Fifth Wheel Hitch Decision

[tarheel2]

I have a new 2016 Chev CC Long Bed Duramax DRW 4WD. I am having trouble deciding which hitch to purchase. I am thinking of purchasing a DRV Mobile Suite 38RSSA with washer & dryer and generator. It has an allowable gross weight of 19,000lbs & maybe 5,000 lbs of pin weight. I was leaning towards the B&W Companion until I read about failures on another forum. It is rated for 20,000 gross weight and 5,000 pin weight. Even the trail saver TS3 is rated for 5,000 pin weight and pricey. I need a hitch that will give a good ride, preferably 25,000 lb. gross weight. Any suggestions?

[sayoung]

The Reese Elite uses a puck system that can be installed after market & if my memory is working rated at 25000.
I am an Andersen Ultimate user & they go 24000lbs. No matter which brand, give yourself some safety margin on the rated wieght capacity , You might trade for a bigger rv.

[tarheel2]

Oh yes, forgot, my truck is dually (DRW).

[tarheel2]

The truck is in fact a 3500. And I came to this forum for some friendly experienced advise not slurred comments. The gentleman had a 2015 Chev 3500 I believe, and he had the B&W RVK3500. The frame was obviously bent as was shown in his pictures. B&W sent him another hitch, which also bent the same way. So he went to another brand. Now that part is a fact. Was it caused by a crown, I don't know. I checked my truck from fender to fender with a 2' level. Maybe 1/16 high in the center. I don't know how much rise he had? I can't image any brand of truck being less than 1/16" high in the center. For that matter I would imagine a sprayed in bed could be worse. As far as the B&W puck mount hitch, I would love it. My truck did not come with the puck system from the factory. I bought it new off the lot without it. I wonder if the puck system could be added? And I didn't come to this forum to bash the B&W hitch or anything or anyone else. I was only seeking advise from experienced knowledgeable people. Thanks to those that care.

[azjeffh]

RustyJC wrote:
The B&W Companion for the Ram is rated for 25K with over 6K pin weight. The only difference is the base since the Ram's factory pucks utilize a larger footprint, especially fore to aft, than the Ford or GM factory pucks.

However other hitch manufacturers have figured out how to get more than 20K out of their hitches for the Ford. Think B&W would have figured out how to do it as well.

When I asked my initial question to B&W, I also inquired about the possibility of a higher rated hitch in the future. Basically was told they have no plans to do so.

Just have to wonder why.

[GoPackGo]

I have never read anything bad about the B&W hitches but . . .

I love my Hensley BD3 (14k fiver) and will never have anything but an air hitch.

[RustyJC]

The B&W Companion for the Ram is rated for 25K with over 6K pin weight. The only difference is the base since the Ram's factory pucks utilize a larger footprint, especially fore to aft, than the Ford or GM factory pucks.

Rusty

[azjeffh]

When we signed the sales agreement for our DRV, there was a stipulation that it would be badged at 21K GVWR (west coast sales rep said it could be).

I contacted B&W and inquired about the possibility of using their 20K hitch for that trailer. I was told NO, which is what I expected them to say. Ended up with the 26.5K Reese that fit my Ford's prep.

When the trailer arrived at the dealership, it was badged at 19K. DRV called and said the best they could do was 20K. While I was not very happy after waiting 3.5 months, I had no choice but to accept the trailer. DRV sent the dealer a new sticker to put on the trailer with a 20K GVWR.

While I would have preferred a B&W, I believe it's still too close to the max, and I'm happy with my Reese.

I have never seen any negative comments on the B&W and am surprised you have.

[n0arp]

I'd look at a Trailer Saver hitch. Pricey, but only a small fraction of what you will have into your rig and will help it pull nicer and last longer.

[bpounds]

tarheel2 wrote:
...leaning towards the B&W Companion until I read about failures on another forum....

How dare you suggest that? The B&W Cabal will find you. I would be very careful opening my mailbox if I were you.

None of the available hitches have failures. Just pick one with a capacity that at least equals your trailer. There are no bad choices.

[Michelle_S]

We just changed from a 20K Reese to a Comfort Ride 24K hitch in our Chevy. The Comfort Ride is similar to the Air hitches, but uses Cellular supports to provide the support vs air bags, which comes with five of them and you remove some for lighter weight pins. Was developed by the gentleman who did the Hensely, who after designing it thought there had to be a better way.

[avvidclif1]

donn0128 wrote:
Since you did not actually mention it, I have to assume your new truck is a dually and not a 2500?
Any non slider hitch rated to 20,000 pounds will do you just fine.

Read closer.
"I have a new 2016 Chev CC Long Bed Duramax DRW 4WD"

[Cummins12V98]

tarheel2 wrote:
I have a new 2016 Chev CC Long Bed Duramax DRW 4WD. I am having trouble deciding which hitch to purchase. I am thinking of purchasing a DRV Mobile Suite 38RSSA with washer & dryer and generator. It has an allowable gross weight of 19,000lbs & maybe 5,000 lbs of pin weight. I was leaning towards the B&W Companion until I read about failures on another forum. It is rated for 20,000 gross weight and 5,000 pin weight. Even the trail saver TS3 is rated for 5,000 pin weight and pricey. I need a hitch that will give a good ride, preferably 25,000 lb. gross weight. Any suggestions?

Dude you are spreading the BS from another forum where I said the "failure" was about the crown in some GM beds and what had to be done to the B&W slider to cure the issue that was NOT B&W's issue.

Get the B&W puck system for your truck and be happy like the 99.9999999 percent of all B&W owners are!

[azdryheat]

WeBeFulltimers wrote:
I also have not heard of ANY failures on B & W hitches. What is your source for this information/misinformation?

If your mind is made up about the DRV are you SURE a 3500 DRW is enough truck or would a 4500+ be better?

My Voltage is 19,000 GVWR, same as the OP, and my 3500 dually handles the weight perfectly. FWIW I have 3,500 on the pin.

[WeBeFulltimers]

I also have not heard of ANY failures on B & W hitches. What is your source for this information/misinformation?

If your mind is made up about the DRV are you SURE a 3500 DRW is enough truck or would a 4500+ be better?

[donn0128]

Since you did not actually mention it, I have to assume your new truck is a dually and not a 2500?
Any non slider hitch rated to 20,000 pounds will do you just fine.