crash course in 5th wheel hitches?

[JeffPritchard]

I've done the whole Truck Camper thing (twice), and the Class A thing.

Now I'm getting ready to try a 5th wheel next. I'm just starting to come to terms with how much I DONT know yet about 5th wheel RV's.

I'm planning to downsize to a decked out F-150 with 6.5 foot bed. I know this places strict constraints on the size of the camper I pick out. I'm fine with that. The smallest 5'er is a castle next to what I'm used to with a TC.

One part of 5th wheeling that I am particularly ignorant about is the various types of hitches and all the names of them and their parts.

I need to get edumacated in that area fast. I am usually good at googling, but this is one of those situations where I don't know enough to ask google the right questions.

Can some of you recommend some extensive sources of explanation from the ground up on the types of hitches and their pros and cons?

Also, can somebody either explain or point me to explanation about how a 5th wheel hitch is installed in the bed of pickup? Does it basically trash the bed, or would it be realistic to install one in a leased truck and then remove it at lease end?

Is there a way to install it such that it can easily be put in and out for other truck uses where it would be in the way? (I have a bobcat, so can easily lift it in and out...but how are they attached?)

[Sport45]

Much. Kind of an action shot.

Now all you need is another hitch. After all, variety is the spice of life. 🙂

And shouldn't that flag be flying the other way on the right side of the truck? Tacky.

[Cummins12V98]

Better?

[cummins2014]

crcr wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

up2nogood wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Me like this one.

Yes we know !!!!!!

Thought you needed a reminder.:B

Give it a rest. Everyone here will like you for it.

Thats doubtful , I think its way beyond that now.

[FishOnOne]

Sport45 wrote:

crcr wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

up2nogood wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Me like this one.

Yes we know !!!!!!

Thought you needed a reminder.:B

Give it a rest. Everyone here will like you for it.

At least take a new picture. Even if she once turned you on, the same old pinup loses its charm after a while... 🙂

LMAO....

[Sport45]

crcr wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

up2nogood wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Me like this one.

Yes we know !!!!!!

Thought you needed a reminder.:B

Give it a rest. Everyone here will like you for it.

At least take a new picture. Even if she once turned you on, the same old pinup loses its charm after a while... 🙂

[crcr]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

up2nogood wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Me like this one.

Yes we know !!!!!!

Thought you needed a reminder.:B

Give it a rest. Everyone here will like you for it.

[JIMNLIN]

Ain't new grand daughters neat !! Congrats.

[Cummins12V98]

up2nogood wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Me like this one.

Yes we know !!!!!!

Thought you needed a reminder.:B

[Learjet]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Me like this one.

I've seen that picture so often on here that, I still see it at night when I close my eyes.

:W I do have my eyes on the 18k B&W Patriot hitch...still not 100% happy with my current hitch.

[shepstone]

Me Again wrote:

shepstone wrote:
I have towed both TT & Fifth with the same 1/2 ton, the fiver even though it weighed over 2000 lb more was way more stable and felt much safer than the TT.

There are those that will argue that with the correct high end hitch, the bumper pull can be as stable as a 5th wheel.

Chris

Been there and done that c/w sway controller. I don't doubt that with more time and money you could make it work, but is it worth it? Not to me. I love the simplicity of being able to look out my back window and seeing the B&W (or insert your hitch of choice) engage.

[csamayfield55x]

Lyle, congratulations!!!

I also agree, until you spend time behind a 5er you don't know stability on the road. You can spend lots of money trying to make it that good but it never is

Chris

[laknox]

JeffPritchard wrote:

JeffPritchard wrote:

MFL wrote:
Lyle is talking about a swivel wheel tote, on the back of FW, with a UTV on it.

Jerry

Ok, thanks.

But being behind the trailer axels...wouldn't that tend to lift the front of the trailer rather than push down harder on the pin?

Answering my own question here. Just re-read Lyle's post. "Just unloaded the front too much." Again, I thought opposite part of the rig from him. He meant it unloaded the front of the trailer (not front of truck).

Thanks for clarifying my post. Was at the hospital all afternoon yesterday, so didn't get a chance to log on. Got a new granddaughter! 🙂

Lyle

[N-Trouble]

Me Again wrote:

shepstone wrote:
I have towed both TT & Fifth with the same 1/2 ton, the fiver even though it weighed over 2000 lb more was way more stable and felt much safer than the TT.

There are those that will argue that with the correct high end hitch, the bumper pull can be as stable as a 5th wheel.

Chris

I use to believe that as well. THat is until I bought a 5er. Fact is many who try to argue this point have never towed a 5er.

[Me_Again]

shepstone wrote:
I have towed both TT & Fifth with the same 1/2 ton, the fiver even though it weighed over 2000 lb more was way more stable and felt much safer than the TT.

There are those that will argue that with the correct high end hitch, the bumper pull can be as stable as a 5th wheel.

Chris