I am looking for a fifth wheel hitch that does not leave the rails in the bed of the truck when it is taken out. The only one that I know of is the PullRite Super Glide, but I don't need anything that high-tech, although it would be nice to have. Does anybody know of any other brands that give you the bed of your truck back when the hitch is taken out??

Thanks

B&W makes a hitch called the companion. Has no rails in bed when removed.

www.turnoverball.com (http://www.turnoverball.com)

I couldn't tell on the website. Does the Companion come available with a slider?

Drawtite or Reese 18K round slider leaves no rails in the bed when taken out, just 4 holes that you insert 4 rubber plugs into to keep things out of them. Drawtite/Reese, same thing, just different stickers, same company makes both. I have the Drawtite one, never had an issue, but I didn't need the slider option. If your 5ver has an extended king pin, you won't "need" one. I didn't know this until after I had already installed the hitch. Paid $1100 installed. Chris

Just purchased the Reese 18k sig-with under bed rail set-up.

I went with the B&W turnover ball set up. They make the companion but it does not slide. I just used a 4" offset adapter with my extended hitch box and I have no complaints so far. I paid $900 for the hitch and adapter installed.

I'd suggest getting the Turnover Ball. It doesn't come with a slider, but then I'd also suggest getting a Sidewinder pinbox for your fifth wheel camper. It essentially moves the pivot point back 18", but keeps the weight on your truck where it needs to be. You can get the Sidewinder with or without an airbag pinbox depending on if you want to smooth out your ride.

The other option is the Reese Signature series that essentially have 4 "hockey pucks" that sit in your bed. This is available with a slider I believe.

I am thinking about going with the Reese Signature Series. Have any of you guys ever installed one of these by yourself? Is the Companion and Signature Series the only ones that are on the market right now?
Thanks.

I've installed one by myself. Its not difficult, but its a pain in the butt. The second time around I found a shop locally that installed it for $175. Considering I spent $40 on a drill bit, and 6 hours of my time the first time around, paying someone $175 was worth every penny.

I installled the 18K sig. ser. myself also and like Cabriolet said, it was not that difficult. I just read the instructions multiple times to make sure I was not missing anything. By buying the hitch online and installing myself, I saved around $400 compared to what the RV dealer was charging. For that savings, it was worth my time. If you decide to do it yourself, you can PM me and I will help however I can.

I'd suggest getting the Turnover Ball. It doesn't come with a slider, but then I'd also suggest getting a Sidewinder pinbox for your fifth wheel camper.


B&W says not to use their Companion with a Sidewinder, but I have both and have not had any issues:rolleyes:

My 5er came from the factory with a Non-Air version of the Sidewinder.

Tagging for interest.

Getting a newer truck. May keep the Husky slider, but like the idea of no rails in the box.

I plan to switch to the 5th Airborne Sidewinder, I have been full timing for the past 2 years and found many times I could not release the slide, because of slight up or down hill attitude. I have used the RV5 extension from Pop-up, with varing success.

will the bw companion work on a short bed truck?

will the bw companion work on a short bed truck?
Depends on the pinbox of your trailer, and how often you get into tight spots. BW Companion doesn't have a slider option. If your camper has an extended pinbox, you'll rarely need the slider option unless you find yourself getting into tight spots frequently. Having a Sidewinder pinbox like I had mentioned above solves this issue.

So to answer your question, yes it works on a short bed truck. Just depends how tight you need to get things. I've used my slider once before, but thats it.

Does it look like the pin box is far enough foward on this trailer? I hope so.



http://www.demontrondrv.com/inventory/files/dealer_photos/30651/90817599_1thumb_550x410_large.jpg

I would not call that an extended pin box. An extended pin box should stick out beyond the front-most portion of the trailer by at least 12".

And is your truck a 3/4 ton? Frankly, I wouldn't be towing that triple axle beast with anything less than a one ton dually.

Yes 3/4 ton. Do you think it can't handle it?

The GVWR of your truck is 9200 pounds. Your truck weighs probably between 7000 and 7500 pounds. That leaves an available payload of 1700-2200 pounds MAX. I'd be willing to bet that that camper has a pin weight in the 3000-4000 pound range, which would exceed the available payload of a 3/4 ton truck.

I upgraded to a dually to handle our 5er because the weight of our trailer and the limits of my 3/4 ton truck were just too close for comfort. I did not want to leave camping equip., etc. behind because I was worried about overloading my truck. A 3/4 ton diesel will tow alot of weight, but are you going to be able to stop it when you really need to. If you have an accident and your over the legal limits for your truck, your in some deep s*#t, especially if someone gets killed.

