Fifth wheel hitch suggestion

[RickeyS1]

So I have bought the new truck 2018 ram 3500 dually 8’ bed and new fifth wheel Durango Gold 384RLT, now need suggestion for hitch, do not want to go by dealer suggestion. So what would be best fit for hitch?

Again thanks for everyone’s help in making my decision
Rick

[jaycocamprs]

Cummins12V98 wrote:


Do you do a pull test with the B&W now that you have used it a few times?

I have not done so for at least 10 years.

Look at Jaws closed around kingpin handle locked not going to fall.

No I don't. Didn't every time with the Reese either. The handle lock grove will tell, if it's not all the way in the jaws are not closed. I would expect the B&W to be the same, if it won't pin the jaws will mot be closed.

MFL wrote:

Yes, great choice! The puck system is far superior, especially when comparing to single point attachment. It will be hard for any hitch maker to compete in the future, if they cannot fasten direct to big three puck systems.

Jerry

It will be hard. I would not buy a new truck without it. The GM pucks are cheaper than getting rails installed. And come with the 7-way plug and spray in liner. A deal I could not pass. I did not mind the rails. Used them often to tie large objects down with. But other times they were a pain.

[Me_Again]

WTP-GC wrote:

Every gooseneck trailer I’ve ever towed has been a single point attachment. Being less superior doesn’t mean that it’s insufficient.

If you look at those gooseneck trailers you will notice all the steel comes together creating a robust point to attach to the gooseneck ball low in the bed of the truck. 5th wheel trailer are NOT similarly built, so some manufactures are making compromised hitch designs that use balls vs the king pin.

[MFL]

WTP-GC wrote:

Every gooseneck trailer I’ve ever towed has been a single point attachment. Being less superior doesn’t mean that it’s insufficient.

LOL...gotcha!

[WTP-GC]

MFL wrote:

jaycocamprs wrote:

Once we made the choice to get the factory mounting pucks in the new truck. Getting the B&W was a done deal. And a choice I am quite glad we made.

Yes, great choice! The puck system is far superior, especially when comparing to single point attachment. It will be hard for any hitch maker to compete in the future, if they cannot fasten direct to big three puck systems.

Jerry

Every gooseneck trailer I’ve ever towed has been a single point attachment. Being less superior doesn’t mean that it’s insufficient.

[MFL]

jaycocamprs wrote:

Once we made the choice to get the factory mounting pucks in the new truck. Getting the B&W was a done deal. And a choice I am quite glad we made.

Yes, great choice! The puck system is far superior, especially when comparing to single point attachment. It will be hard for any hitch maker to compete in the future, if they cannot fasten direct to big three puck systems.

Jerry

[WTP-GC]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

jaycocamprs wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Honestly don't know the problem but most all beds with damage I have seen have this type of handle on the hitch.

I said without issue, but over the years I did have a few times that it failed a pull test or visual inspection. Once the disk slipped and the teeth bent down keeping the pin from fully seating. Other times just try again. But we never had a drop.
Once we made the choice to get the factory mounting pucks in the new truck. Getting the B&W was a done deal. And a choice I am quite glad we made.

Do you do a pull test with the B&W now that you have used it a few times?

I have not done so for at least 10 years.

Look at Jaws closed around kingpin handle locked not going to fall.

Let me just say...
The AUH is by far the easiest fifth wheel hitch in terms of verifying solid connection.

[Cummins12V98]

jaycocamprs wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Honestly don't know the problem but most all beds with damage I have seen have this type of handle on the hitch.

I said without issue, but over the years I did have a few times that it failed a pull test or visual inspection. Once the disk slipped and the teeth bent down keeping the pin from fully seating. Other times just try again. But we never had a drop.
Once we made the choice to get the factory mounting pucks in the new truck. Getting the B&W was a done deal. And a choice I am quite glad we made.

Do you do a pull test with the B&W now that you have used it a few times?

I have not done so for at least 10 years.

Look at Jaws closed around kingpin handle locked not going to fall.

[jaycocamprs]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Honestly don't know the problem but most all beds with damage I have seen have this type of handle on the hitch.

I said without issue, but over the years I did have a few times that it failed a pull test or visual inspection. Once the disk slipped and the teeth bent down keeping the pin from fully seating. Other times just try again. But we never had a drop.
Once we made the choice to get the factory mounting pucks in the new truck. Getting the B&W was a done deal. And a choice I am quite glad we made.

[Cummins12V98]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

jaycocamprs wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"You won't find someone on here recommending you get a sub-$500 basic Reese hitch, even though there are countless rigs being towed all across the USA with those."

True and many rigs that look like this doing so.

Used one of those for 14 years with out issue. That said, the B&W in the new truck is without doubt a better hitch

Honestly don't know the problem but most all beds with damage I have seen have this type of handle on the hitch.

WTP-GC

Read above.

[ReneeG]

Another vote for the Hensley TrailerSaver BD3. Removable. Air bags, smooth ride.

[WTP-GC]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"You won't find someone on here recommending you get a sub-$500 basic Reese hitch, even though there are countless rigs being towed all across the USA with those."

True and many rigs that look like this doing so.

By that logic, every truck I've ever seen with a dented tailgate is clearly caused by a fifth wheel mishap.

[Cummins12V98]

jaycocamprs wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"You won't find someone on here recommending you get a sub-$500 basic Reese hitch, even though there are countless rigs being towed all across the USA with those."

True and many rigs that look like this doing so.

Used one of those for 14 years with out issue. That said, the B&W in the new truck is without doubt a better hitch

Honestly don't know the problem but most all beds with damage I have seen have this type of handle on the hitch.

[jaycocamprs]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"You won't find someone on here recommending you get a sub-$500 basic Reese hitch, even though there are countless rigs being towed all across the USA with those."

True and many rigs that look like this doing so.

Used one of those for 14 years with out issue. That said, the B&W in the new truck is without doubt a better hitch

[Scott16]

B & W Companion.