A third place recommended Reese 15K Pro series with (can't remember controller name) for $1200.
Air safe hitch does not have dealer/installer in Corpus Christi.
Can any of these items be installed by me? I am pretty handy with tools and at figuring out stuff. (i.e. replace air shocks on Lincoln T/C, replace power window drive motor and rails on several autos)
All comments appreciated. Mainly want to the the best for the bucks and want to keep everything under $2000.
53 Merc said
10:14 AM Apr 19, 2011
waggintails, look at this post http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=91511&p=3&topicID=42390409 sounds like a bargin proce for a great hitch. I'm gonna PM you just to make sure you see the ad.
flyone said
11:40 AM Apr 19, 2011
Jerry---don't know about the rest but I can reccomend the Curt 20k Q5 great hitch,well built, works well looks really good, a couple hundred more than than the 16k E5, but if you ever upgrade you won't have to change out hitches. I know the BW companion mounts in a turn over ball cup, so if you dont already have a turn over ball system you would need to buy and install that. Also I don't think you can get the BW companion in a slider, if your new TV happens to be a short bed. I didn't think I would use the slider, put it on anyway now very glad I did. Lots of options---good luck.
Flyone
Bob said
07:53 PM Apr 19, 2011
Jerry;
I have used the B&W in two different Chevy trucks. One came with the turn over ball so I just added the 5th wheel hitch. The other truck we added the entire unit. With the Chevy you can do it because you don't have any holes to drill. That should be true with the Dodge and Ford but you would have to check.
I like the hitch. It has worked great and they respond if you have a problem. We have a Cameo that weighs about the same as units you have been talking about. Here is the web site: http://www.turnoverball.com/ Good luck with your pick. bob
Luvglass said
09:17 PM Apr 19, 2011
We've been very happy with our Reese Signature hitch. I really think all of them are good and safe, as long as you get one that is rated properly. Good luck, Fred
RickandJanice said
06:53 PM Apr 20, 2011
My personal favorite is the standard Reese 5th wheel hitch. It does have the above bed rails, but that does not bother me. The nice thing about the above bed rails are they are common with so may other types of hitches if you decide to change brands. Reese also make a bracket kit for the rails that is truck specific that makes installation a breeze as opposed to the lower cost universal bracket kit. I have installed a 15K in two different trucks and a 20K in our current F350 Dually. Used the universal bracket the first time and it required some frame drilling that was not easy. The truck specific bracket kit is made to fit existing frame holes and only requires drilling the bed floor which is really easy.
I would recommend a 18 - 20K hitch minimum for the size trailer you are looking at. As for a brake controller, I would highly recommend a Tekonsha Prodigy. These are progressive controllers and are not as sensitive to angle of the mount. We had a Prodigy before buying a truck with an factory integrated controller and I really liked it.
-- Edited by RickandJanice on Wednesday 20th of April 2011 07:03:13 PM
Waggin Tails said
08:04 PM Apr 20, 2011
Thanks to all the comments and suggestions. If all goes as plan we will be bring our fifth wheel home to Corpus before end of April. We are excited about this life change. Interesting enough, the house I bought 8 years ago has a large concrete pad in front. Former owner twice removed parked his travel trailer there. Little did I know then that we too would use the pad for parking our RV.
Terry and Jo said
08:33 AM Apr 21, 2011
I would have to agree with Rick and Janice on this one. Jo and I are on our second Reese. The first one just wasn't rated high enough for our Mobile Suites, so we purchased a new 22K Reese when we bought the F450. Two different sources have both told me that Reese hitches are some of the best.
If you are considering a heavier coach later, buy an appropriate fifth wheel capacity to start with so you don't have to buy again later. Also, while they seem to be rated well, the B & W system are limited to 18,000 lbs. While a friend has one in his truck for a lighter fifth wheel than ours, I just don't care for them as much as I do the Reese.
Of course, that is always one's personal opinions.
By the way, congrats on the truck and fifth wheel.
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Thursday 21st of April 2011 08:34:52 AM
maintguy62 said
06:28 PM Nov 21, 2011
We had the truck and TT and traded for a 5er 7200 pounds with a 1300 lbs hitch weight. We have a 2009 ram 1500 short bed 5.7 Hemi. Tons power. We are looking at a Pullrite Superglide hitch. This seems the best way to go. I've been around RV's all my life, but my first 5er.
