towing a 5er - hitch decisions

[TimButterfield]

Thanks, George and Ken. Both the PullRite and the B&W have unique features. Other than the price difference between them, it looks to be down to a compromise of encircled pin, but no gooseneck option vs pinched pin, poly bushings, and a gooseneck option. Both would have a flat bed, though with four holes for the PullRite vs one hole for the B&W. I need to figure out which I would rather have, an encircled pin or the poly bushings + gooseneck option at a bit higher cost. Hmmm...

Thanks again.

Tim

 

[Cummins12V98]

I looked at the PullRite web site and downloaded the owners manual for the Super 5th and this is what it said about checking to see if you are hitched.

"Shine a light on the Lock Jaw Assembly making sure it has closed around the King Pin"

There is no question on the B&W if you are hitched. The 1" thick B&W jaws do fully enclose the King pin when closed and can not become separated unless the lock or pin is removed and the arm is swung away. Too many metal to metal parts on the PullRite also. Also too many parts to fail over time like springs. To me it is a no brainer it is a very solid and simple design. Like the Cummins VS the Fore or Duramax.

 

[Grizzly]

Thanks, George and Ken. Both the PullRite and the B&W have unique features. Other than the price difference between them, it looks to be down to a compromise of encircled pin, but no gooseneck option vs pinched pin, poly bushings, and a gooseneck option. Both would have a flat bed, though with four holes for the PullRite vs one hole for the B&W. I need to figure out which I would rather have, an encircled pin or the poly bushings + gooseneck option at a bit higher cost. Hmmm...



Thanks again.



Tim

You can get a gooseneck attachment for the Pull-Rite that connects to the rails with pins. My son has one for his truck because he also pulls a GN Big Tex Dump trailer.



I don't agree with Cummins12V98 about too many metal to metal parts on the Pull-Rite. It's a straight forward simple and unique design. Also, when the handle snaps in, the Pull-Rite is locked. Just secure it with a pad lock and your good to go.



About being sure that the pin is locked you can raise the landing gear about 1/2", drive the truck a few inches. If the 5th wheel comes with you, it's secure. If it doesn't, the 5er will drop on the landing gear feet and not the bed of the truck. After that, raise the landing gear all the way up.



george

 

[TimButterfield]

Thanks, Cummins12V98 and George. I had skipped over the gooseneck on rails option in the PullRite doc looking for the install section. That would make it available, but delay the purchase until necessary. The instructions for both hitches mention the pull test. As for metal to metal, that's what grease is for and both seem to use it on the pivots and king pin and plates, though cleaning of the B&W may be easier. As for removal/reinstall, am I correct in thinking the PullRite does not need tools for this? I think they would be needed on the B&W to loosen the bolts/nuts and re-torque them on reinstall. It's not a big deal; just want to make sure I understand correctly.

 

[Cummins12V98]

There is one bolt to loosten at the top of the square stock that drops down into the gooseneck portion that keeps someone from from pulling the slide pin handle that is located in the fender well. . The metal to metal on the PullRite is at the front to back pivot points, yes you can grease them but they are open to dirt and sand that gets into the grease and wears the metal and I would bet there is some movement and noise associated with that design. My RBW hitch had the same U saddle as the PullRite and was noisy. B&W pivot points are a rubber that you use white lithium grease on and fit tightly and stay clean from dirt and sand. On the side to side pivot on the B&W there is a shock that dampens side to side movement and the shaft has a grease fitting. They are all going to tell you to check to make sure they are hitched but I never check because when the arm is in the closed position and I have the lock securing the handle in the closed position there is no way it is not hitched. Very simple. My advise is talk to people at the campgrounds and LOOK for yourself at all the details of each unit.

 

[Grizzly]

As far as dirt and sand getting on the pivot points on the Pull-Rite, or any other hitch, I use Silicone spray, which will not attract dirt and sand.



There is no movement and noise associated with the Pull-Rite design.

 

[TimButterfield]

Thanks again, Cummins12V98 and George. Thanks, too, for that silicone spray tip. I'll ponder on it and see if I can think of which I may prefer working with. Getting up close and personal with each one would certainly help. Maybe I'll get a chance next month.