Any 5th wheel hitch operate exactly like a semi 5th wheel?

[imjustdave]

I wanted to know if anyone builds a pickup truck 5th wheel hitch that operates like a semi truck 5th wheel.

In case you don't know.
A semi truck 5th wheel you pull the release lever out from the truck and it un hooks the jaws, then you pull away and your disconnected from the trailer.

To hook up you back under the 5th wheel and basically "slam" into the pin.. "slam" is such a harsh word but you basically back in, normally lifting the trailer a few inches and lock it in. At this point you do your tug test, visually inspect and your done.

************
But I find with my B&W hitch is that stupid pin and arm thing.
un pin the arm, move arm. pull away but sometimes the arm falls back so you have to pin it open, other wise you end up dragging the trailer off the blocks.

Now to hook up if its pinned open you have to unpin it, back under move arm, but sometimes it isn't closed when you "slam" back so now I wonder is the pin in the jaws or not. Maybe I'm pinning it out of the pin. and you really can't do a tug test without getting out again pining it back in truck and tugging, visual check and then your done.

But then there is the Aw @#$% as your pulling out "did I pin the arm" stop truck look get back in drive away.

I know I sound like a worry rat but after using a semi style connection the pin and arm thing is really kind of old school, labor intensive, prone to maybe damage if the arm swings closed prior to connecting, and a causes me to worry about it scenario far too much. I have to say the Semi way is WAY WAY safer as its locked or its open. no in between BS.

Sorry for the long rant.. So lets have... Am I crazy or is there a setup like I want without going to semi truck size land 🙂

[john_bet]

atfulldraw wrote:
pilots use a checklist before they fly.

I recommend that an rv'r use one too.

1. pin on hitch installed.
2. breakaway cable installed.
3. trailer lights connected and checked
4. .........

So does the Crew Chief before the pilot gets there.

[Hemi_Power]

I have a Reese Signature Series 18k with the full pivoting head. It operates like a semi and I have no problem with chucking. Great hitch. I picked this hitch as it leaves a clean bed when the hitch is removed (no rails). I believe it is now called the Elite Series. This is the hitch you would buy if you ordered a new truck with the pre installed under bed rails.

[retispcsi]

Nothing made by man if fullproof. The best devices designed and built by man can malfunction either by design or in method of use. I have a B & W 3300 Companion and before I had a RBW. The B & W is easy to operate and almost fullproof again see above. I have a dually and very nice three step ladder. I open the arm and the jaws open, I then back up hit the pin and the jaws close around the pin. I then insert the brake cable in the pin and place the pin in the bar which is already in the locked position. When it comes time to unhitch. I pull the pin, block the 5ers wheels and raise the landing gear taking pressure off the hitch and pull on the locking bar disengaging it. As the pin rises the jaws open like magic and when they are open I pull the truck out. The nice thing about unhitching this way is there is no fuss, it works as advertised not like my old RBW.

[NMace]

As to chucking, on advice from here. I added water to my in front of the axle fresh water tank, it worked'

[thecampingman]

Duramax1 wrote:

jmconneely wrote:
I think Reese is what you are describing. Many people complain about chucking with the Reese though. The B&W rides a lot better.

I have a Reese. No problem with chucking, perhaps other users have had them installed in the wrong place in their truck bed.

B&W doesn't make suspension hitches to combat chucking. It's a solid mount hitch, same as Reese.

I think if I experienced chucking I'd invest in upgrading the truck's suspension instead of an air ride hitch.

[Cummins12V98]

I am driving down the road with my RV in tow then it hits me......I forgot to do a pull test!

[mapguy]

mpierce wrote:
Pullrite operates the same as my semi 5th wheels do.

Pullrite Superglide and Pullrite Super Fifth have Binkley Style Pin Capture.

[Duramax1]

jmconneely wrote:
I think Reese is what you are describing. Many people complain about chucking with the Reese though. The B&W rides a lot better.

