New to 5th wheels - hitch Qs

[gimpsta]

Ive got a 2014 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab pulling a 2016 Montana 5er. I believe my bed is 6’4” - do i need a slider hitch? Also - can get a few recommendations on hitches.

The company only sells their own hitch and Ive forgot the name of their hitch. Id just like what works and isnt too complicated to operate. Obviously, safer is better. The trailer is probably 9k empty and 35ft.

James

[gimpsta]

Thank you Jeep

I get wrapped around the axel when making decisions on brands, cost, functionality. What I’ve learned is to sometimes just get what makes sense and from there I will build an opinion of what I want, what I like, and why. This obviously helps me going forward with a more permanent hitch and rv in the future. This will be only for the trip up and the summer. I’ll probably sell all of it at the end of the summer.

Im also looking to install airbags on the truck as well to help with frost heeves and what not..

[1jeep]

While I don't always agree with cummins....I can say this. When I bought my rv a few years ago I was like you and had to have a hitch soon. So I bought a reese, it worked, but I just replaced it with a B&W and within the unboxing process could already tell it was a better product.

Good luck with the rv and your trip to Alaska!

[gimpsta]

Yes Sir. I certainly will try and do so. But Ill be doing the drive to alaska in two months. I would have to try several hitches to make a full assessment.

[Cummins12V98]

"The Curt is ok, not best but works....i hope."

Please report back after several hitch and unhitch cycles. Also if you experience any chucking.

[MFL]

gimpsta wrote:
I know there are more places. I already have an account with etrailer.

The local shops arent available to work the install for a week or so. Some wont install anything but what they carry.

The Curt is ok, not best but works....i hope.

I need the trailer in a week and didnt see all this buffonary happening when I found the trailer.

Long story short - this was the best decision cost/timing wise and I appreciate the inputs and education on it all.

I've no experience with the Curt, but do know it works for many, so it should work okay for you too.

Good luck, hope all goes well!

Jerry

[gimpsta]

I know there are more places. I already have an account with etrailer.

The local shops arent available to work the install for a week or so. Some wont install anything but what they carry.

The Curt is ok, not best but works....i hope.

I need the trailer in a week and didnt see all this buffonary happening when I found the trailer.

Long story short - this was the best decision cost/timing wise and I appreciate the inputs and education on it all.

[MFL]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

gimpsta wrote:
Awesome.

B&W was sold out from etrailer for a few weeks she said. So I picked up all i needed for the 2014 Ram Curt hitch 16k slider.

I want the trailer off their lot asap. Anyhow - in the end with their install fees I assume itll come in around $500 cheaper this way. The dealership at first said they will only install curt and they have to be the one to purchase it. I of coarse didnt want to pay $2k. But I got the manager to agree to install it, but he wont warranty the parts or whatever.

It is like dealing with used car salesmen - slimy...

UH, etrailer is not the only one who sells B&W. I have purchased 4 from tweets.com. Had the hitches two days after order was placed.

Exactly what I was thinking, and Tweety's is another great source. With Google, many more sources. Impatience, will not always get the best results, but understand the OP wanting to be rid of that dealer.

Jerry

[Cummins12V98]

gimpsta wrote:
Awesome.

B&W was sold out from etrailer for a few weeks she said. So I picked up all i needed for the 2014 Ram Curt hitch 16k slider.

I want the trailer off their lot asap. Anyhow - in the end with their install fees I assume itll come in around $500 cheaper this way. The dealership at first said they will only install curt and they have to be the one to purchase it. I of coarse didnt want to pay $2k. But I got the manager to agree to install it, but he wont warranty the parts or whatever.

It is like dealing with used car salesmen - slimy...

UH, etrailer is not the only one who sells B&W. I have purchased 4 from tweets.com. Had the hitches two days after order was placed.

[gimpsta]

Awesome.

B&W was sold out from etrailer for a few weeks she said. So I picked up all i needed for the 2014 Ram Curt hitch 16k slider.

I want the trailer off their lot asap. Anyhow - in the end with their install fees I assume itll come in around $500 cheaper this way. The dealership at first said they will only install curt and they have to be the one to purchase it. I of coarse didnt want to pay $2k. But I got the manager to agree to install it, but he wont warranty the parts or whatever.

It is like dealing with used car salesmen - slimy...

[2012Coleman]

gimpsta wrote:
Thank you, both of you. I do not know when I would need that level of angle of turn. If Im turning that tight, that almost seems as if I put myself in that position wrongly.

I do not have the puck system. Im also selling the trailer at the end of the summer. But I want safety obviously and ease of use if I keep the hitch. I do not know if I can transfer the hitch to a later truck.

The Ram box does seem short but the dealer believes I do not need a slider.

I just bought the B&W manual slider from ETrailer. It was only a couple hundred bucks more. I also did not have the pucks installed, so I bought the parts from the dealer and had a custom hitch shop install them.

[Cummins12V98]

jerem0621 wrote:
No way I would pay that for a Curt hitch. No way at all.

That’s more inline with what I would expect to pay for a B&W Turnover Ball gooseneck and a B&W Companion fifth wheel hitch. And you would have a much better hitch. (Just look at pics of the jaws between the two hitches...Curt and B&W)

(Yep, Cummins....I’m agreeing with you)

There is nothing wrong with above bed fifth wheel rails. I would go with a B&W 18k Patriot fifth wheel hitch though.

Also, there are tons of options so that you have a flat bed with no rails above the bed.

That’s what I would choose if I were in your shoes. A B&W Turnover Ball under bed gooseneck and a B&W Companion...if money were no issue.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Hey there is usually something to agree on!

[laknox]

Etrailer has the Patriot for $800, free shipping.

Amazon has it for $779, free shipping. This seems to be the best price you're likely to find.

FWIW, the MSRP of the Patriot Slider is $831 USD, according to B&W's web site.

Lyle

[gimpsta]

I checked e trailer.

$1000 for all parts.
$700 everything installed

Thats a $300 savings

[gimpsta]

Nope. Alaskn here temporarily in florida.

Driving a 5th wheel up to alaska