5th wheel hitch questions

[dremelts]

Looking for recommendations on a 15K 5th wheel hitch. I want one that has side-to-side pivot for hooking up on uneven surface. It's going in a long-bed so I don't need a slider.



Anything else I should consider when selecting a hitch?



Also, what's involved in installing one of these? Is it just drilling holes in the bed and bolting it to the frame? Or is there something else involved that would make it worth the $120 that the dealer wants for doing the install?

 

[Barry]

The best all around 15K is the Reese "Classic" 15. These units have been superceded by a newer unit that Reese has introduced. Look around. Watch the shoppers or newspaper. You should be able to buy a like new used one for $250 to $300. Thge Reese system uses 2 rails that are bolted thru the bed and attached to the frame with "L" brackets. Rails are cross bed over the axle. I prefer to have the kingpin ride about 3" ahead of the axle. We charge a flat $100 for the install so $120 is not a bad price. Takes about 2 hours.

 

[Batman]

I have an RBW Lil Rocker that I find well made and nice to tow with. It also mounts to two rails and is removed by pulling 4 pins.

HTH

 

[WMeyers]

I also have the RBW Li'l Rock'r. It has the 4 way swivel. The thing I like about this hitch is that it engages with a flat bar across the back which is connected to the handle. It is VERY easy to visually see that you have a good connection of the hitch and king pin.

 

[RWorth]

I have the B&W Companion 5TH wheel Hitch. 18k rating side to side.

B&W Companion 5TH Wheel

 

[Mschevey]

I have the Reese 16K (used to be 15 then uprated). It pivots both ways and I like it. The install is not to bad, but make sure to follow the saying "measure twice and cut once". The best way I found to drill the holes in the frame for the 'L' brackets is to remove the fender well covers. You will need to buy some of the fancy clips to reinstall them.



I would stick with the big name manufacturers. If you need a part that way you don't spend a lot of time finding someone who carries the brand you have.



Mike

 

[Barry]

Hey! Here is a deal! One of our members has a 20K Reese he bought new... ..... used twice for $350. He is in Indiana. Check it out in the TDR classifieds... ... ... ... . Good Luck!

 

[C Schomer]

Call RV shops and ask what they have for used ones. That's how I found my 15k rocker for $150. I got everything but the bed rails but I didn't need them anyway - the cross member and ends are interchangeable with the 14k I had. I think the rail kit is about $90 if you find a 5th wh without rails. Craig

 

[Larry Willard]

Looks like that one Barry mentioned is the way to go. I started out with the 15K but it seemed to have a lot of slop in it, so I upgraded to the 20k and love it. Can't beat the price.

Larry

 

[klenger]

I have the Draw-Tite 16K, which I understand is the same unit as the Reese. I'm very happy with it. If you mount it yourself, I have two tips.



1) Mount the forward L bracket on the frame first and then use it to drill through the bed to located the rails. Then locate the rear bracket. The forward bracket has the least tolarance for error.



2) When you re-attach the wheel liners, skip the expensive Dodge clips. They also require a special tool to pull them. I just used some 3/8" bolts, washers, and nuts to attach the inner part to the box. For the outer edge, I used some sheet metal screws and spring U shapped clips.

 

[icarus33]

I have dibs on the Reese 20k Hitch! I've been trying to buy it for over a month, haven't been able to get shipping info from them though. I guess if someone lives close to them and picks it up, they're going to win out.



ic

 

[dremelts]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! TDR rules! I can't get over how friendly and helpful everyone is here - glad I joined.



I'll probably go with a Reese and check first to see if I can find a used one. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking something. I mean - I never would have even known about the Jordan brake control without this forum (just ordered mine yesterday). So I thought I better ask before buying the hitch.

 

[MABurns]

Unless you have a HD drill or air drill, I would consider the $120 well spent. That frame wore me and the drill out.