5th wheel hitch

[KR2011]

Originally Posted by Dave&Ginny

Hey KR2011, our first trip will be somewhere south about the end of April but after we get back we'll head over your way so we can meet up and compare trailers.Â* My wife might laugh at us but why not, maybe we'll find others to join us too.

Dave does this mean you want plan central rally or get together at my park?

[Dave&Ginny]

Hell yes...lets do something!

[KR2011]

All right lets start planning. Anybody have ideas?

[TravelinAnderson]

A rally sounds like a good idea but let's start it in a new thread. That way everyone can see it and maybe it will get some traction. My DW and I will be in South Carolina in late April and would be glad to meet up with some fellow Redwood owners.

Now, back the topic.. I too use the B&W w/Companion and am quite happy with it. I like the idea that I can remove the companion part of the hitch and have full use of the bed. Another benefit is that I can pull gooseneck trailers if the need arises. I am thinking about getting my CDL and do transporting of some kind and since most flatbed trailers are gooseneck, I'd be set.

Like KR2011 mentioned, maintenance is important as is the use of a Slick Disc, unless you like grease on everything.
As far as hitch weight capacity, get something that matches the max capacity of your current truck unless you plan to replace that soon, then get a hitch that matches the max of future truck. That way you'll able to tow anything your truck can safely handle.

[KR2011]

Steve if you are going to pull commercially you may have to change out of the BW hitch doesn't it have a weight rating of 18k and vertical weight rating of 4.5k? Most hot shot guys I know have gcvw of 33k or more.

[TravelinAnderson]

Thanks for the advice but I only plan to transport other RVs or things that within my current GCVW.

[5th_Time]

I went with the Reese 18K Elite (30142) and underbed frame install kit (30868) for my 2012 GMC 3500 4x4Dually w/8' bed. Also comes in 25K (30143) using same install kit. Fords & Dodges use same hitches with their own install kits. You can download the Owners Manual & Installation instructions ahead of time fromtheir site or on-line dealers if you're feeling adventurous.I installed minemyself (no lift needed), but it wasa challenging install -made even more difficult by the factory bedliner.

I like how I can lift it out (just barely) and completely remove the hitch to get my 8' bed back for otherthings. It's pricey, but I've been using Reese for years and this new setup is a big improvement.