Delaine and Lindy said
06:46 PM Nov 21, 2011
I have use the Valley/Huskey 16,000, the B&W turnover ball with the Companion 5th wheel hitch, I highly recommend the B&W system it the best static hitch I have owned, 18,000 5th wheel capacity 30,000 lb Gooseneck capacity. And I for sure would go with the Tekonsha P-3.
Your price limit doesn't the best 5th wheel hitch. That would be the Trailer Saver TS 3. It mounts on standard bed rails, such as Valley/Huskey, or Reese bed rails.. The Trailer Saver will take the stress off the frame of the 5th wheel and will absorb lots of harsh roads... The Trailer will out last the Truck or the 5th wheel.. I don't know about the Dodge but the GM Custom mounts are very easy to install and almost anyone with mechanical ability can install. Good Luck on your choice. Happy Trails....
PD CFK said
06:57 PM Nov 21, 2011
Have to second what was said about the Trailer Saver. Though we are just a year into our travels, it has served us well, and we don't have that chucking problem folks talk about. Congratulations on getting your truck! May you have safe traveling :)
maintguy62 said
05:42 AM Nov 22, 2011
I found that hitch manafacture's don't make hitches that exceed the max towable cap. of the truck. The will not make a mount kit for a 16k hitch for a 1/2 ton truck. I found the PullRite super glide to be the no brainer to take the worry out of hitting the rear of the cab.
Reese makes a sidewinder but the pivot point is moved back to the turret 22 inches back which was said to act like a TT instead of a 5er. We are not full timers so the smaller 5er and the pullrite seemed like a good fit.
Murray said
02:29 PM May 16, 2012
I tow my boat using my Fifth Wheel Hitch most of the time, I always make sure that my Fifth Wheel Hitch and the pin box is the same level as whatever I am towing. I think it is reccomended to give 6 inches gap between the top of the pick-up walls and the underside of the front of the trailer to prevent pitch and roll of the trailer and I don't have any backing problems at all. I tried to find photos of the hitch I am using and I found this http://www.hitchanything.com/Reese-30K-Low-Profile-Fifth-Wheel-Hitch-30054.html , my pals reccomended this and it seems to work for me for my heavier loads.
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 16th of May 2012 09:26:50 PM
Terry and Jo said
04:30 AM May 17, 2012
Murray,
I'd like to point out that the link goes to a fifth wheel hitch that is designed for medium duty trucks with a straight chassis. I doubt that it would work in anyone's pickup. Also, 30K is pretty much a really heavy hitch capacity considering most fifth wheel trailers don't even come close to that weight.
Well, shopping went well today and I bought my truck. Now shopping for a hitch and brake controller.
One dealer recommended B&W Companion plus Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller for $2000.
Another recommended Curt 16K E5 with Reese Pilot Brake Controller for $1600
A third place recommended Reese 15K Pro series with (can't remember controller name) for $1200.
Air safe hitch does not have dealer/installer in Corpus Christi.
Can any of these items be installed by me? I am pretty handy with tools and at figuring out stuff. (i.e. replace air shocks on Lincoln T/C, replace power window drive motor and rails on several autos)
All comments appreciated. Mainly want to the the best for the bucks and want to keep everything under $2000.
Jerry---don't know about the rest but I can reccomend the Curt 20k Q5 great hitch,well built, works well looks really good, a couple hundred more than than the 16k E5, but if you ever upgrade you won't have to change out hitches. I know the BW companion mounts in a turn over ball cup, so if you dont already have a turn over ball system you would need to buy and install that. Also I don't think you can get the BW companion in a slider, if your new TV happens to be a short bed. I didn't think I would use the slider, put it on anyway now very glad I did. Lots of options---good luck.
Flyone
Jerry;
I have used the B&W in two different Chevy trucks. One came with the turn over ball so I just added the 5th wheel hitch. The other truck we added the entire unit. With the Chevy you can do it because you don't have any holes to drill. That should be true with the Dodge and Ford but you would have to check.
