Fifth wheel hitch questions

[OutdoorPhotogra]

Greetings All,

About to move into the world of fifth wheels. Have never towed or hooked up a 5er so this is new territory. I've researched hitches from old threads and think I want to go with B&W Companion. I'm open to your arguments for something else.

Heart of my question is does it hurt to buy a hitch rated far above your current 5er's weight?

My 5er will be 8,500 lb GVWR and towing with F-250 long bed, 6.2 gas. B&W Companion is way more than I need. Patriot would be find for weight. I'm considering Companion because:

1. I want/need a flat bed with hitch out to carry kayak, etc. Seems Patriot is only a rail system.
2. I would like to transfer the hitch to a another set-up if/when I upgrade 5-10 years down the road.

Can you buy too much hitch?
What is the life expectancy of a hitch?
Can you move it to another TV without issues?

[Big1]

I have the B&W with the turnover ball I love it, it seem to be very solid and as far as putting it in my bed I bought a $99.00 discount 1 ton engine lift and it work for me.

[ETCrockett]

This is my first season owning a 5th wheel and like you I took my time and did my research. I have a Ford F450 dually that came with BW turnover ball hitch. I chose the BW Companion 20K and after towing a TT on the bumper for 12 years, I have to say I love the BW hitch. I found a DIY stream where someone used 2x4's and built a stand that was a little higher than the truck bed and mounted it on casters. He used the stand to set the hitch on without having to lift it out of the bed of the truck and could then easily roll it into the garage for storage. I would not buy a different hitch than BW Companion if you own a Ford or have the BW turnover ball hitch already in the bed.

[OutdoorPhotogra]

ralphnjoann wrote:

OutdoorPhotographer wrote:
Ralphnjoann, 75 lbs is why I want to research the Anderson. I knew the B&W was two pieces but didn't realize how much the bottom piece weighed if I'm moving it a lot. I'm in great shape except my back so that needs to be taken into account.

I'm not really looking at anything other than Anderson and B&W. I measured my truck and I have 11 feet from the front bumper to the back of the cab so I may be able to carry my kayak on top but I would need a front T bar.

Thanks for the feedback. To clarify, the Andersen weighs 43 pounds, I'm 75 years old. 🙂 BTW, the Andersen is Made in America. Good luck in your search.

Oops! I realized my mistake as I was researching and came back to check my post. Decisions, decisions. At least I know I'll be back camping soon. I won't be able to pick the 5th Wheel up until around December so I have time to research and rig my truck.

Thanks to everyone for the opinions.

[filrupmark]

If you want a rail mount. B & W Patriot .Nice one !

[ralphnjoann]

OutdoorPhotographer wrote:
Ralphnjoann, 75 lbs is why I want to research the Anderson. I knew the B&W was two pieces but didn't realize how much the bottom piece weighed if I'm moving it a lot. I'm in great shape except my back so that needs to be taken into account.

I'm not really looking at anything other than Anderson and B&W. I measured my truck and I have 11 feet from the front bumper to the back of the cab so I may be able to carry my kayak on top but I would need a front T bar.

Thanks for the feedback. To clarify, the Andersen weighs 43 pounds, I'm 75 years old. 🙂 BTW, the Andersen is Made in America. Good luck in your search.

[OutdoorPhotogra]

Ralphnjoann, 75 lbs is why I want to research the Anderson. I knew the B&W was two pieces but didn't realize how much the bottom piece weighed if I'm moving it a lot. I'm in great shape except my back so that needs to be taken into account.

I'm not really looking at anything other than Anderson and B&W. I measured my truck and I have 11 feet from the front bumper to the back of the cab so I may be able to carry my kayak on top but I would need a front T bar.

[Cummins12V98]

You will NEVER regret owning anything with the B&W name on it. US Made MOST of the others are NOT as in REESE and CURT.

Simple solid design no silly color codes or flimsy latches.

[ralphnjoann]

OutdoorPhotographer wrote:
I'll have to research the Anderson. I haven't come up with any other way to haul the kayak. I have a local pond that has BLM boondocking and I could just make two trips to bring the kayak but the hitch has to be manageable.

My rail mount Andersen weighs about 43 pounds. That's a couple of pounds less than a Honda Eu2000i. I'm 75 years old, but I can pull the pins, lift it out, and carry it to the shed with one hand. It stores out of the way on its side leaned against a wall. The aluminum gooseneck ball mount weighs even less.

[OutdoorPhotogra]

I looked at some of the top racks online last night. I'll have to see if they work with a 12' kayak. I could load it on top from the bed pretty easily. Cost would be the same as a trailer and not have to double tow.

[IdaD]

There are rack options that you could use to mount the kayak on top of your truck towards the front too. May not be cheaper than an extra trailer but would be less hassle towing/backing.

[OutdoorPhotogra]

I'll have to research the Anderson. I haven't come up with any other way to haul the kayak. I have a local pond that has BLM boondocking and I could just make two trips to bring the kayak but the hitch has to be manageable.

I could get a trailer for the kayak which is an option I'm considering as well but that's another $1,000. It's a Hobie so it's a 12 foot 100 lb kayak and more difficult to deal with than some kayaks.

[IdaD]

I like my Andersen a lot but have the rail mount version. Easy install/removal and zero chucking or clunking.

[ChuckV1]

We have a Curt Q20 pulling a 14,500 GVW, an a MorRyde Kingpin box, both great investments ... You can never have to much of a 5th wheel hitch, I recommend buying above what your GVW weight is, thus if you are at 13k buy a 16k hitch, if you are a 15k buy a 30k

Safe travels

[brianpearce]

Another vote look into the Andersen hitch.

[BB_TX]

B&W certainly has lots of satisfied buyers. But all the other major brands are very good also and most offer under bed mounting to leave a flat bed. Just a matter of which brand you like best. Any will do the job well for you.