch.