Favorite Hitch

[JandC]

Sold our DP and will be purchasing a F350 (SRW) and fiver within the next month. We are still full timing so this will go pretty quickly.

Since it has been over 6 years since my last fiver, what are some of the more popular hitches being used now, and why? Appreciate any recommendations.

Joe

[Mikendebbie]

My decision was based on hitch weight and my ability to remove and install myself. Years ago and many RVs ago I had a Reese hitch. My youngest son was still living at home so the two of us wrestled it in and out. I chose the Demco Recon. There may be lighter hitches out there but the day we bought the Monte - this was my best choice from the dealer. I do not have site conditions at my house where a lift would work to get the hitch out...it’s just me.

[AZMont]

I am an autoslide user. My solution for the heavy hitch is to use a Harbour Freight engine hoist to move my Sliderite 2315 (2300 for Ram puck system) in and out of the bed. My hitch weighs in at #280 according to the manufacturer. I also use the Demko adapter to lift it from the king pin jaws. It is pretty easy to slide the hitch a bit so it balances. The engine hoist folds up and I store my hitch on 2x4's in my garage. It is a one person operation. I also start my lift with the gate up, connect, move it back a bit, then open the gate to remove it. I put moving blankets on the gate to prevent any potential scratching.

[LERD]

Originally Posted by AZMont

I am an autoslide user. My solution for the heavy hitch is to use a Harbour Freight engine hoist to move my Sliderite 2315 (2300 for Ram puck system) in and out of the bed. My hitch weighs in at #280 according to the manufacturer. I also use the Demko adapter to lift it from the king pin jaws. It is pretty easy to slide the hitch a bit so it balances. The engine hoist folds up and I store my hitch on 2x4's in my garage. It is a one person operation. I also start my lift with the gate up, connect, move it back a bit, then open the gate to remove it. I put moving blankets on the gate to prevent any potential scratching.

How do you use that hoist? I measured my truck (5.5 ft bed) with the tailgate down. Then checked the specs on the hoist. But I thought the head was out of reach to pull the hitch off the pins. I have the 3100 series for my F150. Do you have to remove your tailgate first? I love the hitch, not the 375 lbs. that goes with it!

[DutchmenSport]

I agree with Mikendebbie, above, that the Demco Recon is a pretty good hitch. I have nothing to compare it with though, since this is the only fifth wheel hitch (and the only fifth wheel trailer) I've ever had or towed with. (I'm a life-long bumper pull trailer tower, until 2 years ago, and I'm now almost 66 years old.)

Anyway, back to the Recon.... Like Mikendebbie above, I let my dealer pick the hitch and they installed it when I purchased the Montana. I had no clue what I wanted, what would work good. All I knew was, I had a very dependable and reliable dealership that I'd done a lot of business with in the past, and I trusted their judgment call. They sized the right hitch with the right trailer with the right truck. I think they also sized the hitch to the right owner too (Me). Knowing my age at the time, and after lengthy discussions how I use my truck for more than just towing a trailer, they made this decision for me. And it was a good decision. I took me some time to finally realize this hitch is really a little gem.

First, it did not cost a fortune.

Second, double pivot. I didn't realize how important that was (but I think most hitches have this feature anyway).

Third, I learned it had a 21,000 pound towing capacity. More than adequate with lots of room to spare for my Montana.

Fourth, the actual size. I installed a flip top bed cover to hide the hitch and to keep it out of the elements when not towing. The bed cover does not interfear with the hitch at all, open or closed.

Fifth, The hitch can separate into 3 sections, simply by pulling a cotter pin and a pin, making each section very easy to handle and remove from the bed of the truck. Even without separating, the total weight is still around 60 or 70 pounds.

Here's a link to their web site that has 2 YouTube videos that shows much more than I can explain. Click here.

I know there are other hitches out there that have air ride suspension on them, shocks, that slide, and a number of other things to make life easier and more comfortable. But for a basic hitch that has a lot to offer, that after more than 2 years of towing thousands and thousands of miles now, it's a pretty decent hitch.

[Dave W]

If you were to do a multi forum 'study', you will find that there are a lot of B&W owners that are 100% satisfied. Mine is 11, going on 12 years old with no problems - ever and rated 20,000 pounds. It is an easy in and out using the Ford puck system though each piece weighs in at about 70 pounds. I have no problem with that weight at my age(75) though others may.

[mlh]

I also have B&W that I’m more than happy with. But everybody is happy with their hitch. If they weren’t they wouldn’t have it. Go compare several see which you think will serve you best ask questions. See the advantages of each. Then make your decision. I’m sure you will come up with the best hitch,, for you.
Lynwood

[dieselguy]

In answer to the OPs question, I have an Anderson hitch. I don't want to get into the previous discussions of if it voids warranties or whatever. I like it, it's very lightweight, and it pulls very well with no chucking. A question for dave. I've recently upgraded to a newer Ford truck with the puck system. Neither my rail mount Anderson, nor my Curt Q20 that I kept back will fit directly into the puck system. Upon research, I'll have to buy an adapter either from Reece or Demco which will set the hitch even higher on an already tall truck. Please expand on your statement that your 11-year-old hitch will easily fit into the Ford Puck system.

