5th Wheel Hitch

rb2boxer · 08-10-2018, 06:54 PM

I am looking to upgrade my truck for a future 5th wheel. I currently have a Silverado 2500HD gas and looking to go to 3500 Diesel. I am considering a Dually but would prefer a swr. On the swr I would get a short bed because i need the crew cab and really like the looks. I started reading about hitches for short beds and my head started to spin. The slider ones seem like the way to go. Recommendations?

robkelly · 08-11-2018, 04:44 AM

I just upgraded from a Reese Pro Series to a B&W Companion and couldn't be happier. It was expensive, but IMHO absolutely worth every penny. B&W customer service was also fantastic - parts were missing when the hitch arrived as the box had been damaged during shipping. Called B&W and they overnighted the missing parts no questions asked.

When we had our Eagle and 2500 w/short bed I had a manual slider but found that I didn't need it, but kept it for peace of mind - I think I used it once just to be sure I understood how it worked.

B5 GTX · 08-11-2018, 05:59 AM

We have a Pullrite auto slider on our short bed, it works great. Never any worries or concerns, not worth the risk of not having one

DonaandDon · 08-11-2018, 09:05 AM

My cousin bought a 2 year newer truck than mine. Yea, the hitch and tailgate are different for his new one. However I did get a good deal for his accessories.....

RedHorse1 · 08-11-2018, 09:32 AM

We have a B&W Companion that mounts to the factory pucks. It’s a non-slider. I discovered that I could use a sliding hitch when I broke the rear window making a full lock U-turn. Still have the hitch, still a non-slider. I have no trouble making “normal” turns and use extreme caution making tight turns. I wanted the crew cab and wanted a short bed and SRW for drivability.
If you don’t get a slider check your clearances carefully before hitting the road.
“A man’s gotta know his limitations.”

jjsav · 08-11-2018, 11:05 AM

I have the Andersen Ultimate hitch with my short bed 2500 GMC with my 355 MBQS and I can turn 90 degrees without hitting. Hitch weighs less than 40 lbs, I was skeptical when I first got it. It has been great. I would highly recommend it.

good luck

rb2boxer · 08-11-2018, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjsav

I have the Andersen Ultimate hitch with my short bed 2500 GMC with my 355 MBQS and I can turn 90 degrees without hitting. Hitch weighs less than 40 lbs, I was skeptical when I first got it. It has been great. I would highly recommend it.

good luck

I just watched a video on this. It’s really seems quite amazing. Glad to hear a real life story. Do you have the original or the newer version. They both seem equally as good, just one is a little lighter.

Thanks for the info.

DesertRam · 08-14-2018, 10:57 PM

I too use an Andersen - the older all steel model. It's installed in a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 QC SB. I have a headache rack with a Hi-Lift jack mounted horizontally, so I can't quite get 90 degrees on mine. I think I probably could without that. I have no complaints with the Andersen and think they're worth a look.

vcbice · 08-28-2018, 07:12 AM

Have not used an Anderson but have had reg bed crew cabs towing fifth wheels without using a slider. All trailers are not equal. The older ones had front caps that would hit the truck 'sooner'. The Jaydo HT has the sides cut back a bit more so I can get about 70deg on flat ground.

Beware...when not on level ground you can hit things sooner. I've never had an incident, but, I watch the trailer and truck bed carefully when making tight turns. And, yes, the problem for me is mostly when going forward, like a tight parking lot or gas station.

PlayersZ28 · 08-28-2018, 09:12 AM

I switched from an '11 F350 CC LB DRW to a '17 Chev 3500HD CC SB SRW last fall and hauled with it for 4 months over the winter. I installed the Reese underbed kit and kept the Reese Elite 25k to use. No slider. I'm just careful turning but it's only an issue with tight parking spots. No issues even with the tightest ones last winter. Some will say get a slider so you don't have to worry. I just watch what I'm doing and I don't have to worry either.

I never put my trailer on a sharp angle anyway, don't like the way the wheels look when doing it.

artoo93 · 08-28-2018, 05:31 PM

There are many options out there but the other big piece you have to consider is what fiver you want to move up to. The hitch is only part of that equation.

Tuckerbug · 08-29-2018, 07:41 PM

We are looking very serious at the 2019 DLQS. I see you have the exact setup.
I am a little concerned about the pin weight on my 2016 F250. 4x4, 6.7 diesel, crew cab, short bed, OEM puck hitch. I have air bags and on board compressor. Will a non slider be ok if I don't try to 90 the rig?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonaandDon

My cousin bought a 2 year newer truck than mine. Yea, the hitch and tailgate are different for his new one. However I did get a good deal for his accessories.....

