Hitch Recommendation Needed

newleaf · 07-06-2011, 09:39 AM

We have an Eagle 351 RLTS on order that we will be hitching to a Ford F250. Trying to decide between a 16K and 20K towing capacity hitch. Suggestions or experiences that might be helpful are appreciated.

Double Eagle · 07-06-2011, 10:41 AM

based on the specs for that unit you could use a 16K hitch, but you will be close to your limits if you load the trailer to its max gross weight. You could use the 16K hitch.

3'senough · 07-06-2011, 10:45 AM

I went with the reese signture hitch 20K due to it having over sized head and claw grab as opposed to the 16K style of two plates going around the pin. I do not have any play in the hitch once hooked up.

Downside is the weight, it is heavy due to all the cast iron. It will fit Reese universal rails.

Upside is the comfort from no play and a flag notifying you once the pin is set in place.

Ordered from Hitches to go and installed on existing universal rails.

Just my experience and 2 cents as I am sure we each of us will have a favorite.

**norty1** · 07-06-2011, 12:09 PM

I have the same rig and just used my existing 16K hitch and BlueOx bed saver, mated with the MorRyde pin box. It pull like a dream.

Shorty Cox · 07-08-2011, 06:27 AM

Guys, forgive me, I know I'm going to show my dumpness (because I am). I currently have a Jayco TT. Kitty and I are looking close at purchasing a Jayco Eagle 31.5 FBHS, thus I will have to get a 5th wheel hitch. I've looked at other 5th wheel owner's tow vehicles. They have a hitch bolted in the bed. (in the way for all other use of the pickup) So, now for my question. Is there a 5th wheel hitch that is like those for "gooseneck" trailers that hides in the floor of the pickup bed when not in use?

Shorty

**norty1** · 07-08-2011, 06:53 AM

Most fifth wheel hitches are attached to two flat bars that are mounted flat in the bed and the hitch is attached with 4 pull pins that allow easy removal of the whole hitch when it is not needed.

Double Eagle · 07-08-2011, 08:18 AM

I know of no fifth wheel hitch that you can fold and hide, but like norty stated you have two rails mounted to the bed of teh truck and the hitch pins to these rails with four pins and you can remove the whole hitch by pulling the four pins. I pull my Eagle Super Lite f'ver with a Reese 15K hitch; I do not think Reese makes the 15K anymore I believe it was replaced with the 16K.

av8arkie · 07-08-2011, 10:28 AM

I have a Curt Q5 20K. Highly recomend it!

3'senough · 07-08-2011, 01:41 PM

Shorty, there is such a hitch and it's made by hidden hitch. See below for the specs. The problem with this is that you need to buy an adapter in order to hitch to your kingpin. Personally I think there could be a great deal of stress between the two points just based on the way they are attached. It could spell a recipie for disaster and could be the weakest point in your setup. If it fails upon an impact that camper is coming through your cab. Probally the reason not many of us use them. Like mentioned above the rails are permanent and the hitches come out with the removal of four pins. Sure you have about an inch of bar you need to clear but you hardly notice them. Also when you get your new setup go with the new custom kits for your vehicle. Better attachments underneath. I may upgrade my old 5 year old mounts next year due to some rusting occuring.

FOLD DOWN GOOSENECK HITCH
GOOSENECK FOLDING BALL HITCHES come with a 2 5/16" Chrome Ball,
Hardware Kit, Mounting Template and Installation Instructions.
It has a locking collar that secures the ball from moving due to vibration
etc. When not in use, lift the locking collar and retract the ball.
25,000 lbs. GROSS TOWING WEIGHT, 6,250 lbs. MAX. VERTICAL LOAD
12.5W x 14L

cutrell01 · 07-08-2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newleaf

We have an Eagle 351 RLTS on order that we will be hitching to a Ford F250. Trying to decide between a 16K and 20K towing capacity hitch. Suggestions or experiences that might be helpful are appreciated.

I pull a 35 foot Travel Supreme 5th wheel (12,000 lbs empty) with a Reese 16K and have a 5th Airbourne extended pin on the RV which has an air bag and a shock absorber inside. Eliminates a lot of the bouncing and chucking when pulling. I also have Firestone air bags on my F250 Super Duty Diesel.

rvrev2 · 07-09-2011, 09:02 PM

I have a B&W Turnover Ball hitch in the bed of my truck. I also bought the B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch. It is rated at 18,000 lbs. The gooseneck ball hitch can turnover so that the truck bed is completely clear. You can also take out the gooseneck ball hitch, and install the Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch into the same location. Best of all worlds: clean bed, gooseneck ball, or fifth wheel hitch. See www.turnoverball.com for more details.

Shorty Cox · 07-12-2011, 06:16 AM

Thanks to this thread, I've been looking at other RVers hitches. Saw on last weekend I like. It is a Hensley Trailer Saver TS3. Removes with 4 pins leaving two rails in the bed. I think I could live with that. What I liked about the hitch is it oscillates both directions, plus it closes on the king pin like a 18wheeler. Anyone had any experience with it?

Shorty

newleaf · 07-13-2011, 02:10 PM

Thank you all. We are the OP and we have bought a Curt Q20. Now all we need is the RV!

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