how about some pointers on what to look for in hitches and install kits? I have done a lot of receiver hitch pulling but no fiver pulling. I see that many of the vendors are pushing slider units. does an 8' bed really need a slider? What about features and brands? Thanks. oh and the trailer will be in the 15k range, no specifics on pin weight.

 

With an 8ft bed get a B&W Companion and never regret it..

 

You definitely do not need a slider with a full bed. As for the hitch, that is open for a lot of opinions. My opinion is I will never pull a fiver without an air hitch. I have the Air Safe 25K version. Full four bag hitch that moves fore/aft and sideways and up and down to cushion the ride in the truck from bangs and chucking and cushions the ride for the fiver framing and contents. That hitch has a Holland head that is a beast - - makes all normal hitch heads look like a toy. Had the others would not go back. Expensive, but do it right the first time. By the time you buy a normal hitch, find out the ride is horrible due to chucking, then have to buy something else to try and reduce that, just go for the hitch in the first place. Wish I had someone tell me that. Anyone need a good buy on an 18K Hidden Hitch that looks like new???

Bob

 

I paid a little over $500 for a Reese 15k slider plus a brake controller. It works great, but it is noisy and is a PITA to activate the slide. I couldn't afford an auto slider at the time, and I still can't afford one. Well, maybe a used one...like the one that was in the classified here a while back.

 

I have been researching for about a month now and looked all I could find and talked to some people that have various types and I personally Keep comming back to the B&W companion. I know of several people that use the B&W turn over ball for ag applications who are always over the limit of all their equipement and while other parts are breaking the hitch is bullet proof. So with that informtion I figure B&W shoudl know what they are doing with the companion. So i will be order the turn over ball and the companion when I know I got some time to do the install. My 2nd choice would have been the superhitch but it's a lot more money and a G/N hitch is extra.

 

With a 8ft. bed, you don't want or need a slider.

What brand hitch to buy, depends on how much towing you do and how much money you want to spend. I'm out with my 5er every weekend from May till October and take a 4 week trip from Massachusetts to Key West FL and back every year and I use something like one of these:
http://www.etrailer.com/c-5WH.htm
it works fine for me. Does the job, it does do a little banging, but no big deal.

 

I would also like to have an air ride hitch next time, but they are expensive.

I'm quite happy with my B&W. I like the jaws, it has a good range of adjustability up/down and fore/aft, and it pivots 4 ways. I also like the flat bed once the hitch is out, and the goose ball if I need it.

The only downside is needing to grab a 3/4 deepwell socket to install/remove.

 

B&W ALL of the Way and then you can use one of these as well!

 

Sounds like you insert pin is set too tight of a tollerance. Shouldn't have to do anything other than pull the pin to remove the whole companion

 

I have a 20k Pullrite, built like a tank. Can be taked out as well. It has close tolerances so chunkinh is less. It does OK on most roads. Bilsteins also help a lot.

 

I've got a non-sliding Pullrite 16k.

I like the way the king pin is captured. Its not a bar you slide behind the pin or the clamshell type that clamp the pin in place.

Its got a big hook that wraps around the pin and automatically locks into place. When you back into the pin,there is no doubt you're there.The handle slams shut and you're ready to roll.

The rails come out with 4 big pins. The bed is completely empty in about 30 seconds. The hitch also seperates into 2 pieces so you're not having to mess with the entire hitch when removing it.

 

Mine has the bar. But it makes me nervous knowing that if that little bar gives, my 5th wheel will be on its own. I think I can buy the bigger "head" unit though, kind of like the heavy-duty ones you're describing.

 

I've got a Husky 16K (same as Valley brand) with the double pivot action and it's similar to the Pullrite mentioned above. Just back into it and it automatically locks the pin and even has a pin indicator so you can see if the pin is right were it's supposed to be. Hooking up is a breeze.

 

I have the same as Lonestar^. For the $ I feel it's the best bang for the buck, and **** strong.

 

Another vote for the Companion hitch. I've used one for years, pulled my trailer for thousands of miles, and never a problem. If I get to a camp spot where I'm going to be for a while I pull it out and I have a clean bed. Can't beat it. Takes 5 minutes (if that).

If you want air ride, get the air ride setup installed on your trailer. If you're having the trailer built, ask them to install an air ride hitch instead of the standard unit. I don't think you'll regret the extra cash once you start pulling. Takes the harshness out of the ride.