Going to Buy a New Hitch. What's the Best?

[D and M On The Road]

I thought there were a few topics on this but couldn't find anything on a search.

We are looking at a new truck and if we go ahead with the deal, we won't have it until mid-next week as it has to be transported in from another dealer. We want to buy a new hitch to install as soon as we get our hands on the truck. We prefer to not use the hitch we currently have.

The OLD truck is a 2000 Dodge 2500 Diesel, Quad-cab, short-bed.
It's been a great truck but it's time to upgrade and it's going up for sale.

The NEW truck is a new 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4x4.
Diesel, Crew-cab, Short-bed, 6.7liter, 800# torque, 383hp.


QUESTION:
What is the opinion on the best hitch (manufacturer) to pull a 35' Montana?



Thanks. I appreciate the input.

[Art-n-Marge]

If I had a new hitch to get I'd go for a B&W that does not leave rails in the bed, but my priority is to have a flat bed since I use my bed for so many other things (just helped with two moves within the last two weeks) and need an easily removable hitch that leaves a flat bed (no rails). If you wanted more comfort then an air bag style hitch might be what you want and I don't know if there is a no rail style for this.

However, stay tuned for more experienced owners and options.

[Force]

+1 for the B&W companion hitch.
Love the one I just installed in my 2011 Dodge 3500.
Comes apart in 2 pieces so it's easier to lift out .

[WeBeFulltime]

Due to my dislike of my Reese hitch, I purchased and installed a B & W Patriot hitch just last week. It uses the standard rails already mounted on the truck and is the same coupler design as the Companion. This hitch is rated at 16K and is more than I need as our Monty scales at 14.5K. LOVE this hitch! Purchased through Amazon from Tweetys for $338 plus $59 shipping and $0 tax. Shipped same day I ordered and received in two days.

The Patriot also easily breaks down to two parts for ease of removal.

[Champ_49]

Take a look at the new all American made hitch out of Mobile Outfitters. It's appropriately named "The All American Hitch" There is no maintenance to these units and it is similar to an air ride hitch but it rides on what is called air cells. You can change the ride as you like for comfort and stability as they have a total of 5 air cells to put the hitch up to 24K capacity. I can say it's a great piece and is just now in production.

Dave

[DQDick]

Since you're pulling with a short bed Dodge, make sure it's some type of slider. Mine is a Reese with a 20K head (I want extra strength if I have a front end collision). I've only ever used the slider once. With the Monty's front it's normally not necessary, but if the ground is very unlevel and the angle is right it's good to have the slider. Those electric back windows, on your new truck, are very expensive.

[pineranch]

Agree with Dick, short bed trucks and slider hitches. You may never need to use the slide feature but you have it when you need it.
Mike

[dieselguy]

If you don't think an air hitch is in your budget ... I'd look at the Curt Q5. It has the clam shell jaws and a near fool proof latching arm with integrated lock. It does mount on bed rails, but I feel it is a bit improved from a couple of Reeses I've owned.

[maximo]

I have tne B&W Companion hitch and love it. Being on a ranch and using the bed to haul many heavy metal parts and tools I do not want the rails on the floor. I also pull a gooseneck stock trailer and have never needed a slider hitch. I have had the Big Sky in many older RV parks with tight spaces and have also never needed a slider hitch there. The short bed and the B&W hitch are great with the rounded front end of the newer Montana 5ers.

Frank

[maximo]

With the B&W hitch that leaves the bed with no rails in it they have a stem with a ball on it that is pluged into the bed and used to pull livestock trailers and heayduty 5th wheel equipment flatbed trailers. I have seen a part that is bolted the RV 5th wheel hitch and it alows the RV to hook to the ball in the truck bed. I have seen the RV hitch part in Camping World stores and parts books but never on a RV. Has anyone evers seen one on a RV or heard much about that type of hitch? They must not be to good or I am sure you would see them around. In my case it sure would be handy if was any good.

Frank

[BB_TX]

I have the Reese Elite in my long bed. Like the B&W it can be easily separated in two parts and removed leaving the bed flat, no rails.
But as mentioned above, if I had a short bed I would get a slider. A friend knocked out his back window in his short bed when backing into too tight of a turn. But his SOB was not contoured like the Montana. He traded for a Montana later and with the contoured front and more care when backing, he avoided any more broken windows.

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Margee, you probably will need a slider hitch, cause you got a dinosaur Montana, aka, pre the super cut out nose cones that don't hit stuff, like your rear window on that purdy new truck! You my dear are gonna LOVE that truck!

[GreatWhite]

B&W Companion $$$ but fantastic... for all the above reasons... But, not a slider

I got away without using the slider in my P/U.. It was a Reese slider. Never used it.. until... POW.. blew out my pickemup rear window cranking too much on a tight backup

Now I have a LB.. and with the new Montana Mountaineer front end.. I doubt I'd have a problem with a SB.. But....... I like LB's for carrying stuff from the Big Orange Box Store.. Plywood, etc.. and THAT, my friend is why I LOVE the B&W. I just won't get a crew cab next iteration.

[Capt Kidd]

WE have an 18K Super Glide and just love it. It is on a Dodge Mega Cab and we have had it for 5 years. These hitches just work and you don't have to anything except drive.

[CORattler]

Check out my signature and the type of truck and hitch I have.
The Pullrite slider is what I decided to get and NEVER regretted it. Worry free towing when using this combo. A bit pricey but it works flawlessly. Mine has the "hidden rails" that allows me full use of the bed when I need it.

[grayghost03]

The B&W Companion is available in a slider.

[mobil]

We have the B&W Companion. Love it. It's not cheap, but the quality and materials are first rate. For one thing, look at the jaws that capture the pin. The pivoting head. The warranty and reputation. It's a good fit for us. But,you know what you need. Enjoy your new ride. Have fun.

[D and M On The Road]

Thanks for all the input, we really appreciate it.

Now we have to look at it all, do the research on what's been suggested and see what is left in the budget as the truck is sitting in front of our house now. Our local dealership worked faster than we thought.

[moutard2]

The CURT Q20 is affordable and is the easiest and most secure of the 3 I've used. Include it for consideration at least.

[southern thunder]

I have the Curt with a slidder. No problems here.