Does it look like the pin box is far enough foward on this trailer? I hope so.



http://www.demontrondrv.com/inventory/files/dealer_photos/30651/90817599_1thumb_550x410_large.jpg

Dang, that's a big 5ver! I don't think I'd consider that an extended pin box. Also, even with an extended pin box, without a slider, if the corners of the 5ver are square, which those in the pics look to be, you won't be able to turn anywhere near 90 degrees without hitting the cab. I seriously doubt the pin weight on this is near 3000-4000lbs. It's got a slider in the rear that looks to be a large sitting area, that weight there will lift the weight off the pin. I'd say closer to 2500lbs. You'll definately be over GVWR, probably by 500-600lbs. My truck loaded down with family comes in at 7250lbs. Pin weight, loaded, is right at 1900lbs. So I'm just barely under. But do I feel safe, yes, or I would have gotten a Dually. If I were you, I'd do something similar to what I did. Airbags to contol leveling, new tires to increase load rating (stock 3042lbs/tire, Toyo's 3970lbs/tire). The limiting factor on the rear axle is the tires, the axle itself is rated around 11K lbs, but with the stock tires, it's around 6100lbs. (tire load rating 3042 * 2) Just some things to think about. Chris

The rear slide is located above the axles, so its not removing any weight off of the pin. That trailer has a front bedroom slide, front bathroom, and front holding tanks. I would assume that this is a mid kitchen model too which puts the weight of the kitchen in front of the axles. That's a lot of weight at the front of the trailer.

How much is a Reese 18K Signature series slider worth?

Had a quote on one and seems really cheap. Wondering if the guy got the right model..................

According to RVWholesalers, the hitch with slider is about $775. Not sure how much the rail/installation kit is.
http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/product.php?productid=2770&cat=143&page=1

Thanx Cabriolet86.

This is actually the right price on the Signature Series, made by Reese, from RV Wholesalers. http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/product.php?productid=2795&cat=71&page=1 The cheapest I have found so far on the slider is around $845 shipped to your door, minus the rail kit, which is around another $150.

I have been checking around and I would have to say that RV Wholesalers is the most expensive so far. I have found out that Draw-tite is generally cheaper than the Reese, but the same exact product. One website actually had a clause that said when you receive your hitch, it may have the brand of Reese or Draw-tite on it.

Does anybody know if Hidden Hitch is made by Reese also?? There hitches look identical to Reese and Draw-tite, but cheaper than those by far.

Would it be better to get a slider hitch or get a regular hitch with a Sidewinder??

Sounds like I need more than was quoted........................

I asked for the hitch that mounted without the rails in the box of the truck. 18K Reese Signature series with a slider. Quoted $700 and I think $250 for install.

Does it look like the pin box is far enough foward on this trailer? I hope so.
That's not a trailer, that's a house...lol.


http://www.demontrondrv.com/inventory/files/dealer_photos/30651/90817599_1thumb_550x410_large.jpg

I have a 18K Reese signature with slider. Does it come out of the truck and leave the bed open for whatever. You bet. But do you want to move that 195 lbs of metal in and out? I thought I would, after 2 or 3 times I gave up. Wife pointed out that I might throw my back. Would be easy though if some one is giving you a hand. I have under the bed rail mounts. I think I paid some where around 1200 for out the door. Overall a good hitch. Towes my Fuzion 362 without a problem.

Doesn't come apart in 2 pieces?

My Husky does.

Doesn't come apart in 2 pieces?

My Husky does.

Yes, it comes apart. I think the plate weighs around 35lbs? I bought a 1 ton pulley lift system from Harbor Freight, connected it to a rafter in the garage, very, very simple to lift. Cost me $40, much less than what I'd lose if my back slipped a disc! Chris

Well, I pulled it from the dealership friday. It pulled fine but it was a little bouncy/jerking a little bit. The trans temp never got over 185. The trailer weight is 14,700 lbs, the gvrw on the trailer is 18,000. How do I figure out the tongue weight?



http://www.demontrondrv.com/inventory/files/dealer_photos/30651/90817599_1thumb_550x410_large.jpg

Well, I pulled it from the dealership friday. It pulled fine but it was a little bouncy/jerking a little bit. The trans temp never got over 185. The trailer weight is 14,700 lbs, the gvrw on the trailer is 18,000. How do I figure out the tongue weight?
It was bouncy/jerky probably because you're riding too low on the suspension. Air bags would help.

