FIFTH WHEEL HITCH RECOMMENDATIONS

trpshoot · January 20, 2017

Have a 2016, SWR 3500 and currently bumper pull an 11,000 # beast. I have no experience with fifth wheels other than everyone I speak with telling me how much easier it is to pull a fifth wheel. We are looking at a new fifth wheel camper with a pin weight of just shy 1800 #.

I understand that i am going to have to lose my beautiful, black, weather guard tool box that hangs over the rails, which really sucks, I just bought that back in August 2016. So since I do not have a long bed, I am reading that I need a sliding fifth wheel hitch to keep from buckling my pillars and busting out my rear window.

So what do you guys like when it comes to sliding hitches? I am interested in the automatic sliding hitches as I am afraid that I will be the guy who will forget to get out of the truck and release the handle.

However, I really like my truck bed and am intrigued with the BW turn ball deal with the Companion sliding hitch.

Options and recommendations welcome.

sdeeter19555 · January 21, 2017

I have a Curt sliding 5th...it served me well. If you want a gooseneck ball, you can get the plate that mounts to the 5th wheel rails...

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snarkee · January 21, 2017

I use a non sliding husky .....16 2500hd short box

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SouthpawHD · January 21, 2017

Check out Rv.net in their tow vehicle and towing sections. Lots of guys use Anderson hitches.

trpshoot · January 24, 2017

Well, if I don't need a sliding in a short box, then the Anderson is very intriguing. That sucker is light!!!

sugarjohnson · January 27, 2017

B&W is best bang for the buck imo. Well built American made and solid. I use it with non sliding companion and would literally have to try in order to hit the cab. Newer 5th wheels have extended pin boxes and cut caps which help. Only downside is it is a heavy unit.

rcmike · March 2, 2017

I have the b&w turnover ball and the 5th wheel companion in the bed of my truck and use the companion every other day and trips on the week ends. If you go the b&w way, you will be happy with the set up.i use to pull a winnebago travel trailer toy hauler bumper pull and now pull a 42 foot 5th wheel TH, in my opinion , there both a bear to pull and maneuver. I do think that the 5th wheel is better for the truck in pulling but it's pros and cons for both.

Sledge8 · March 2, 2017

I have had the same Reese 16K manual slider hitch for 12 years and moved it to the new truck. It has served me well. In all honesty I have used the slider maybe 3 times in 12 years. You really have to be Jacking the trailer in a tight spot to need it. On the new truck the rails are mounted a few inches farther into the bed and I thought I was going to have problems as the trailer is closer to the truck by the same amount but no, All still works great with no clearance issues. I take mine out of the truck in the winter months when not towing and it is heavy.. Maybe 100+ pounds.