I like the hitch. It has worked great and they respond if you have a problem. We have a Cameo that weighs about the same as units you have been talking about. Here is the web site: http://www.turnoverball.com/ Good luck with your pick. bob
Good luck,
Fred
My personal favorite is the standard Reese 5th wheel hitch. It does have the above bed rails, but that does not bother me. The nice thing about the above bed rails are they are common with so may other types of hitches if you decide to change brands. Reese also make a bracket kit for the rails that is truck specific that makes installation a breeze as opposed to the lower cost universal bracket kit. I have installed a 15K in two different trucks and a 20K in our current F350 Dually. Used the universal bracket the first time and it required some frame drilling that was not easy. The truck specific bracket kit is made to fit existing frame holes and only requires drilling the bed floor which is really easy.
I would recommend a 18 - 20K hitch minimum for the size trailer you are looking at. As for a brake controller, I would highly recommend a Tekonsha Prodigy. These are progressive controllers and are not as sensitive to angle of the mount. We had a Prodigy before buying a truck with an factory integrated controller and I really liked it.
-- Edited by RickandJanice on Wednesday 20th of April 2011 07:03:13 PM
Thanks to all the comments and suggestions. If all goes as plan we will be bring our fifth wheel home to Corpus before end of April. We are excited about this life change. Interesting enough, the house I bought 8 years ago has a large concrete pad in front. Former owner twice removed parked his travel trailer there. Little did I know then that we too would use the pad for parking our RV.
I would have to agree with Rick and Janice on this one. Jo and I are on our second Reese. The first one just wasn't rated high enough for our Mobile Suites, so we purchased a new 22K Reese when we bought the F450. Two different sources have both told me that Reese hitches are some of the best.
If you are considering a heavier coach later, buy an appropriate fifth wheel capacity to start with so you don't have to buy again later. Also, while they seem to be rated well, the B & W system are limited to 18,000 lbs. While a friend has one in his truck for a lighter fifth wheel than ours, I just don't care for them as much as I do the Reese.
Of course, that is always one's personal opinions.
By the way, congrats on the truck and fifth wheel.
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Thursday 21st of April 2011 08:34:52 AM
We had the truck and TT and traded for a 5er 7200 pounds with a 1300 lbs hitch weight. We have a 2009 ram 1500 short bed 5.7 Hemi. Tons power. We are looking at a Pullrite Superglide hitch. This seems the best way to go. I've been around RV's all my life, but my first 5er.
Your price limit doesn't the best 5th wheel hitch. That would be the Trailer Saver TS 3. It mounts on standard bed rails, such as Valley/Huskey, or Reese bed rails.. The Trailer Saver will take the stress off the frame of the 5th wheel and will absorb lots of harsh roads... The Trailer will out last the Truck or the 5th wheel.. I don't know about the Dodge but the GM Custom mounts are very easy to install and almost anyone with mechanical ability can install. Good Luck on your choice. Happy Trails....
I found that hitch manafacture's don't make hitches that exceed the max towable cap. of the truck. The will not make a mount kit for a 16k hitch for a 1/2 ton truck. I found the PullRite super glide to be the no brainer to take the worry out of hitting the rear of the cab.
Reese makes a sidewinder but the pivot point is moved back to the turret 22 inches back which was said to act like a TT instead of a 5er. We are not full timers so the smaller 5er and the pullrite seemed like a good fit.
I tow my boat using my Fifth Wheel Hitch most of the time, I always make sure that my Fifth Wheel Hitch and the pin box is the same level as whatever I am towing. I think it is reccomended to give 6 inches gap between the top of the pick-up walls and the underside of the front of the trailer to prevent pitch and roll of the trailer and I don't have any backing problems at all. I tried to find photos of the hitch I am using and I found this http://www.hitchanything.com/Reese-30K-Low-Profile-Fifth-Wheel-Hitch-30054.html , my pals reccomended this and it seems to work for me for my heavier loads.
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 16th of May 2012 09:26:50 PM
Murray,
I'd like to point out that the link goes to a fifth wheel hitch that is designed for medium duty trucks with a straight chassis. I doubt that it would work in anyone's pickup. Also, 30K is pretty much a really heavy hitch capacity considering most fifth wheel trailers don't even come close to that weight.
Terry