How in the world to select a hitch system?

[Orggardn]

New forum member. Hopefully a new 295RL 5th wheel owner. I've "trailered" only - farm and campers. I have never towed a goose neck/fifth wheel unit. I figure I can stumble onto a truck that will work. But the dizzying array of options for hitches, I don't even know where to start..... in bed, below bed, sliders, air ride, and more.....

I'm willing to do the homework to make a selection, but am looking for input where to go to get the education.

Can you direct me toward a website that has a "selecting a fifth wheel hitch for dummies" section?

From what I read, it's a religious war (types, brands, etc.). I'm trying to avoid buying an expensive system just because it's what the camper dealership sells.

Thanks.

[SouthTX]

You're more organized than I am. When I bought my first fiver I didn't know one hitch from another, but I'd heard good things about the Andersen hitch and have not been disappointed. People seem to love 'em or hate 'em, but most of the haters have never tried one. The Andersen website may be a good place to start your research. https://andersenhitches.com/

Good luck and let us know if you have questions we can help with.

Best,

John

[TucsonJim]

I switched from a FW to a TT about 18 months ago. But if I was buying a new lighter weight FW now, I'd go with the Andersen hitch for sure. If I had a very heavy rig (E.G. 15K# GVWR), I'd go with something more substantial.

Jim

[ace85340]

If you get a Dodge with the 5th wheel prep package you are all set to go.
It's the only system I've used but I've had it on my last 3 trucks and I just move the hitch from one truck to another. I haven't even had to adjust it between trucks.
The only choice you have is the weight rating and I just went with the biggest one which is 25k.

[Cate&Rob]

Orggardn - This forum has a pretty good search tool in the upper right corner. There have been a LOT of discussion threads on hitches. Enter some key words like Andersen, slider, Curt, Reese, etc . . . and you will find what more-or-less sums to "selecting a fifth wheel hitch for dummies" .

Rob

[bertschb]

I'd start with trying to choose the type of hitch you want then picking from within those types. There are three basic types of hitches (ignoring the sliding hitch subcategory):

1- Traditional (B&W, Curt, Reese, etc)
2- Airbag (Hensley/Trailersaver, Airsafe, etc)
3- "Quasi-gooseneck" (Andersen, PullRite Superlite, etc)

I spent weeks searching threads across multiple forums and watching YouTube videos to learn as much as I could about the various styles of hitches before I bought mine. There are pros and cons to all hitches and everybody has different priorities. My #1 priority was to isolate as much motion between the 5th wheel and truck as I could. I wanted the smoothest ride possible. I chose an air hitch. But, they cost 2-3 times as much as a traditional hitch. A lot of people place weight as their #1 priority and choose the Andersen style hitch for it's low weight. Traditional hitches are rugged and inexpensive (relatively speaking).

As Rob mentioned, use the search tool and you'll find TONS of posts and even more opinions

[Orggardn]

Thanks, Rob.... putting them into those categories helps. I'm drawn to the airbags. I've now watched several videos on them and really like the way they perform. But...yowser.... they are not cheap. I'll have to work that into the budget.

Must say though, I also like the light weight and small footprint of the goosenecks.

Decisions, decisions.......

[RVRunners]

We have the B&W Companion and its a great hitch. We have the standard Lippert pin box that came on our Reflection and have no issues with ride comfort, chucking, etc. It is also very easy to visually inspect that the jaws are closed completely. Good luck!

[JKellerJr]

Thanks, Rob.... putting them into those categories helps. I'm drawn to the airbags. I've now watched several videos on them and really like the way they perform. But...yowser.... they are not cheap. I'll have to work that into the budget.

Must say though, I also like the light weight and small footprint of the goosenecks.

Decisions, decisions.......

I would add a 4th category, approved full gooseneck i.e. Reese goose box. This is what we went with. Nothing in the bed other than the ball. Total weight about 25lbs more than the standard pin box + the aluminum Andersen (the 20K goosebox). Has an air bag & dual shocks.

I only had it for a short while before it went away for the winter, But so far I can say the ride is significantly better than it was with a standard hitch and rota flex pin box. They are not cheap though

[Cate&Rob]

Thanks, Rob.... putting them into those categories helps. I'm drawn to the airbags. I've now watched several videos on them and really like the way they perform. But...yowser.... they are not cheap. I'll have to work that into the budget.

Must say though, I also like the light weight and small footprint of the goosenecks.

Decisions, decisions.......

Credit for the idea of first putting the various hitches into "categories" actually goes to Brian (good idea BTW).

Arggardn - you don't often see the airbag hitches with the smaller 5th wheels . . . but it is certainly possible. I know that Whittleburner tows a 303 like this and it works well.

One of the first decisions to make is whether you need (or want) a slider hitch. If you do, this will restrict you to conventional style hitches.

Rob