recommendations for a 5th wheel hitch. OEM/model for a 42-13 ?
- Thread starter johnda98
- Start date
My primary goal was to have something I can remove myself without help or lifting equipment. Secondly, a hitch that will compensate for my short bed truck.
On those lines, I narrowed down to PullRite OEX, B&W Companion and Andersen Ultimate (latest model). I left out the Curt Sidewinder from the list (even though the rumblings about getting the frame warranty voided by Lippert) just because the hitch geometry didn't give me any particular sense of safety that the thing will stay attached.
That said, Andersen got out due to the plastic funnel, the wire release system and less position flexibility. So, as you, I was torn between PR and B&W. What made me decide for PR was that it has 6 possible position combinations on the spacing of the hitch and the trailer, it uses a ball pin so it gives more flexibility (and control) on hitching on uneven surfaces - already paying off big time - and it was generally lighter than B&W without the slide head. As a bonus, the slide head system can be installed afterwards.
But life is full of compromises so, the PullRite requires to lock the Rotaflex King Pin (OEM in the Valor) which makes you buy another part. The ball pin it is not common so no security locks available so far, and if someone else needs to hitch the trailer you will have to remove the ball pin. Other than that so far so good after about 1,500 mi of towing.
Yes. same as Andersen...
We had a Pullrite Super glide for 10 years and loved it until we didn't. Got a bit older and it got too heavy to remove without a winch or lots of help. Year 8 i hooked up to the trailer on a trip and all latched securely i thought, raised jack bit and pulled forward and the trailer fell off the hitch. Could have been ugly but just dented the top of the tailgate, Over the next 2 years it happened 2 more times. even after physically looking at the pin. I took it to the dealer and had it checked and was told all looked good. Possibly my fault on all cases but i traded trucks and left it in the old truck and bought a new Andersen (several friends have them) and love it. Simple, light and pulls well and turns great with a shortbed Chev 2500HD. I agree though buy what you feel about as everyone has there own "horror" story. Good Luck, Mike
fireman0175
Active member
I posted this in an older post, but wanted to know if anyone knows what frame model is used on 32rls so I can order the correct Gen-Y? Also, has anyone with this pin box used the 5" offset (by Gen-Y) for Ford F250 puck system? Did you have rail clearance all around? Happy with how it handles? Thanks much
I'm being out-voted by the Companion hitches. I have a Gen-Y with the gooseneck ball extension giving more clearance. I've gone through 4 hitches in 2-years. With the Gen-Y I can do a 90 degree turn although that is seldom, if ever, necessary. I'm really happy with the Gen-Y. After about 1000 miles the torsion rubber is broke-in. I do not have noticeable chucking. The new version has a funnel cup for the ball to slide into. Really no issues with hooking up. I can hook up at a 45 degree angle or more. It takes less than 5 minutes to clear the bed when not towing. I just went through a fairly strong side wind without any sway. My next 5th wheel will have a Gen-Y.
dhcolesj
Well-known member
They may be trying to, but we'll do our best. hehe.
I have the Gen-Y Executive goose neck on my 40v13, and I couldn't be happier. It's built out of some kind of metal that would make armor piercing rounds cry, I think. The quality is just crazy all over it (if they made RVs like they make this hitch there would be no need for parts or mobile techs). It's harder to hitch up that some king pin hitches, easier than others (if you know what I mean). Lining up the ball can be a challenge, but I don't have to be "100% accurate" as it will slide in if close enough. It's more comfortable, and it's easier to use the bed of my truck when NOT pulling. I now have a decent little tool box in the bed, and I don't have to roll back the bed cover all the way while pulling.
Anyway, like you I don't think I'd have another 5th wheel without one of these things.
fireman0175
Active member
Just following up on my earlier post regarding GEN-Y. We ended up ordering one and had Bish's RV install it. So far, we have driven about 3000 miles over all sorts of freeways, highways, and county roads in the western states. I have had to back into some tight spots, hit poor asphalt repair jobs, you name it. I use the 32RLS model on my 2024 F250 6.7L HO. I can jackknife pretty well, but not a 90 (maybe 75). For that, i may buy a 5" offset ball. As for the GEN-Y 3rd gen, I am completely happy. I get passed by semis, in windy conditions, and not so smooth roads. We have never felt the combination was loose, out of control, or bouncy. I occasionally look back to check it out and it is only rotating or flexing as designed I guess. no hurky-jerky as some have mentioned. I use the red lube grease on the ball and a little up in the receiver. You need to be within 2" of the center of the receiver for it to settle down over the ball. I love that I can simply pop out the ball and 2 chain rings from the Ford Puck system. As for the truck, yep I am maxed at 11,100 lbs weight. I sit level, too. I don't think it is very accurate to say a 2000# hitch weight as when you add the 2 lead batteries, a little bit of water for toilet, it is more. Pulling it up a mountain pass, it easily passes slower trucks and maintains the speed limit. I found my happy speed is no more than 65 mph or I get poor(er) mpg. Plus, I feel safer not doing 80 like in Idaho or Utah...
fireman0175
Active member
I agree, I have not had any issues yet and really do not expect any. I may have to jockey a bit, but that is part of the fun in entertaining the other RVers watching and judging how good you did!
Not if you break stuff doing it, though. Nothing on these trailers were designed for a 90 degree turn and dragging the tires across the ground.