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.

[High5er]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Simple, solid, easy to hitch and unhitch and NO QUESTION if you are hitched!!!

I like the way you can lock the quick remove. I wish I had that feature 🙂

[High5er]

I have (And recommend)the Reese Elite Air ride Pinpox with the Titan Hitch and they make life pretty easy because I don't have to mess with slides when turning very sharp corners. The Pinbox virtually removes the feeling that anything is behind me at all.

The Hitch is my favorite part because It's easily removable (No bolts). It quickly breaks down into 2 pieces making lifting easier. I can remove the hitch with great ease. Takes about 2 minutes.

The Cons about a Reese setup is that they do take a little getting used to due to the nature of a swingarm pinbox. You have to be pretty precise when backing in and hooking up.I think that might be where people get frustrated. I have it down to a science now but it took some time. Pro's outweigh the cons IMHO

I have no affiliation with Reese

[Cummins12V98]

Simple, solid, easy to hitch and unhitch and NO QUESTION if you are hitched!!!

[RVbikers]

I am not at all an expert, just gonna add my opinion. I just bought my first 5er last week. I got the Demco Hijacker UMS it was about $700 on etrailer.com after my research I decided I wanted the B&W Companion, but we bought a 21k GVWR 5er and the B&W only goes up to 20k, I was a little disappointed, but I do like the Demco. It also has the safety bar behind the king pin jaws. I am experiencing some chucking but its not too bad. I need to research this end of it now.

[C_Schomer]

I bought a used drawtite 14k rocker (it looks like the reese design) 20 years and Im still using it and never a problem. I move it from truck to truck. I just towed my cargo trailer from Az. grossing 18k and still no problem. Craig

[cummins2014]

Dave H M wrote:
Curious here, hear things/ stories like, "I had all kinds of problems with my Reese." What the hey does that mean. i have never had one little problem with mine in 10 years.

BTW, folks talk about the weight and removing it from the truck. piece of cake for me. i just leave the hitch hanging on the fifth wheel.

I too was curious, have never figured out on this forum why some have to bash a product to promote their own. Not sure what the motive is. It turns out most have not even owned the product.

It would have been nice to have an explanation on " I had all kinds of problems with my Reese " but it happens a lot here, its just bashing

[Dave_H_M]

Curious here, hear things/ stories like, "I had all kinds of problems with my Reese." What the hey does that mean. i have never had one little problem with mine in 10 years.

BTW, folks talk about the weight and removing it from the truck. piece of cake for me. i just leave the hitch hanging on the fifth wheel.

[padredw]

Have had four fifth-wheels of four different manufacturers over 20 years. Have towed 161,576 logged miles in almost every state over most of the major passes of the West. Never had anything but a Reese hitch, and never even thought about a problem.

Just bought a 2017 Duramax/Allison and it came with a Curt hitch. I have only towed 90 miles with that one, but it seems to be fine. First truck I ever bought with the installed puck system hitch.

It's hard for me to understand what kind of problems people have with their hitch --- Oh, yes, now it comes to me. I have always had a long bed pickup with a standard hitch. I wonder if the troubles come from the slider hitches???

BTW, it surprised me to know that I have towed over 160,000 miles. I just added it up from my four different log books.

[GRJ]

I have a BD3, bought it in 2011 - absolutely loved the ride once installed. Sold the trailer last year, still have the hitch sitting in the garage. If you want to buy it, make me an offer. 🙂

[RAS43]

No nagging feeling with my Reese Classic 20000lb capacity hitch. It is 20+ years old, been in 3 trucks, pulled 2 different 5th wheels and have double towed a boat at times. No problems in all that time and have only had to replace the 2 springs in the head. Just did a maintenance check and lube and everything was fine. 🙂

[alexleblanc]

I can't comment on which brand to stay away from but I can say that I've been beyond pleased with my B&W product to date, quiet, well built and easy to use.

[cummins2014]

bfast54 wrote:
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!!!!!

Curious to what ALL KINDS of trouble you had with the Reese ??? Have towed three different fifth wheels with two different Reese hitches, and they were flawless over a 12 year period.

To the OP do your self a favor, and research the Andersen Hitch. There will be some naysayers ,but I believe all but one have never owned the Andersen.

[georgiacatweazl]

bfast54 wrote:
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!!!!!

B&W is worth the money, i'd rather pay a bit more than have that nagging feeling when i'm driving.

[GoPackGo]

I have a Hensley BD3 air hitch. Makes for a great ride. Starting my 4th year of fulltiming with it and would not have anything else.

[IdaD]

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

I like mine a lot too, much more so than any standard fifth wheel hitch I've used. Made in Idaho is a nice cherry on top!