GM 5th wheel prep

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Lvn2tvl

Ok so a little more information may help.

I have been using the Anderson Ultimate 2 for over 4 years. I used it in my 2500 w/6'6" bed to pull a 8000 lb. SOB 5th wheel. I then moved to a 3500 SRW w/8' bed and changed from the 8000 lb. 5th wheel to a 13,000 lb. Silverback. I purchased, installed, and used the B&W hidden hitch gooseneck ball in both trucks and really like the features of this hitch. Long before I purchased the Andersen I did a lot of research and knew before purchasing the Anderson that won't work with a swing type 5th wheel trailer pin box.

What I am asking about is the new 2018 GM factory installed 5th wheel prep package that is utilizing the joint venture GM/Curt 5th wheel plate product. The plate can accept a standard 5th wheel hitch using the outside puck system or it is able to use a gooseneck ball in the bed that can be used for an actual gooseneck trailer or, as in this case, you can put the ball in and connect the Anderson Ultimate directly to the in-bed ball.

The issue I am having with this design is with the locking mechanism that the ball uses to lock into the gooseneck/5th wheel plate in the bed of the truck. I currently have a B&W and there is a pin that goes all the way through the ball as securely locks it in the truck. The one GM is using only has a groove inside the hole and the ball that is dropped in has two pins that snap into the groove. The ball is then locked in the plate with a lever that is locate on the top of the ball assembly.

Is this groove truly as strong as the B&W hitch that has the pin going all the way through the ball assembly. I really, really don't know and this is the question I am asking. I truly like the look and ease of operation however I'm just questioning the strength of the ball being locked in the bed of the truck when upward stress of 50 ft. lb. (from the Anderson Ultimate installation) is placed on the ball assembly.

Everything I've read and heard, as well as all the specs indicate it is just as good as the pin type. I wouldn't give it a 2nd thought.

[Lvn2tvl]

Well guess what!! It's official I have upgraded to a 2018 Silverado High Country 3500HD Dually. It has a factory hidden hitch so I couldn't wait to hook it up and head out. Well can't really say that all went without an issue.
Although the hitch connected well to the center hole the chains don't have any way to connect to the bed of the truck. The Anderson covers the 4 holes and there is no way to utilize the chains correctly right now so my only choice was to connect them to the Anderson bars like I have seen in other post. I know it's not idea but it got me down the road until I can figure out what to do. In addition you'll notice that the center hole isn't in the center of the hitch. Guess a trip to Chevy dealer is in order to correct the centering issue. I can honestly say that changing to a dually has way more stability than the SRW. Couldn't really believe there would be much change but it really surprised me. Anyway the lack of a way to connect the chains really upset me. I haven't read anywhere that the holes intended to be used for chain holders aren't going to work, at least for a GM with the factory installed Curt/GM hidden hitch. There's going undoubtedly be more discussion on this however I currently cannot figure out what makes the Dodge product work with the Anderson Ultimate with chains and not work with the GM product with chains.

[mzodarg]

Originally Posted by Wino

I own a 2016 2500HD and use the Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel hitch. My 5er loaded is about 13,500 pounds and I have not had any issues at all. It is smooth and quiet as claimed. Do it.

Ditto, except mine is a 2018 DRW. with an 8' bed. Love the Anderson my boost toyhauler is over 15000 # loaded. No issue and since I turned the ball around, it's smooth as butter.