5th wheel hitches

[klr650goldwing]

We are about to buy a newer truck. It will be a 2017 F350. We'll be pulling a Solitude which weighs about 12,650 lbs. empty. What hitch would you recommend for that setup?

[Travlingman]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Thank you for the reply! I was referring to the DOT part. I should have specified.

I believe I have read somewhere CURT has some sort of standard, SAE possibly?

Curt tests to SAE J2638.

[jerem0621]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Thank you for the reply! I was referring to the DOT part. I should have specified.

I believe I have read somewhere CURT has some sort of standard, SAE possibly?

This is interesting. I just couldn’t let it go. It seems there is an actual voluntary SAE standard for hitching called J2638.

Here is a neat webpage from Pullrite talking about the standard.

https://www.pullrite.com/J2638

I’m going to start researching this some more. Pretty interesting. They have to subject the hitch to 300,000 cycles at weights in excess of what the hitch will be rated in three different directions for a total of 900,000 cycles. Whew...

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Wood_chip]

If you don't have to remove your hitch often, the Trailer Saver BD-5 is the Rolls Royce of all hitches . This is just my humble opinion.

[Cummins12V98]

Thank you for the reply! I was referring to the DOT part. I should have specified.

I believe I have read somewhere CURT has some sort of standard, SAE possibly?

[jerem0621]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"B&W makes a great hitch. They all make a DOT approved hitches."

I have a Friend that says to me "prove it" when I claim something. I have searched this statement every way possible with ZERO hits.

So I am respectfully asking you to prove your statement.

Good call Cummins12V98.

Since you didn't specify, I will address both parts of my statement that you quoted.

Respectfully, I can't substantiate the statement that B&W makes a great hitch. I don't use them as they are pretty expensive and my regular not B&W hitches work just fine and I see no need to upgrade my equipment at this time.

I was mostly going off your copious testimonies about how wonderful they are, and I believe YOU and many other B&W users that I know both online and off.

As to the DOT reference, you are correct. I can't find one either. Think before you post kinda thing I suppose. Sorry about that, my bad.

I can't even find a standard for build quality on ANY hitch in the US that a regular consumer would use. Admittedly, I didn't delve into the world of commercial trucks.

No argument from me I was wrong.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Cummins12V98]

"B&W makes a great hitch. They all make a DOT approved hitches."

I have a Friend that says to me "prove it" when I claim something. I have searched this statement every way possible with ZERO hits.

So I am respectfully asking you to prove your statement.

[JTrac]

A little against the grain but I just sold my BD3 and waiting on a Reese Goose Box. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the wife and I to remove a heavy hitch, even the BD3 which comes apart but does have a total weight of 165 pounds. For the past several years I just left it in the truck from April to November, kind of a pain when I really needed my full bed on occasion. The 20K Goose Box weighs 225 pounds but I only have to install it once. When I want my full bed all I need to do is remove a 5 pound ball. I have high hopes for it based on the reviews but we'll see.

[jerem0621]

I’d recommend the one that’s available to you locally.

In theory, I like the design of the Reese dual jaw design. The pivot is ahead of the Jaw so when closed around the pin the force actually pulls the jaws closed.

In practice, they all work if operated per the instructions.

(Updated statement) I think B&W makes a great hitch.

(Retracted statement : “They all make a DOT approved hitches.”)

All major hitch manufacturers, in my opinion, make safe hitches if used in their design parameters.

How much do you want to spend? There is a manufacturer willing to take your money at all price points.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Cummins12V98]

First i want to say Hensley IMHO makes a QUALITY product.

BUT I don't think every truck NEEDS one. I have a air bag kingpin, honestly don't think it helps a HUGE amount but it does some. I had bags on my last DRW with similar RV setup and it rode great as does my current DRV with about 6k pin at 25% of the RV's weight. Just don't see how my setup could ride any better.

I do believe my Factory rear air ride helps along with the kingpin air bag. The key IMHO is the fact I have plenty of pin weight.

[ReneeG]

TXiceman wrote:
First, use the trailer GVWR, not the dry weight. AS for hitches, you cannot beat a TrailerSaver TS3. Expensive and heavy but a great hitch. The Binkley Holland hitch head is pretty much fool proof.

Ken

Amen! We have the BD3 but there's now a BD5. Both come apart for easy removal and replacement.

[TXiceman]

First, use the trailer GVWR, not the dry weight. AS for hitches, you cannot beat a TrailerSaver TS3. Expensive and heavy but a great hitch. The Binkley Holland hitch head is pretty much fool proof.

Ken

[laknox]

Edd505 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Hammerboy wrote:
I also have to say the B&W as I have one myself. Very easy to latch and unlatch, almost idiot proof 😉

Dan

Just don’t pin the handle open!

Read the manual!!

Manual virtually memorized. Don't get in a HURRY and double/triple check!

Lyle

[laknox]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Hammerboy wrote:
I also have to say the B&W as I have one myself. Very easy to latch and unlatch, almost idiot proof 😉

Dan

Just don’t pin the handle open!

A-yup! 😞

Lyle

[Edd505]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Hammerboy wrote:
I also have to say the B&W as I have one myself. Very easy to latch and unlatch, almost idiot proof 😉

Dan

Just don’t pin the handle open!

Read the manual!!

[azdryheat]

klr650goldwing wrote:
We are about to buy a newer truck. It will be a 2017 F350. We'll be pulling a Solitude which weighs about 12,650 lbs. empty. What hitch would you recommend for that setup?

You're going to tow it empty?