need hitch recommendations for 5th wheel

Redheaded blue tick · 03-09-2018, 08:59 PM

Hi everyone,

We have made the big jump from 34 ft Windjammer TT and have ordered a 41ft 2019 Cedar Creek 37RTH (14000 LBS empty). We are new to the world of 5th wheel towing. Looking for recommendations for the best hitch or ones to stay away from. Our 2017 Dodge 3500 dually has factory 5th wheel and gooseneck prep group option. Appreciate any input you can give.

**ependydad** · 03-10-2018, 01:37 AM

B&W Companion is an excellent hitch. I’ve had mine for the past 6 years. Absolutely love it.

SlfMdeFam · 03-10-2018, 01:52 AM

My business partner has the B&W as well in his Chevy Dually with a similar set up in the bed and he likes it.

saus · 03-10-2018, 08:14 AM

X3 on the B&W.

cstover · 03-10-2018, 08:45 AM

B&W all the way. Great customer service and American Made.

Mikehend · 03-10-2018, 01:14 PM

I've been using the TrailerSaver BD3, by Hensley for several years now and love it!
On the expensive side, but worth every penny as far as I'm concerned.

Much sturdier plate and jaws than you find on the typical Fifth Wheel hitch, and air ride bags incorporated into the hitch.

https://www.hensleymfg.com/product/b...h-wheel-hitch/

Mike

DrLewie · 03-10-2018, 01:22 PM

You didn't say if your TV is long bed or short bed. That makes a big difference in the type of hitch you need.

SlfMdeFam · 03-10-2018, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrLewie

You didn't say if your TV is long bed or short bed. That makes a big difference in the type of hitch you need.

Don’t know if I’ve ever seen a short bed daully unless it’s a MegaCab Ram...

DouglasReid · 03-10-2018, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrLewie

You didn't say if your TV is long bed or short bed. That makes a big difference in the type of hitch you need.

X2. It is impossible to make a BEST hitch recommendation without knowing if you have a LB or SB truck

Mikehend · 03-10-2018, 01:59 PM

Been pulling for over 30 years and I was concerned about the bed length issue when I moved to a short bed pickup (2500HD) pulling my fifth wheel from pulling my Airstream with my van.

While I would generally agree with the bed size affecting hitch recommendations to a certain extent, in reality I've found:

1. Many/most fifth wheels these days make "concessions" on the front cap design to accommodate the short bed trucks with curved front caps,

2. In the 75 or better times I've pulled our fifth wheel, I could count only 2-3 times when having a long bed or slider hitch would have had any benefit to me...and I've cranked her into some pretty tight spots.

A couple personal thoughts...

JP Camper · 03-10-2018, 02:34 PM

Recently saw this one in action. If I need to get a new hitch, this will be the one

mecd · 03-10-2018, 03:58 PM

You state your empty weight, but buy a hitch based on max weight that includes cargo. If you buy one based on the 14,000 lbs., say one that is rated at 15,000, then you will be in trouble once you get your cargo on board regardless of make and type of hitch.

I use a Curt 20 rated to 20,000 in my 3500 RAM DRW LB for my 2015 Cedar Creek that is slightly less weight and one foot shorter than yours. I like the Curt which is now looking after its second fiver. Need to grease 3 nipples periodically, but works like a charm. Certain pin boxes, such as a sidewinder type, cannot be used with the Curt 20 according to the hitch manual.

Happy shopping and happy travels.

dougsavy · 03-10-2018, 04:22 PM

Ditto on Hensley Trailer Saver. I have a Riverstone Legacy which is 19k dry and really appreciated the built in bags when driving on rough roads in OK. It is pricey but jaws are flawless. Loading and unloading is smooth and they will work with you by allowing a credit card charge each month without interest. Also guarantee happiness with 90 day approval. Only caution is if you need truck without hitch on a regular basis it is a heavy beast. I load and unload by hooking it to trailer and lifting or lowering with trailer front jacks. This is recommended method but still a chore lining it to truck when reinstalling.

Murbella7 · 03-10-2018, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redheaded blue tick

Hi everyone,

We have made the big jump from 34 ft Windjammer TT and have ordered a 41ft 2019 Cedar Creek 37RTH (14000 LBS empty). We are new to the world of 5th wheel towing. Looking for recommendations for the best hitch or ones to stay away from. Our 2017 Dodge 3500 dually has factory 5th wheel and gooseneck prep group option. Appreciate any input you can give.

I put a Reese R20 in my Silverado 2500HD Crew cab long box. Great hitch.

CaptnJohn · 03-10-2018, 05:41 PM

B&W Companion for your LB. liked mine in the LB but now have a SB and the B&W Patriot slider is fantastic.

Tall frog · 03-10-2018, 06:38 PM

we have also made the big move up from a 34 foot Rockwood to 2018 Cedar Creek 36ck2 a little over 40 feet that should be finished being built next week, and after a lot of looking and talking to current owners have decided to get the Andersen aluminum ball mount hitch. It will only weigh about 36 lb, Rated at 24,000 lbs GTWR and 4,500 lbs tongue weight and makes hitching at an angle or slope a lot easier.

deadbugdoug · 03-10-2018, 07:20 PM

You have the Puck system in your truck which works great. I bought a Curt 5th wheel that is rated @ 25,000 lb capacity way more then I need but it is great and cheaper in price then the B/W but I believe it is better and it really is great.

Murbella7 · 03-10-2018, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

B&W Companion for your LB. liked mine in the LB but now have a SB and the B&W Patriot slider is fantastic.

You can add a hum V and HIV along with the TV and UV plus an OD TT which is OW and just for added fun, PTSD. But that's probably a bit much, IMHO, OK?

Mikehend · 03-11-2018, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougsavy

Ditto on Hensley Trailer Saver. I have a Riverstone Legacy which is 19k dry and really appreciated the built in bags when driving on rough roads in OK. It is pricey but jaws are flawless. Loading and unloading is smooth and they will work with you by allowing a credit card charge each month without interest. Also guarantee happiness with 90 day approval. Only caution is if you need truck without hitch on a regular basis it is a heavy beast. I load and unload by hooking it to trailer and lifting or lowering with trailer front jacks. This is recommended method but still a chore lining it to truck when reinstalling.

I rigged a block & tackle to the ceiling of my garage, with cables that hook on to 4 bolts I put through extra holes on the side...back the truck in the garage, hook up the cables, pull the pins, raise it a bit while my wife drives the truck out...then lower the hitch down on to a dolly where I can store it anywhere in the garage.

Like my process!

Murbella7 · 03-11-2018, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikehend

I rigged a block & tackle to the ceiling of my garage, with cables that hook on to 4 bolts I put through extra holes on the side...back the truck in the garage, hook up the cables, pull the pins, raise it a bit while my wife drives the truck out...then lower the hitch down on to a dolly where I can store it anywhere in the garage.

Like my process!

Me too, on all items, ratchet hoist, chains, dolly, only I drive the truck, always. I also need a big rubber mallet for coaxing the thing back into its slots when refitting.

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