I have a 06 Dodge 3500 Dually with a 5.9. It has a ball for a gooseneck. I’ve had the truck about 2 weeks and need to get a 5 wheel hitch for my 38’ camper. The truck I brought the camper home with for the first time has a Reese Pro series 5 th. W. When we went to unhook the camper, the truck was setting uphill in relation to the camper and we could not get the camper loose. We ended up having to pull the pins in the bed of the truck to get the camper loose. This is all new to me and I want to buy a hitch with split jaws to avoid this binding up problem. I have been looking online at them and like the B&W 16K Patriot. It has the jaws that will open to release the camper. I will need to get a qualified shop to remove the old one and install the new one. Will the B&W one do the job I need? Will it slide when needed?

Thanks
Johnny

 

Johnny,

Welcome to the fiver world. All of us had to go thru the indoctrination series of victories and defeats.

This step requires no number - - DROP YOUR TAILGATE. LOL

First step in unhitching is apply your wheel chocks. Obviously install them on the down slope, but not a bad idea to install at least one the up slope. Anything that has much slope gets four chocks.

Step two - - set down your landing gear to the point you see the pin plate start
lifting from the hitch plate.

Step three - - if the slope is anything other than obviously flat, or the hitch is binding and will not release, get in the truck, release emergency brake and let the pressure release on the hitch. If sloping back, this will require actually pulling the truck slightly forward - - you want the kingpin in the center of the hitching area with no pressure on either the back or front. When you find the right spot, the hitch will release quite easily. The weight of the truck was holding the pin against the trigger of the hitch that causes it to close. You sure don't want that to release until chocks have been installed and don't plan on having your landing gear hold it. I say it will release easily assumming you have a hitch that pivots both front and aft and sideways. If not, you can have all kinds of problems if the truck is not on the same level as the fiver.

Step four - - after hitch releases, unplug and stow breakaway cable and electrical cord where they cannot drag on the bed and catch on something as you pull away. (don't ask why I emphasise that - - LOL). Then, in the truck and slowly pull out from under the hitch.

I think your problem was you still had pressure on the hitch mechanism that actually closes the hitch. Happy trails. Oh yeh, be sure you consider the size of the hitch - - 16K may not handle many 38' fivers. You did not state the brand, but my 37' is over 16K.
Bob

 

Hi Bob..It's a Montanna with 3 slides. 12K lbs, I believe. The friend I bought it from has been pulling it with a 15K since 2005....Thanks JJ

 

I would still like to know if anyone ownes one of these hitches and if you are happy with it.

 

I use a huskey 16k for my 36ft 5th wh, it is a slider as I have a short box, never used yet, make sure the hitch swivels both forward and back and side to side, this will help with binding, I use X-chokes, they go between the wheels, I really like them. makes the trailer more stable when set up, good luck

 

I have heard from many people on the RV.NET forum that the B&W companion is a great hitch. I have a RBW Lil' Rocker. Not a bad hitch either, and much cheaper.

 

I have the B&W companion that fits into the gooseneck pin and at first was not sure about it but loved the coupling and uncoupling action compared to my old hitch which I used from truck to truck over the years and put up with the jammed hitch situation. Now after using the hitch for a year and "modifying" the removal and installation process I love the whole thing. The B&W is a very well made product and would recommend it.

 

Thanks for the replys. I'm thinking I'm going to order the B&W Patriot 16 K.