Are there any hitches to avoid, looking to buy ?

[georgiacatweazl]

Started to do some research on fifth wheel hitches, the prices range from $200 to $2200. are some really not a good idea to buy ?
i don't want a bic razer hitch, but not a rolex either.
which hitch brands should be avoided due to poor quality or too entry level and would need an upgrade after 6 months ?

i here B&W are good, specially the reversible goose (for hot shot as part time gig). maybe air ride, reese etc.

we'll be towing 40 foot or there abouts so upper end weight. currently have tow vehicle. 2010 F350 DRW 6.4 powerstroke (stock, not deleted).

thanks.

[bfast54]

Started out with a Reese Had all kinds of problems with it I went to a B&W turnover with the companion


I commercially haul trailers ---I love my B&W companion ---no noise ,no slacking , no "Chucking,"..no problems ----Solid,Solid,Solid!!!!!

[ralphnjoann]

I have an Andersen Ultimate rail hitch. I wouldn't trade it for any other brand.

[Nevadastars]

I am by no means an expert, in fact have only towed mine once 430 miles in the 3 days we have owned it. I picked up a used Husky 16k slider locally for our trip it worked well, but had quite a bit of clanking and banging going on, especially when braking.

I have a new Andersen Ultimate rail hitch sitting in my shop that I will be using next time out. Great reviews on that hitch and I REALLY like how light it is.

[georgiacatweazl]

Thanks for all the replies, i made a list of all the hitches mentioned.

[georgiacatweazl]

4bearhug wrote:

georgiacatweazle wrote:

F-TROUP wrote:
They all have their Pros and Cons, I like the Little Rocker cause of the positive slide bar that holds the kingpin. You can visually look and see the bar is in position.

thanks, what about used ones ? they ok. etrailer.com sell used ones and appear like new.

That's the route I took with a used B & W hitch. They are usually out there on craigslist. If you are patient you can usually final a real nice one for about half the price of list. I realize some folks don't want to go that route but we have done that several times with great results.

B&W seem to have a good rep and US made.

[georgiacatweazl]

Charlie D. wrote:

georgiacatweazle wrote:
i here B&W are good, specially the reversible goose (for hot shot as part time gig). maybe air ride, reese etc.we'll be towing 40 foot or there abouts so upper end weight. currently have tow vehicle. 2010 F350 DRW 6.4 powerstroke (stock, not deleted).thanks.

Don't know what you are referring to when you speak of "goose" but be careful. Sons neighbor came in with a new 5th wheel and a goose neck attached to the pin box. He asked for it and dealer happily installed it in his new Ram. I suggested that he call the manufacturer of his new 5er and ask about a using a goose neck. Two weeks later he had it removed and is now using a conventional hitch,

yep I wouldn't run a 5er with a goose. i'd only run a goose with a cargo trailer.

[4bearhug]

georgiacatweazle wrote:

F-TROUP wrote:
They all have their Pros and Cons, I like the Little Rocker cause of the positive slide bar that holds the kingpin. You can visually look and see the bar is in position.

thanks, what about used ones ? they ok. etrailer.com sell used ones and appear like new.

That's the route I took with a used B & W hitch. They are usually out there on craigslist. If you are patient you can usually final a real nice one for about half the price of list. I realize some folks don't want to go that route but we have done that several times with great results.

[Charlie_D_]

georgiacatweazle wrote:
i here B&W are good, specially the reversible goose (for hot shot as part time gig). maybe air ride, reese etc.we'll be towing 40 foot or there abouts so upper end weight. currently have tow vehicle. 2010 F350 DRW 6.4 powerstroke (stock, not deleted).thanks.

Don't know what you are referring to when you speak of "goose" but be careful. Sons neighbor came in with a new 5th wheel and a goose neck attached to the pin box. He asked for it and dealer happily installed it in his new Ram. I suggested that he call the manufacturer of his new 5er and ask about a using a goose neck. Two weeks later he had it removed and is now using a conventional hitch,

[ChuckV1]

We have a Curt 16K for the past 5 years and really like it, reasonable price and easy to take out of the truck so you can use the bed ...

Safe travels

[F-TROUP]

georgiacatweazle wrote:

F-TROUP wrote:
They all have their Pros and Cons, I like the Little Rocker cause of the positive slide bar that holds the kingpin. You can visually look and see the bar is in position.

thanks, what about used ones ? they ok. etrailer.com sell used ones and appear like new.

I wouldn't be concerned about buying a used one from etrailer.com. My friend has a Pullrite supergluide and he says he can't hookup at an angle has to come straight into it, if thats true I'd think twice about one. Lots of peeps here run them so may be one could chime in on that.

[kmbelt]

Consider amount of use also. I only pull 5-8 times a year, so i couldn't justify a high dollar one. I have the Reese 15k and it suits my needs as it is easily removable in two pieces. If i were going to be towing more, i would have probably gotten a much nicer hitch with extra features.

[2112]

I started with a 200 lb $1000 Pullrite Superglide because I have a short bed. I realized I didn't need it due to how my front cap is shaped. I bought a used 110 lb Reese manual slide found on Craigslist for $100 and couldn't be happier.

If I only knew then what I know now.

[BB_TX]

I have a Reese Elite in my current truck. And had a Pullrite Super 5th in my previous truck. Both excellent hitches. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the major name brand hitches.

[georgiacatweazl]

thanks for all the info, i'll do some research on all those models.

[kennethwooster]

I've used 4-5!different models. Did not like Reese. Too hard to hook and unhook. Husky wasn't anything great. Also used Pullright as needed auto slider. Very good hitch. 2014 bought long bed dually. Looked at hitches again. My dealer did not sell B&W but told me where to get one. It was very reasonable so I bought the he puck hitch rather then the turnover champion. Very solid hitching and unhitching. Also no clunking and banging like some of them do. Took installer about 30-45 minutes to install. It does have one grease zero.