What makes one hitch better than another?

[MarkDeb]

I'm really new to fifth wheel RVs and have been mostly concerned with the RV side of the details

Turning my attention to hitches and with so many choices, I wonder what features make one hitch better than others?

We have a budget? (Reese 15K) sliding hitch and while it looks jane plain I wonder what I'm missing. It seems to function fine but I don't know what I don't know. TBH, I hadn't give it a thought but the DW suggested we needed a better one??? She didn't know why except she read that maybe we do.

Thanks for keeping it simple - not looking for brand or model suggestions - just what design features are necessary and why.

For a 3500 diesel SRW and with GD 337. Mark

[ChadandMel]

If it ain’t broke I wouldn’t fix it.

May want to invest in a pin with an airbag on it instead.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bertschb]

Turning my attention to hitches and with so many choices, I wonder what features make one hitch better than others?

For me, it was all about getting a smooth riding experience in both the cab for my wife and also to reduce the jarring on our 5th wheel and it's contents while rolling down our rough highways. So, air bags are what makes my hitch different than others. I won't say better because I don't want to start a Ford vs. Chevy discussion here.

There are basically three styles of hitches with multiple manufacturers in each category.

1- Traditional (e.g. Reese)
2- Non traditional (e.g. Anderson)
3- Air bag (e.g. Hensley)

First decide which style you prefer then choose a manufacturer from that style. If you're curious what hitches other members are using, check out this poll:
https://www.mygrandrv.com/fo...-currently-use

[steve gravelle]

Also the Trail Air type pinbox does a good job of cushioning the ride on rougher roads.

[steve gravelle]

Did not read Chad and Mel's post before I jumped in.

[D2Reid]

When I started 5th wheeling I thought maybe I would like to get a CDL and do some 5th wheel towing for hire. So I bypassed all of the fancy hitches and went with one that was rated for 24k. It's a big ugly beast, but I don't fret about being over gross weight nor about it failing under hazardous duty. I never pursued the CDL, to busy having fun.

[goducks14]

My thinking on what makes a better 5th hitch is, the size and style of the jaws, base legs and how thick the materials are. How easy the hitch operates. Whats it made of, solid steel or stamped steel.

[Second Chance]

Did not read Chad and Mel's post before I jumped in.

You are forgiven, my son.

[LV Naturist]

We have decided on the B&W Companion non-slider for the GM puck system. My biggest concern was the jaws. After All, the jaws are what actually keeps the trailer connected to the truck. Additionally, I would prefer the tightest tolerances vrs close enough. This video is what helped confirm my choice.

https://youtu.be/FyVGFestb4A

John

[MarkDeb]

Nice. I like the look of that B&W jaw system.

I also like the idea of more machined? components over stamped if the weight didn't increase a lot