What makes one hitch better than another?

**BigGuy82** · 07-11-2018, 11:37 AM

It sounds like you need a slider, but my preference was the Reese Elite series. I'm not recommending that from the "mine is better than yours" aspect, but you did ask what design features are necessary. For me, I clearly prefer the "single jaw" design and to my knowledge, only the Reese Elite offers it. This model uses a "forged single, self-latching jaw with increased kingpin-jaw contact design". It met all of my other criteria for design, weight rating, etc., so this was the deciding factor for me.

**ChadandMel** · 07-11-2018, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by BigGuy82

It sounds like you need a slider, but my preference was the Reese Elite series. I'm not recommending that from the "mine is better than yours" aspect, but you did ask what design features are necessary. For me, I clearly prefer the "single jaw" design and to my knowledge, only the Reese Elite offers it. This model uses a "forged single, self-latching jaw with increased kingpin-jaw contact design". It met all of my other criteria for design, weight rating, etc., so this was the deciding factor for me.

Curious as to why the importance of a single jaw? Most big rigs I have seen and driven have dual jaws. My companion slider has dual jaws and I’ve yet to have any issues. Did you have one fail at some point?

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**BigGuy82** · 07-11-2018, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by ChadandMel

Curious as to why the importance of a single jaw? Most big rigs I have seen and driven have dual jaws. My companion slider has dual jaws and I’ve yet to have any issues. Did you have one fail at some point?

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Nothing to be curious about. It sounded like solid engineering to me so I decided to buy it. Never had any problems with dual jaw units either - this just seems like a more elegant solution. Point being it was on my selection criteria list.

**CWSWine** · 07-11-2018, 02:48 PM

I had a low-end dealer provided free Reese that had the slide gate instead of the jaws and it was terrible. Lots of chucking on stops and starts which was accompanied by loud banging. Went to one that had double jaws and took most of the chucking and bangs out of the hitch. I bought the B&W nonslider and was happy with it and I had a short bed one ton. I don't know if B&W better than others but I'm from Kansas and they are made in Kansas and god knows we need the tax money in Kansas.

**BigGuy82** · 07-11-2018, 03:00 PM

What's a "slide gate"?

**LV Naturist** · 07-11-2018, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by BigGuy82

Nothing to be curious about. It sounded like solid engineering to me so I decided to buy it. Never had any problems with dual jaw units either - this just seems like a more elegant solution. Point being it was on my selection criteria list.

I'm also curious as I did seriously consider the Reese Elite with the single jaw. The only thing I couldn't figure out about it is, if I think of that jaw like a hook, I couldn't figure out what contacts the pin where the hook doesn't. (Does that make sense?) To me, that means the jaw is only contacting 180 degrees of a 360 degree pin. Did I miss a feature?

John

**BigGuy82** · 07-11-2018, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by LV Naturist

I'm also curious as I did seriously consider the Reese Elite with the single jaw. The only thing I couldn't figure out about it is, if I think of that jaw like a hook, I couldn't figure out what contacts the pin where the hook doesn't. (Does that make sense?) To me, that means the jaw is only contacting 180 degrees of a 360 degree pin. Did I miss a feature?

John

I see your point but Reese claims that the contact surface area is increased. They specifically state: "forged single, self-latching jaw with increased kingpin-jaw contact design", but not knowing how they accomplish that, I'll take them at their word. It's not a hook - it's a tight tolerance C-shaped jaw that comes in from the side - see the attached picture from the bottom.

Click image for larger version.

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You'll also noticed the curved slot - it does not come straight across - it hooks slightly to the rear when closing. It is a very snug fit because sometimes I need to slightly move the truck to open the hitch - it takes pressure off the pin. I never had to do this with a double jaw design.

**CWSWine** · 07-11-2018, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by BigGuy82

What's a "slide gate"?

Instead of having a wrap around jaw it has a straight bar that slides across the back to hold the pin in place.

**CWSWine** · 07-11-2018, 05:01 PM

Here is the link to the hitch with slide bar. I would never own another one this style and I never used a Reese with a curved jaw so I really can't comment one way or the other.
Pro Series Fifth Wheel Slide Bar Jaw Hitch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUKWESuwAAA

**LV Naturist** · 07-11-2018, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by BigGuy82

I see your point but Reese claims that the contact surface area is increased. They specifically state: "forged single, self-latching jaw with increased kingpin-jaw contact design", but not knowing how they accomplish that, I'll take them at their word. It's not a hook - it's a tight tolerance C-shaped jaw that comes in from the side - see the attached picture from the bottom.

You'll also noticed the curved slot - it does not come straight across - it hooks slightly to the rear when closing. It is a very snug fit because sometimes I need to slightly move the truck to open the hitch - it takes pressure off the pin. I never had to do this with a double jaw design.

Thanks for the picture, that does help explain. And like I said, I seriously considered that hitch. But in the end, I bought a Chevy (if you get my meaning...LOL)

John