5th wheel hitch question?

[Jayco-owner1979]

I need to install a hitch on my 2020 Chevrolet 2500hd. The camper dealer told me that my standard bed which is 6 feet 10 inches won’t need a slider hitch and they quoted me 2k to install A Reese including mounting package. I don’t have the prep package in my truck. That seems kinda high for non slider. I am thinking of getting a Quote from Chevrolet dealer for curt non slider. Is it better to have camper dealer do install or truck dealer? Do you guys think the camper dealer is correct that I don’t need a slider?

[TxLoser]

If I t’s a new FW, then he’s correct regarding the slider. 2000 is way high for a Reese install. I got a B&W(better product) installed at an independent shop for under 1000. Keep shopping that end of it.

[Colorado]

Definitely keep looking...better yet do it yourself and save even more money...

[Jayco-owner1979]

yea, that is what i thought. when saleswoman told me that I get 10% off and it would be about 2k for hitch they carried I was picturing a demco auto slider or something. When they showed me a bare bones cheap ass 5th wheel i wasn't happy. I looked it up on etrailer and it was 400 bucks!!!! I am going to get a quote from my local chevrolet dealer on a curt A20. I like the curt products better than the Reese anyway. The curt A20 are between 700 and 1000 from what i have been able to find and my dealer charges 150 an hour. I figure 2 hours for prof install so 1300 or less total is what I am thinking is fair.

[mwheue]

After having Curt and several Reese hitches, I would say that my current B&W companion is a way better product and much quieter/tighter. If you dont want to hear banging every time you stop and start spend a little more for the B&W.

[AKRUEBBE]

Originally Posted by mwheue

After having Curt and several Reese hitches, I would say that my current B&W companion is a way better product and much quieter/tighter. If you dont want to hear banging every time you stop and start spend a little more for the B&W.

B&W Companion for sure..............super heavy but extremely quiet!!

[Nature Ist]

I have a 2019 F-250 shortbed, which is 6'9", I have the B&W companion slider, but I very seldom need to slide it back. My HT 30.5 CKTS turns close to 85 degrees without contact.
I second everyone else who speaks highly of the B&W. I have the factory puck system, but that's not a big factor for the bed length. One thing I like about the B&W is that you can adjust the hitch components to position the king pin centerline at either 1" or 3" forward of the axle centerline. That may be less important if you mount your own hitch rails. I have mine set 3" forward of the rear axle and still have good clearance without using the slide. It helps keep my lowbeam headlights from blinding other drivers. Maybe someone in this Forum that has your truck will chime in for better details. If you do get a sliding hitch, you may find that one time you really need it and it will come in handy. I experienced that once at campground with a very uneven approach. When slid back, it can help avoid contacting the rear bed corners and the underside of the fiver when in a steep site approach.

[RedHorse1]

Another nod to the B&W, ours uses the puck mounts and is very convenient and has proven to be pretty quiet and smooth. I think our short bed is a little shorter than a Bow Tie and I discovered the hard way that I cannot make a full lock U-turn (new back window). I’ve kept the hitch and now use caution when making sharp turns. Our 5th is also a ‘13, newer 5’ers probably have a better shaped front cap.
B&W offers an under-bed puck mount which replicates the factory mounts. Down side is you gotta drill BIG holes in the truck bed to install. Not for the faint of heart.

[Radar57]

Originally Posted by Jayco-owner1979

yea, that is what i thought. when saleswoman told me that I get 10% off and it would be about 2k for hitch they carried I was picturing a demco auto slider or something. When they showed me a bare bones cheap ass 5th wheel i wasn't happy. I looked it up on etrailer and it was 400 bucks!!!! I am going to get a quote from my local chevrolet dealer on a curt A20. I like the curt products better than the Reese anyway. The curt A20 are between 700 and 1000 from what i have been able to find and my dealer charges 150 an hour. I figure 2 hours for prof install so 1300 or less total is what I am thinking is fair.

That's a bit high for a Demco auto slider. I think I paid $1400 for mine. Seems like a lot but it is a heavy hitch.

[TxLoser]

I had the Curt. A) it broke and needed replacing. Could happen with any hitch. B) it clanked around a fair amount anyway. Experienced chucking with it as well. None with the B&W. Just have to remember to close the jaws properly and it works great.

[Lake Huron]

Ouch! Tx, that had to hurt!
To the OP, your camper dealer has 2 strikes in lies against them already. A) 6.5' bed SHOULD have a slider hitch. If you don't get one and change trailers down the road, or have to pull a trailer for a friend, etc, you may need the slider. B) $2k installed for a Reese?!?!?! I hope they at least give you a kiss and some cuddling after.
I've installed 2 B&W sliders for friends and they get the nod from me too. I also have a B&W but its not a slider. Another friend of mine had a B&W slider/Turnover installed by an RV dealer for $2k.

[Mopar_Earl]

B&W are us made. Curt, china. Not sure about other brands. B&W get my vote. Very well built hitches. I'd even say overbuilt.

Install the hitch yourself and save some serious cash.


Earl

[Ringneks]

Originally Posted by Lake Huron

Ouch! Tx, that had to hurt!
To the OP, your camper dealer has 2 strikes in lies against them already. A) 6.5' bed SHOULD have a slider hitch. If you don't get one and change trailers down the road, or have to pull a trailer for a friend, etc, you may need the slider. B) $2k installed for a Reese?!?!?! I hope they at least give you a kiss and some cuddling after.
I've installed 2 B&W sliders for friends and they get the nod from me too. I also have a B&W but its not a slider. Another friend of mine had a B&W slider/Turnover installed by an RV dealer for $2k.

I’m not sure this is a 100% true as gm moved the hitch point in their bed back 4” toward the tail gate and made the bed longer.

[WA5thwheeler]

If I were doing it again I'd pass on the slider, even with the 6'4" bed on our 2014 RAM 2500. B&W for sure; love it but have only used the slider a few times in 6 years with the Eagle 28.5 RLTS. Just always be VERY aware of your cab clearances when parking, and always check 'Is the pin in?' before moving.

[GHen]

2017 Silverado 2500. Installed BW myself, took an afternoon installing the under bed frame.
Love the hitch, it is heavy if you try picking up from the ground, so I don’t do that. Adapt and overcome, built a cart the same height as the bed. Now it’s easy and the cart has wheels to move it around the garage.

[Big1]

Originally Posted by TxLoser

I had the Curt. A) it broke and needed replacing. Could happen with any hitch. B) it clanked around a fair amount anyway. Experienced chucking with it as well. None with the B&W. Just have to remember to close the jaws properly and it works great.

Attachment 65403

Ouch Again! That don't look good.

[AKRUEBBE]

Originally Posted by TxLoser

None with the B&W. Just have to remember to close the jaws properly and it works great.Attachment 65403

I know the jaws are closed properly when I hear that distinctive "clank" and I can just drop the safety pin in the hole.

[TxLoser]

I dropped the pin in, but missed the hole. Now I always give the handle a pull before I drop the jacks putting weight on it. With weight on it, it’ll hold without the pin for a good 35 miles apparently.

[Stingray75]

Agree that the dealer pricing is steep and suspect you might find the same at a Chevy dealer. You might want to check out the local U-Haul shop. The install using new components from eTrailer isn’t difficult for someone with decent tools and a clean floor.

[Cory]

First time fifth wheel purchased. Trying to decide between. B&W companion hitch or Anderson Ultimate 2! And suggestions?