Recommendations on a new hitch

[MJohnston]

I have a 2018 Montana 3120RL that I pull with my F250. I plan to upgrade to a 2026 F350 crew cab with an 6 foot bed and will need a new hitch. In the F250, I have a:

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider​

This hitch is attached directly to the frame of the F250. I am debating if I should go with a simpler setup for the F350 since I never use the slide feature of the old hitch. It’s also very heavy and I need to use a ceiling mounted wench to remove it.
I’m looking for suggestions on a new hitch that will get the job done and be simpler to remove.

Thank you for thoughts!
Michael

 

[Grandma and pappy]

In my opinion, the simplest solution would be to use a gooseneck and turnover ball. That way all you have to do is pull the pin and turn the ball over.

 

[Theunz]

I love my Andersen ultimate hitch which uses a turnover ball. Only weighs about 45lbs and leaves a flat bed when removed. These hitches seem to be very controversial however with a few (very few) failures. I think Pullrite makes something similar as well. I’m going to go out on a limb though and say that I bet for every one Andersen failure there has been a thousand conventional hitches that have enabled a dropped trailer due to operator error.

 

[DutchmenSport]

I've been using the Demco Recon fifth wheel hitch ever since we purchased our fifth wheel new. I've never had a problem or any issues with this hitch. It weighs a total of about 100 pounds, and comes apart in 3 sections (I usually take it apart in 2 only) to remove completely from the bed of the truck, making the heaviest piece about 33 pounds or so. I have the simple standard Demco fifth wheel hitch, and it's served me since new. Disclaimer: That's my experience, others may have different opinions and experiences, but I've never read anything negative about the Demco products..

 

[Mikendebbie]

I also use Demco Recon with no issues. I can handle it myself when I break it down. Much better than my previous old school Reese hitch that was also used to anchor a battleship. I had to get my son to help get it out of the truck bed.

 

[LeftOverParts]

Another Demco Recon here. Really like how the jaw closes and locks, and ease of removal/installation though our frame (the pyramid) weighs about 50 lbs.

F350 LB. Ours is mounted on the 4 factory pucks. Demco makes a model where the frame connects to a goose ball but I saw a review that they can move a little (edit: spin) so avoided it. It might be fine - maybe others here have one and can add their experience.

 

[Mark77]

Be sure to do your research whichever way you decide to go. My older Montana I tried a GenY on the promise I could avoid the cornering problem with the 6'4" box because of the 4" offset ball deal. It did not work. I did not gain enough clearance to justify the cost and GenY took it back and refunded my money.

I ended up with a puck mounted Pull-Rite Super Slide hitch. This was after many years with a Reese manual slide hitch. I wanted the piece of mind of not worrying about cab clearance issues and now I don't have a wife sitting in the passenger seat yelling at me every time I make a tight corner! ... Hey, I've only punched out 1 back window and she was not even with me that day!

It is heavy and takes up a lot of room in the box, and that part stinks but it is worth it to me. Wish I had an 8' box back like I had a couple of trucks ago, but they are pretty rare in the Ram heavy duty truck world unless you order one new.

 

[MGVenne]

I have the Gen-Y and an Anderson hitch on our 6.5’ bed without any problems.

 

[Mark77]

I have the Gen-Y and an Anderson hitch on our 6.5’ bed without any problems.

Yup… That’s why I suggested to do your research. I suspect the hitch didn’t work for me because of my RV, not my Ram.

GenY told me it would work, and it did not. Guessing they are not very familiar with 20 year old Montana’s.

 

[GreG L.]

Been using an Anderson for 5 years. In late 2024 we were cur off on a freeway at 60 mph and had to do an extreme panic stop, end result was the frame broke and aluminum structure also failed. Took more than a year to sort it all out and get it fixed by Lippert. Anderson instantly replaced the hitch no questions asked other than to take a picture of the old hitch cut to make it was unusable.

 

[Kfinnert]

I am a fan of the Demco auto-sliding hitch. I really like the convenience of the auto-slide; l I have turned my truck close to 110 degrees when backing without the front of the 5er coming into contact with the back of the truck's cab!

Regarding ease of removal. My experiences are similar to DutchmanSport regarding the removal of the hitch from the bed of the truck; it is easy when broken down into three parts. In addition, I purchased a lifting hook to pull the hitch, intact, from the bed of my truck using an engine hoist or front loader when I am not up to dismantling the hitch. Info on lifting hitch at the link below.

Final thought, I am going to put in a hoist in the garage to snatch the hitch from the bed using the lifting hook; I just have not gotten around to installing it!

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Demco/DM6100.html?feed=npn&utm_id=268248369&msclkid=eb94c204411a1c4a423aab8e1f51a2fd&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing%20%7C%20Shop%20-%20Accessories%20and%20Parts&utm_term=4576923315098210&utm_content=Bracket%20System%20-%20Zombie

 

[tjerram]

Pullrite autoslide. would not consider anything else. I had a manual slide, and when you need it most, you are too lazy or overconfident to get out and slide it.

 

[20TwoAdv]

We started out with the Anderson hitch in ‘24. It seemed very capable but we were looking for a better pull experience for smoothness. Installed a 20k Reese Goosebox several months ago. Still using the same b&w turnover gooseneck ball. The Gooseneck is great! So glad we made the change. Much less chuck and bounce. Hear good things about the Gen Y too. Choose Reese because Montana gives it a thumbs up for warranty.

 

[twindman]

Pullrite autoslide. would not consider anything else. I had a manual slide, and when you need it most, you are too lazy or overconfident to get out and slide it.

I agree. Plus they have wonderful service. Had new Pullrite installed and soon headed to the Goshen Rally. Didn't seem quite right (don't remember details) so I went a little out of the way and stopped at the headquarters. They looked at it and said the installer put in the wrong hitch plate!!! They had it for over an hour and installed a new correct one for FREE!!! While waiting I met the original owner and he was very happy to sit and discuss how he started it, etc. Nice old man.