To figure out the tongue weight, take the trailer and truck to a CAT scale. Weigh the weight of the truck with and without the trailer hooked up. There's your pin weight.

Rough estimates on a fifth wheel are 20-25%, so you're probably looking at 2900 minimum if you're running only at the minimum weight.

Either way, you're exceeding GVWR on the truck, and probably even GCWR weight rating. I'd personally NEVER tow that trailer with anything short of a one ton dually. And 18k even maxes out some of those.

Well, I pulled it from the dealership friday. It pulled fine but it was a little bouncy/jerking a little bit. The trans temp never got over 185. The trailer weight is 14,700 lbs, the gvrw on the trailer is 18,000. How do I figure out the tongue weight?



http://www.demontrondrv.com/inventory/files/dealer_photos/30651/90817599_1thumb_550x410_large.jpg

Truck scales. From your picture maybe a super truck scale. Your unit is about as big as my house.

Good luck.

In my quest for quotes it seems that Reese does not make a kit to mount the hitch points under the box floor.

Guess I'll take my Husky 16K and get it mounted in the new truck.

Thanx for the info, Chris.

The hitches have to be "clamped" on.......

Just got off the phone with a dealer. On GM trucks, you are no longer alllowed to drill the frame.

Anyone know about these clamps?

The GVWR of your truck is 9200 pounds. Your truck weighs probably between 7000 and 7500 pounds. That leaves an available payload of 1700-2200 pounds MAX. I'd be willing to bet that that camper has a pin weight in the 3000-4000 pound range, which would exceed the available payload of a 3/4 ton truck.

Were are you coming up with this curb weight???? Do a search on curb weights, most 3/4 ton 2500 HD trucks single axle weigh under 6000 lbs.

Were are you coming up with this curb weight???? Do a search on curb weights, most 3/4 ton 2500 HD trucks single axle weigh under 6000 lbs.
Take your truck to the scale. Curb weights are not necessarily actual weights. By the time you put a few things with you in the cab, a heavy hitch, and fuel, a Duramax crew cab truck easily comes in at 7000 pounds. With a 6.0 gas extended cab, you might be in the low 6000s. My numbers come from ACTUAL scale weights, from input mostly from the other forum I post on, RV.net forums, where there is always a lot of discussion about these subjects.

I have the Companion as well.It's heavy as hell! With the hitch in and my Titan tank full and tools mine weighs over 8000#.

Take your truck to the scale. Curb weights are not necessarily actual weights. By the time you put a few things with you in the cab, a heavy hitch, and fuel, a Duramax crew cab truck easily comes in at 7000 pounds. With a 6.0 gas extended cab, you might be in the low 6000s. My numbers come from ACTUAL scale weights, from input mostly from the other forum I post on, RV.net forums, where there is always a lot of discussion about these subjects.

I have gone to the scale (City of Phoenix dump) and my truck with me in it weighed just over 5750 lbs. I have a 2003 crewcab 4x4 with tow package, stock tires and rims.

I upgraded to a dually to handle our 5er because the weight of our trailer and the limits of my 3/4 ton truck were just too close for comfort. I did not want to leave camping equip., etc. behind because I was worried about overloading my truck. A 3/4 ton diesel will tow alot of weight, but are you going to be able to stop it when you really need to. If you have an accident and your over the legal limits for your truck, your in some deep s*#t, especially if someone gets killed.


I agree with you that he should have a dually as far as trailer sway and more tires to bear the weight but it wont help him stop any faster. The 3/4 tons and 1 tons have the same brakes. But i went from a dually to a 3/4 ton and man do i miss the dually when towing a heavy trailer.

Just purchased the Reese 18k sig-with under bed rail set-up.
x2

Just towed my 5'er this weekend and was tickled with it. I like the big funnel area that the Reese/Draw Tite Signature Series 5th wheel hitch offers.

I have a B&W Companion in my 2008 Chevrolet one ton. I have no complants about it. 18K towing capasity. But it did cost a little bit. As far as I know it has more towing capasity than a Reese. That is what I gathered from all my friends that have the Reese. It is just a pain to lift out little heavy. But built very well. The cheapest place I found the companion is Big-Tex trailers in Mt Pleasent Tx tax and all was around 711.00

I agree with you that he should have a dually as far as trailer sway and more tires to bear the weight but it wont help him stop any faster. The 3/4 tons and 1 tons have the same brakes. But i went from a dually to a 3/4 ton and man do i miss the dually when towing a heavy trailer.


not true, the 1ton has heavier breaks.