We've bought a fifth wheeler and are now searching for a used truck to pull it with. Some of the trucks that I've seen online are already set up for towing. Thanks to some good posts in this forum, I've a good understanding of the weight considerations.

How about hitches though - are they all pretty much the same for a given weight rating? Are there brands / types to be avoided?

Also, do I need a particular truck bed length to properly tow a 37' fifth wheel?

Thanks,
Bob

Bob, Hitches are almost as confusing as truck weights. The hitch I see referred to most often is called a TrailerSaver http://www.trailersaver.com/ Next or equally referred to is the PullRite and SuperGlide All manufacturers have hitches designed for different weight ratings. Another consideration is a sliding hitch so you can use a short bed truck for better manueverability when parking. Here's another URL for pricing and hitch selection. http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/5th-wheel-rv-hitches-tow-bars-dollys.htm?source=google&gclid=CLymzqbdhZsCFURM5QodHVEqqg This is what I have, it was already installed in the truck. I'm happy with it and like the ease of removal from the bed. I would have gone with a trailersaver or other air ride hitch. http://www.turnoverball.com/rv.asp#

Hi Bob, Unless you have an 8 foot bed, you need a slider hitch to avoid the trailer hitting the truck roof on tight turns. Most people opt for the long bed truck. And the extra length makes for additional storage space. The hitch rating should be higher than the GVWR of your trailer, but past that they are all pretty much the same technically, except for the air hitches which are considerably more expensive. Fred

For a 37' 5er I would be looking for an air ride hitch. Yes, it will cost more. But it will be worth it. I also would not look at a short-bed truck unless I had a REQUIREMENT for it, for other reasons. The longer wheelbase is far more stable. In fact, with a 37' 5er I would likely be using a dually. You do not state weights or other considerations....or if this is for fulltime or vacation....all issues that factor in.

Thanks for the replies.

We will be fulltiming in our fifth wheel. We think that we will be moving ~ 12 times per year(?). I forgot to mention that the Cameo we bought is equipped with the Mor/Ryde pin box. The pin weight is 2439 lbs. (estimate) with full liquids. For that weight, I'll need a dually (maybe that answers the bed question). The GVWR of the Cameo is 15000 lbs. I think that I need a Ford F350 dually minimum. My budget puts me in the 2004 to 2006 range. I'm looking for one with the 26000 lb. tow boss package.

We appreciate your advice.
Bob

We have a 34 foot fiver and I'm going to go against the advice your getting.

Yes you want something to take the chucking out of the drive, but an air ride hitch is only one possible solution.

We have a plain jane Husky hitch (can't get much cheaper or easier to work with) the Reese is also good.  We had that and a standard pin box and it was fine not great we swapped out to the Demco Glide ride and got rid of the chucking issue easy as pie.

So the real question before you get to the hitch is what is the pin box?  If it's one of the fancier pin boxes a plain hitch is good.  If it's a plain pin box then maybe you want a fancier hitch.

Assuming though a long bed truck (no need for a slider) you may find a Husky or Reese hitch with the Demco or Morryde pin box to be a cheaper combo.

Just another way to come at the question.

Mallo

We just upgraded to a 2006 Freightliner M2 and we ordered a Trailer Saver TSLB2H for the 5th wheel and we also go the Gooseneck hitch option so we can pull the Gooseneck also. We needed more hitch capacity and will have 32,000 gross towing weight and 7,500 lb pin weight. We have had a Trailer Saver TS 3 before and it was great. GBY....