How to shop for a 5th wheel hitch

[MN_Ben]

I plan on getting a 5th wheel in a couple of years and would like to know what I should be looking for in a hitch. I have seen an RBW 15K listed on craigslist from 175 and other brands for $800. My truck came with two large plates with square holes bolted to the bed, but no hitch.

Will any 5th wheel hitch fit any 5th wheel trailer? I am assuming "yes". Is there a good, better and best? I don't know. This is where I am looking for advise.

Ben

[JeepCB]

My 2 cents,
I went from a cheap craigslist hitch to a B&W turnover ball and Companion hitch. Huge difference in quality and towing comfort! No clunking and banging. Great company!! Also two added benefits with this setup....
1 When hitch is removed my bed is flat..no rails.
2 Gives me ability to tow anything, bumper, 5th wheel, and goose neck. Within my tow limits of course.
Whatever brand you choose go with one that's jaws wrap around king pin. It will be quieter.
Good luck!
P.S. Companion hitch I got used for $450, from a guy who got it from a guy... Just check all bolts and contact points for wear. Mine had none.

[Chuck___]

I see were I can purchase used B&W hitches. Some say used less than 1000 miles. Is it a good idea to purchase a used hitch?

2015 COMPANION 5TH WHEEL HITCH $775

[alaska511]

Goostoff wrote:
When I ordered my B&W Patriot to replace my POS Curt hitch the guy at Rigid Hitch asked me if I had Curt rails or universal rails. He said that Curt had a different rail system than the rest of the companies. I told him I would take my chances and if it wouldnt fit I would call him back and order the rails. I got lucky and it fit.

Good info! I want to swap out my Curt, but re-use the rails :C

[Goostoff]

When I ordered my B&W Patriot to replace my POS Curt hitch the guy at Rigid Hitch asked me if I had Curt rails or universal rails. He said that Curt had a different rail system than the rest of the companies. I told him I would take my chances and if it wouldnt fit I would call him back and order the rails. I got lucky and it fit.

[MN_Ben]

Good to know. Thanks, that's why I asked.
Ben

[MFL]

WTP-GC wrote:

MN Ben wrote:
I plan on getting a 5th wheel in a couple of years and would like to know what I should be looking for in a hitch...

Then come back in a couple of years and ask the question.
Sorry, don't mean to sound like I'm giving a sarcastic answer, but technology is changing at a more rapid rate than it has ever before. As a result, a top-of-the-line hitch today might be tomorrow's obsolete boat anchor.

While traditional 5th wheel hitches still appear to hold the market, the "growing in popularity" hitches from Andersen and Pull-Rite are a direct response to consumers who want something different. The puck system wasn't even on the radar just a few years ago. The idea of attaching a 5er hitch to a gooseneck hitch hasn't been mainstream for very long. No telling what new products will be available in the coming years.

Granted, RV manufacturers don't appear very welcoming to change. While the new rigs certainly incorporate more "creature comforts" than in years past, the basic systems (fridge, AC, furnace, water heater, structure, etc.) have changed very little, if any, over the last 20-30 years. Meanwhile, their cost continues to go up. The costs of our automobiles is also in steep ascension, but at least the technology and performance grows with it.

I agree, many changes in last few years, concerning hitches, and mounting. Often times RV dealers do not keep current on latest hitches available. When the time comes, you may even want to contact a few hitch manufacturers, concerning their latest offerings for your use.

Jerry

[WTP-GC]

MN Ben wrote:
I plan on getting a 5th wheel in a couple of years and would like to know what I should be looking for in a hitch...

Then come back in a couple of years and ask the question.
Sorry, don't mean to sound like I'm giving a sarcastic answer, but technology is changing at a more rapid rate than it has ever before. As a result, a top-of-the-line hitch today might be tomorrow's obsolete boat anchor.

While traditional 5th wheel hitches still appear to hold the market, the "growing in popularity" hitches from Andersen and Pull-Rite are a direct response to consumers who want something different. The puck system wasn't even on the radar just a few years ago. The idea of attaching a 5er hitch to a gooseneck hitch hasn't been mainstream for very long. No telling what new products will be available in the coming years.

Granted, RV manufacturers don't appear very welcoming to change. While the new rigs certainly incorporate more "creature comforts" than in years past, the basic systems (fridge, AC, furnace, water heater, structure, etc.) have changed very little, if any, over the last 20-30 years. Meanwhile, their cost continues to go up. The costs of our automobiles is also in steep ascension, but at least the technology and performance grows with it.

[laknox]

MN Ben wrote:
I plan on getting a 5th wheel in a couple of years and would like to know what I should be looking for in a hitch. I have seen an RBW 15K listed on craigslist from 175 and other brands for $800. My truck came with two large plates with square holes bolted to the bed, but no hitch.

Will any 5th wheel hitch fit any 5th wheel trailer? I am assuming "yes". Is there a good, better and best? I don't know. This is where I am looking for advise.

Ben

Since I'm an avowed B&W "fanboy", I'll recommend them, wholeheartedly. I also have the Turnover Ball, as I have a triple-axle gooseneck that I use semi-regularly. Great products and an exceptional company to back them up.

Lyle

[artman]

Andersen makes one thats easy to take in and out of the truck.
https://www.andersenhitches.com/Catalog/ultimate-5th-wheel-connection.aspx

[garyp4951]

If your rails are on 22" centers many hitches will fit, and the B&W Patriot 18k is a good one.

[F-TROUP]

If you buy a new 5th wheel, have the dealer throw in the hitch. Plus with a 8' box don't get suckered into an expensive sliding hitch you wont need it.

[Me_Again]

The early Hijackers hitches used a different spacing standard. The rest should all interchange.

[MN_Ben]

I have an 8 foot box dually.

[Edd505]

It sounds like the truck has the "rails" that should run for & aft. The 5W hitch will fit all 5W pin boxes. Trailer weight will determine how heavy the hitch needs to be. The other confederation is fixed hitch or slider if you have a short bed, can't tell from the picture. There is a lot of debate on whether you need a slider even with a short bed. Kind of like Ford or Chevy. You'll find the same on hitch brands. I have a Reese fixed in a long bed.

Just an after thought the "pin box". There are various here also some with air bags etc. Again the trailer can make a difference on your choice. My current 5W has a MORryde rubber pin box. I like it and think it is smoother than the other I have had, but it just how I feel about my combination.