RedHorse1 · 08-30-2018, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuckerbug

We are looking very serious at the 2019 DLQS. I see you have the exact setup.
I am a little concerned about the pin weight on my 2016 F250. 4x4, 6.7 diesel, crew cab, short bed, OEM puck hitch. I have air bags and on board compressor. Will a non slider be ok if I don't try to 90 the rig?

Hit the CAT Scale with a full tank and people you will travel with. Subtract the drive axle weight from the Rear GAWR (found on your truck’s weight sticker). This is a rough estimate of the (max pin weight+hitch weight+gear in the bed).

Multiply the 5th GVWR (found on its weight sticker) by 0.25. This will be an estimate of your “worst case” pin weight.

Pulling some #’s out of “the air”, let’s say:

TV Rear GAWR = 5000#
TV drive axle = 2800#

“Stuff” you can load into bed > 5000-2800=2200#

5th GVWR = 8500#
Worst case pin wt > 8500 * 0.25=2125#

Hitch=100#
Other stuff=200#

Weight you are potentially adding to the truck = 2125+100+200=2425#

In this case the rear axle would be overloaded by 225#. With careful loading you would probably be just under the rear max weight and it’d be an OK match.

Keep in mind these #’s are not “real world”, just my examples.

BJR · 08-30-2018, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

Hit the CAT Scale with a full tank and people you will travel with. Subtract the drive axle weight from the Rear GAWR (found on your truck’s weight sticker). This is a rough estimate of the (max pin weight+hitch weight+gear in the bed).

Multiply the 5th GVWR (found on its weight sticker) by 0.25. This will be an estimate of your “worst case” pin weight.

Pulling some #’s out of “the air”, let’s say:

TV Rear GAWR = 5000#
TV drive axle = 2800#

“Stuff” you can load into bed > 5000-2800=2200#

5th GVWR = 8500#
Worst case pin wt > 8500 * 0.25=2125#

Hitch=100#
Other stuff=200#

Weight you are potentially adding to the truck = 2125+100+200=2425#

In this case the rear axle would be overloaded by 225#. With careful loading you would probably be just under the rear max weight and it’d be an OK match.

Keep in mind these #’s are not “real world”, just my examples.

I'm new to the 5th wheel game, but isn't the convention 20 percent for pin weight? That would put his pin at 1,700 lb and he would be under the limit in your example.

Regardless, that's too close for comfort to me and I'd weigh the truck loaded up with gear to be sure.

RedHorse1 · 08-30-2018, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BJR

I'm new to the 5th wheel game, but isn't the convention 20 percent for pin weight? That would put his pin at 1,700 lb and he would be under the limit in your example.

Regardless, that's too close for comfort to me and I'd weigh the truck loaded up with gear to be sure.

My understanding is 25% is the upper range for pin wt, min is 15% IIRC.
But like you point out, even at 20% it’s close.

All the analysis aside, I met a guy towing a 16k toy hauler with an F150. “Air bags to level it out, tows great”.

PlayersZ28 · 08-30-2018, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BJR

I'm new to the 5th wheel game, but isn't the convention 20 percent for pin weight? That would put his pin at 1,700 lb and he would be under the limit in your example.

Regardless, that's too close for comfort to me and I'd weigh the truck loaded up with gear to be sure.

Mine is 20-22% depending on how much clothing my wife throws in the front closet that sits right on the pin.

DonaandDon · 10-19-2018, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuckerbug

We are looking very serious at the 2019 DLQS. I see you have the exact setup.
I am a little concerned about the pin weight on my 2016 F250. 4x4, 6.7 diesel, crew cab, short bed, OEM puck hitch. I have air bags and on board compressor. Will a non slider be ok if I don't try to 90 the rig?

I have no problems with backing in or out right pulling. I do however have Timbrens with extra leaf springs. I took mine to QC Spring and told them I would be max towing and "Noah" set it up perfect. Level towing. I do not like airbags, as I have had a very bad experience with total loss of air. Everyone has their opinion and mine is. I back up my hard-drive on my computer because it not a matter of if it will fail but when. Murphy's Law - At the worst possible time.

twin88cam · 01-02-2019, 08:26 AM

Just found this article, are you guys with Andersen hitches and SB trucks pulling 5ers 96 , or 102 wide. I have a Ram 2500 CC SB with an Andersen and can't get anywhere near 90 degrees without hitting. Might try lengthening the pin box as long as I don't get into the side of the bed with it.

poohbear · 01-05-2019, 07:11 PM

I use the Andersen but have a real truck, 8 ft bed . If I was to ever go to the short bed would look real serious at a regular hitch with one of those Revolution pin boxes that rotates at the mounting area & not the kingpin. I believe these move the swivel point back 22 inches. A friend just bought a grand design with this & uses 1/2t Ford crew shortbox & could make a turn greater than 90 with clearance. It's a little harder to hitch as you have to be really close to straight on.

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