What's the word on 5er + GN combo hitches these days?

[TriumphGuy]

Hi folks,
Dabbling with the idea of getting another truck and figured I'd let the hitch I have (Reese Signature 18k slider) go with the current truck. My thoughts:
- I would switch to a long bed and wouldn't need a slider anymore
- Would like to have the option for a GN ball should the need arise to pull a trailer
- Still want to have the fifth wheel hitch option too
- No rails in the bed ("flush fit" needed) for when I need to haul stuff and/or loading a TC in the future
- Easily removable? I use a lift to get my current hitch out of the bed but could always use something easier to get out. I'm sure without the slider I save a good amount of weight.

Last time I looked the B&W was on the short list. Truck might be a 2005-2007 F350 DRW.

http://www.turnoverball.com/products/rvhitch/companion-5th-wheel-hitch

Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

[the_bear_II]

Been using my B&W Companion Hitch since 2008 with a 15,000lb 5th wheel. No indication of any damage to the bed corrugations, just had the hitch out last week.

I am very pleased with the B&W setup. Easy to use, easy to install and remove, floor of the bed is empty when hitch is removed.

[Cummins12V98]

jerem0621 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:
I don't care for it personally, but the Anderson hitch also is available. I have no real reason for not liking it, just doesn't look strong enough I guess.

I agree, also the frame is transferring weight to the top corrugations of the bed. That could cause deflection with a 18K load they are supposed to be rated for.

Personally I would stick with the B&W.

B&W is a fine hitch... American Made just like the Andersen to boot.

B&W does the same thing... It transfers weight to the bed corrugations. The gooseneck receiver doesn't take all of the load on any of these designs. That's why the footprint for these fifth wheel adapters is so large.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

With the B&W newer hitches they provide strips to fill in-between the corrugation so the B&W base transfers the weight to the frame and turnover ball gooseneck hitch below.

The newer beds are even thinner than a few years ago.

[jerem0621]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:
I don't care for it personally, but the Anderson hitch also is available. I have no real reason for not liking it, just doesn't look strong enough I guess.

I agree, also the frame is transferring weight to the top corrugations of the bed. That could cause deflection with a 18K load they are supposed to be rated for.

Personally I would stick with the B&W.

B&W is a fine hitch... American Made just like the Andersen to boot.

B&W does the same thing... It transfers weight to the bed corrugations. The gooseneck receiver doesn't take all of the load on any of these designs. That's why the footprint for these fifth wheel adapters is so large.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Cummins12V98]

fj12ryder wrote:
I don't care for it personally, but the Anderson hitch also is available. I have no real reason for not liking it, just doesn't look strong enough I guess.

I agree, also the frame is transferring weight to the top corrugations of the bed. That could cause deflection with a 18K load they are supposed to be rated for.

Personally I would stick with the B&W.

[jerem0621]

Yes,

There are three other options

1) the Curt X5 fifth wheel rail adaptor. This adaptor unit drops into a curt or B&W gooseneck receiver and then gives you standard rails that can take pretty much any fifth wheel hitch. Here is a Link

2) The Bulldog High Rise gooseneck to fifth wheel adaptor. This is pretty much Cequents Companion knock off. This hitch uses a single jaw instead of double jaws like the companion and its $100 ish cheaper. IMHO I would just run a companion.

Here is a link

3) The Andersen Ultimate Fifth wheel Hitch. This would be where I spent my money.

It adapts to any gooseneck hitch

Costs about $300.00 plus less than a Companion

Here is a Link

Users are reporting excellent things from this hitch. Smooth ride, easy hitching, easy use, and the whole unit only weighs 75 ish lbs. I think the crush test is in the neighborhood of 60,000 lbs before the frame failed on the Andersen.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[TriumphGuy]

fj12ryder wrote:
I don't care for it personally, but the Anderson hitch also is available. I have no real reason for not liking it, just doesn't look strong enough I guess.

That is something new - thank you.

It looks really interesting and simple:

http://www.andersenhitches.com/catalog/ultimate-5th-wheel-connection.aspx

Makes me wonder two things:
- Doesn't looks like there is anything other than the bolt pressure on the kingpin to keep the adapter from rotating.
- As it's not a 5er hitch there isn't the ability to dampen movement like inside the 5er hitch assembly. But I guess that could be addressed with another pin box if necessary

Anyone out there have one in use?

[fj12ryder]

I don't care for it personally, but the Anderson hitch also is available. I have no real reason for not liking it, just doesn't look strong enough I guess.