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by dieselguy

In answer to the OPs question, I have an Anderson hitch. I don't want to get into the previous discussions of if it voids warranties or whatever. I like it, it's very lightweight, and it pulls very well with no chucking. A question for dave. I've recently upgraded to a newer Ford truck with the puck system. Neither my rail mount Anderson, nor my Curt Q20 that I kept back will fit directly into the puck system. Upon research, I'll have to buy an adapter either from Reece or Demco which will set the hitch even higher on an already tall truck. Please expand on your statement that your 11-year-old hitch will easily fit into the Ford Puck system.

What I know about the adapters, not a height factor with my rail mount Andersen .I have the Reese adapter, there is the Demco, as well as the PullRite . Demo does sit a bit lower ,but not much.

I didn't want to switch hitches back when I purchased my 2014 Ram 3500 with the puck system ,so I went with the adapter ,and since went with the rail mount Andersen. cheaper alternative at the time . I wouldn't do anything different today if I had a rail mount hitch , or if I went with a new truck.

I'm thinking what Dave is talking about is a B&W connected with the gooseneck ball, may be mistaken ,but if its that old it certainly isn't a four point hitch attachment. , and definitely not the puck style .

To answer the OP ,the Andersen is certainly worth a look .

[Dave W]

Originally Posted by PSFORD99

I'm thinking what Dave is talking about is a B&W connected with the gooseneck ball, may be mistaken ,but if its that old it certainly isn't a four point hitch attachment. , and definitely not the puck style .

To answer the OP ,the Andersen is certainly worth a look .

The head unit is 11+ years old, the base is 6. It originally started out as a turn over style with the last truck, converted with a new base to the puck style

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by Dave W

The head unit is 11+ years old, the base is 6. It originally started out as a turn over style with the last truck, converted with a new base to the puck style

That makes a little more sense ,considering your first post was a bit confusing considering there was not such a thing from B&W when you first purchased it .

[dallasrules]

I second the Anderson ultimate hitch. I have been through 6 5th wheels with the same hitch. Ran into an issue with the adapter last year and Anderson overnighter me a new part for free. Only weighs about 30 lbs. As a woman, even a 70 or 80 lb hitch would be too big for me to wrestle around.

[Rider]

We're new to this. Bought an '03 3255RLLL last month. It's parked in KY 'til our '02 Dodge 3500 has upgraded brakes and a hitch. We'd like to follow your experiences, issues, resolutions, and get a woman's perspective. My health is deteriorating, debilitating. Wife does increasingly more.

[kowbra]

Originally Posted by Rider

We're new to this. Bought an '03 3255RLLL last month. It's parked in KY 'til our '02 Dodge 3500 has upgraded brakes and a hitch. We'd like to follow your experiences, issues, resolutions, and get a woman's perspective. My health is deteriorating, debilitating. Wife does increasingly more.

Welcome to the forum, and sorry to hear that your health is deteriorating.
If you are ok leaving the hitch in your bed, then a traditional 5th wheel hitch will be fine. But, if you are thinking that you may want to use your bed for hauling at times, then I would recommend the setup we now have.
It's the Reese Goosebox, and instead of being a hitch, it replaces the pinbox on the trailer. Then all you have in the box is a gooseneck ball that can easily be removed if needed - no hitch at all in the bed!
We really like how well it works; it has air suspension and shocks built in, so it really smooths out the ride. The downside is that it is trickier to connect truck to trailer, as you need to position the pinbox right over top of the ball.

Here is a link . But note you will need to chat with someone to make sure you get the right part number that fits the pinbox of your year and model of your trailer.

Hope that helps!
Brad

[dallasrules]

You can search this forum for all of the discussions on this hitch, but I love it. Here is why.
It attaches to either a ball in your bed, or rails. I have a flip ball, so my bed is flat when not using the hitch.
It only weights 30 lbs and installs in minutes.
You don't have to change out your pinion. You use an adapter which installs in minutes.
Height adjustments are as simple as pulling a pin and moving the ball up or down.
You don't feel as much of the trailers movement because it rides on the ball as opposed to being locked into a conventional 5th wheel hitch that is locked solid to your truck.
I think hitching and unhitching are easier. Back under ball, lower trailer onto ball, lock the mechanism.
Andersons customer service has always been beyond excellent.

I have pull 7 different 5th wheels with the same hitch. From 28 to 37'. Never had a problem.

[Carl n Susan]

Another happy B&W with the Ford puck system user here.

[Brian S]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

Another happy B&W with the Ford puck system user here.

Same here! Especially since I can easily lift the two pieces out when not in use. That’s important to me.

[jeffba]

B&W here with pucks. However, the Gen2 goosebox may be the preferred one for me.

[432bartman]

I am using the Anderson and really like it. I have it hooked to a Curt gooseneck setup. At less than 40lbs. and having two lower discs fused in my back, the weight is something i can manage pulling in and out of the truck.

[20montana20]

Originally Posted by 432bartman

I am using the Anderson and really like it. I have it hooked to a Curt gooseneck setup. At less than 40lbs. and having two lower discs fused in my back, the weight is something i can manage pulling in and out of the truck.

I also have that Anderson hitch and love it.. Very lightweight and easy to take in and out.