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.

[limericc]

Rygar wrote:
I have the Andersen Ultimate. No negative issues at all. Best thing about it is it weighs 35lbs. Easy in and out of the truck. Paid under $1000.

I have the same hitch, best pull ever for me and easy to remove from the truck bed. And you can't beat the price.

[Cummins12V98]

jerem0621 wrote:


I have thought a lot about that hitch head pulling off the upright...Cummins, is there any chance that the locking levers pulled up or the owner didn't have locked down right?

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Based on the pictures you can see the pin was bent as it pulled up and then the head lifted off then bent the other support then tore off. I think a separation is a good thing most of the time but it could be bad also.

I was in a rollover many years ago when the tow behind trailer with load levelers and sway control started swerving and could not regain control. The truck separated and rolled completely over and the trailer slid on it's side.

[jerem0621]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

RCMAN46 wrote:
This will most likely get this posting closed or my post removed.

But you should look at this and make up your own mind.


B&W failure

I really don't think it was considered a "FAILURE" as you listed it as.

BTW what hitch do YOU recommend?

I have thought a lot about that hitch head pulling off the upright...Cummins, is there any chance that the locking levers pulled up or the owner didn't have locked down right?

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Cummins12V98]

minnow wrote:
To the OP, as a fanboy and owner for the Andersen Ultimate, let me say given the size/weight of your RV. I'd look at a traditional hitch. I'm a member of the Grand Design facebook page and have been following experiences of a fellow on there that has a larger GD fifth wheel and has had some hitch base weld cracking as well some other issues. This is not the first report I've seen either regarding that hitch and large fifth wheels. I think the Andersen is fine for lighter weight fivers but I personally would be looking at something else if I had a 40' RV.

I have been saying this for a long time. ^^^^^^^

Bed deflection is a reality with the heavier RV's. If I towed a 12K or so and never would go any heavier an Andersen may be in the bed of my truck.

[minnow]

To the OP, as a fanboy and owner for the Andersen Ultimate, let me say given the size/weight of your RV. I'd look at a traditional hitch. I'm a member of the Grand Design facebook page and have been following experiences of a fellow on there that has a larger GD fifth wheel and has had some hitch base weld cracking as well some other issues. This is not the first report I've seen either regarding that hitch and large fifth wheels. I think the Andersen is fine for lighter weight fivers but I personally would be looking at something else if I had a 40' RV.

[Learjet]

I would avoid the Curt Q16, weak and loose jaws...made in China. Sold mine quick.

B&W = quality, heavy duty and american made.

[Cummins12V98]

RCMAN46 wrote:
This will most likely get this posting closed or my post removed.

But you should look at this and make up your own mind.


B&W failure

I really don't think it was considered a "FAILURE" as you listed it as.

BTW what hitch do YOU recommend?

[Me_Again]

RCMAN46 wrote:
This will most likely get this posting closed or my post removed.

But you should look at this and make up your own mind.


B&W failure

Like I said in the other thread "if your trailer is hanging over a cliff you would want it to separate, if your truck is hang over a cliff you would not want it to separate!"

[jnharley]

I would say to buy the best you can afford. We have had a Pullrite and we now have a B & W Companion (new truck) with the puck system. Both are really good hitches.

[RCMAN46]

This will most likely get this posting closed or my post removed.

But you should look at this and make up your own mind.


B&W failure

[ol_Bombero-JC]

laknox wrote:


Without reading ahead...


Lyle

Dito on "reading ahead".

The question was *NOT* what hitch readers have (and like), but...

***"Are there any hitches to AVOID, looking to buy."***

Soooooo (IMO) the appropriate reply would be:

New: Do your own research. Lots of brands and options.

Most (hitch) owners did the above - it fits *THEIR* needs and req's.

Very few have owned more than one hitch - *unless* they upgraded for some reason, such as going from a long bed p/up to a short bed, etc.

*NEVER* saw a post regarding a hitch "to avoid"..:h

Used: Know what you want (as above), then inspect carefully.

Hope you find the one *YOU* want!..:C

~

[laknox]

Without reading ahead...

I love my B&W Turnover Ball and Companion FW hitch. I have a GN trailer, so needed a GN hitch and I wanted a clean bed. Having had previous experience with a folding GN hitch, I was absolutely not going there again and the B&W was recommended by a =bunch= of people. The Companion was the only thing that would work with the TO Ball base in 2004, so that's the way I went. That hitch is likely to outlive me, and I =seriously= doubt I'll ever go big enough to need a heavier one. That being said, I'd give a serious look at the Andersen, were I buying today.

Lyle

[Durb]

Agree with handsome 51. The question shouldn't be what to avoid but what to get. I'm sure most of the hitches sold will solidly clamp your 5er to the truck. If they didn't their manufacturers would be out of business.

There are hitches out there that do more in terms of ride quality and protecting your truck and your trailer. You are dropping major bucks on your truck and your trailer. Why skimp on the device that joins the two together?

[handsome51]

georgiacatweazle wrote:


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.

You have a real truck (8foot bed), so buy a real hitch. You only have to buy it once. Their is only two hitches to buy. My first choice (which is the one I have) a Air Safe 25k air hitch with the Brinkley Holland head, second choice is the Hensley air hitch with the Brinkley Holland head. They don't give them away, but you get what you pay for. I bought my first 5th wheel and hitch in 2006. I had a friend that had a 5th wheel for years with the regular reese hitch. But in January that year he bought the 25k air safe hitch. His exact words to me were: I am not saying it's worth the money , but I like the ride. He pulls his center console boat behind his fifth wheel to the lake. He said he forgot and left his soap bottle on the kitchen counter once and when he got home from the lake it was still sitting their. That is all I needed to know. I did ask him why he got the 25k hitch when the 15k would have worked. He said he wanted the Binkley Holland Head and it was now offered on the 15k. I bought the 25k air safe hitch and on the first trip the wife said as we were going down the road. You don't even know the 5th wheel is back their. Plus nothing moved in the 5th wheel , no dishes or even anything behind the axles of the trailer. And that is the roughest riding. The 5th wheel rides smooth and the truck rides smooth. Neither the truck or 5th wheel is being jerked around. I know I have said a lot. But look at it this way. You have spent a lot of money on your truck . And you are going to spend a lot of money on your 5th wheel. So why should you not go first class with the hitch.