I have a Reese. No problem with chucking, perhaps other users have had them installed in the wrong place in their truck bed.

[Duramax1]

sorry, double post

[NMace]

Dave,

I understand the anxiety caused by forgetting things that those without cognitive problems cannot. Checklists help, but I have almost become OCD. I am with you. Buy what gives you peace.

[3_dog_nights]

atfulldraw wrote:
pilots use a checklist before they fly.

I recommend that an rv'r use one too.

1. pin on hitch installed.
2. breakaway cable installed.
3. trailer lights connected and checked
4. .........

#4 chocks...removed

[imjustdave]

up2nogood wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
I had a RBW before the B&W I THOUGHT it was a great hitch, in reality it was a POS. It clunked all the time and on my Dad's the slide bar actually broke.

The B&W is just a simple solid IMHO fool proof hitch.

I LOCK my handle closed and I attach my breakaway cable to the padlock when locking the handle. It gives me another reason not to forget locking the handle.

I personally would not leave the handle closed and drive off without it being pinned/locked just to see if it would stay closed!

I have the handle open, back into the kingpin then get out and LOCK the handle with the break away cable attached then go raise the landing gear, no pull test DONE.

I fail to see your reasoning behind your hitch. We have been thru this before. Let me explain how my hitch works, then you tell me if it is any different then yours. I place my handle in the open position , when I back in it slams shut, it has no choice the way it is built, now I need to do two things ,lock my handle closed, and attach my breakaway cable. I can chose to do a pull test or not, IMO it is not needed I can see that the jaw is closed, and as I said it has no choice but close period !!! I will go one step further here with my hitch, you can't lock it in the open position , the arm is positioned to keep it open, but will not remain there when backed into. What purpose does it serve to be able lock the hitch in the open position, and then forget to close it. I have said before you guys with B & W hitches are misleading people here, have no doubt it is a great hitch, but a fool proof hitch , I think not. Any hitch has the potential to drop a fifth wheel ,and the B & W is no different.

I agree the B&W is not fool proof..

The act of having to do something ..such as locking it closed, pinning it closed is not fool prof... or I would like to say. not forgetful person proof.

Hens why I posted this Q to start with. I sometime forget and then sometimes worry about weather I did something... Like going to bed ... "did I close the garage when I came in"

[atfulldraw]

pilots use a checklist before they fly.

I recommend that an rv'r use one too.

1. pin on hitch installed.
2. breakaway cable installed.
3. trailer lights connected and checked
4. .........

[cummins2014]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
I had a RBW before the B&W I THOUGHT it was a great hitch, in reality it was a POS. It clunked all the time and on my Dad's the slide bar actually broke.

The B&W is just a simple solid IMHO fool proof hitch.

I LOCK my handle closed and I attach my breakaway cable to the padlock when locking the handle. It gives me another reason not to forget locking the handle.

I personally would not leave the handle closed and drive off without it being pinned/locked just to see if it would stay closed!

I have the handle open, back into the kingpin then get out and LOCK the handle with the break away cable attached then go raise the landing gear, no pull test DONE.

I fail to see your reasoning behind your hitch. We have been thru this before. Let me explain how my hitch works, then you tell me if it is any different then yours. I place my handle in the open position , when I back in it slams shut, it has no choice the way it is built, now I need to do two things ,lock my handle closed, and attach my breakaway cable. I can chose to do a pull test or not, IMO it is not needed I can see that the jaw is closed, and as I said it has no choice but close period !!! I will go one step further here with my hitch, you can't lock it in the open position , the arm is positioned to keep it open, but will not remain there when backed into. What purpose does it serve to be able lock the hitch in the open position, and then forget to close it. I have said before you guys with B & W hitches are misleading people here, have no doubt it is a great hitch, but a fool proof hitch , I think not. Any hitch has the potential to drop a fifth wheel ,and the B & W is no different.