New to 5ers...gotta a question please - Diesel Forum

jat99 · 07-27-2006, 11:47 PM

Hello all.

My father-in-law bought a new fifth wheel and tossed me a set of keys to it and said "Get you a hitch and come get it and use it any time you want" so I said "OK" [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Here is what he bought HERE

I am looking to buy a fifth wheel hitch and was considering the B&W gooseneck turnover ball with the B&W companion Fifth wheel hitch as an option. This way I can have an empty bed when I need it, a goose neck and a fifth wheel. Best of all worlds. However, I wanted some feedback from you guys that do the towing. Is this a good set up? I am sure some of you have used the B&W and thought you might share your opinions please

Thanks

**Kanman** · 07-28-2006, 12:17 AM

Nice rig, the B&W is the same set up I had on my old truck. Dont have a 5th wheel these days so I only have the gooseneck flip ball now. Dont forget the airbags, and dont let anybody talk you into putting one of those kong chew toys OOOOOPS I mean Timbrens under your truck...

jat99 · 07-28-2006, 10:19 AM

Yes I am looking at the Firestone Air bags as well. Thanks for the reply.

I assume you are happy with the B&W?

CaptRon · 07-28-2006, 10:55 AM

I looked at the set-up from B&W when I bought my truck since it already had the turn over ball installed. But the cost was a stopper and I already had the 5th wheel hitch from my old truck so I went with my old hitch. In the last 2 years I've only had to remove the hitch twice so I really think that I made the right choice. The real problem with removing the hitch is the weight and the B&W still weighs more than I want to lift and pull out of the bed.

Capt Ron

rocky7184 · 07-28-2006, 11:25 AM

I really like my B&W setup.I had a reese in my old truck and liked that also but i wanted to upgrade when i got my new truck.I take my hitch in and out all the time and don't have to much trouble.You first want to remove the head assembly then take the base out.I'm not a big guy but i don't have to much of a problem doing this.Plus it only takes 5-10 minutes to remove or install.

This is not a cheapo hitch and you can tell when you look at it therefore the price will reflect this.If you buy on ebay like i did you can get a completer setup for about 800-850 delivered to your door.I thought this was a pretty good price.I installed this by myself in about 3 hours and it was very easy to do.It was much easier to install than my reese setup.

Now that i've towed 2 seasons with it i can say that i really love this hitch.Its easy to operate,install/remove etcetc.My one complaint is the paint.It dulled after the first season and i am noticing some shrinkage in the paint surface.I think they just didn't prep it right.In any case when it needs it i'll just repaint it with a good quality industrial paint.But thats my only complaint.

I'm sure there are others that will fit your need and maybe cheaper but you can't go wrong with a B&W.

rocky7184 · 07-28-2006, 11:29 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Hello all.

My father-in-law bought a new fifth wheel and tossed me a set of keys to it and said "Get you a hitch and come get it and use it any time you want" so I said "OK" [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Here is what he bought HERE

I am looking to buy a fifth wheel hitch and was considering the B&W gooseneck turnover ball with the B&W companion Fifth wheel hitch as an option. This way I can have an empty bed when I need it, a goose neck and a fifth wheel. Best of all worlds. However, I wanted some feedback from you guys that do the towing. Is this a good set up? I am sure some of you have used the B&W and thought you might share your opinions please

Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh and BTW nice father in law you have !!!Think he'd want to adopt another son so's i can use his trailer !!!!

jat99 · 07-28-2006, 01:46 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Hello all.

My father-in-law bought a new fifth wheel and tossed me a set of keys to it and said "Get you a hitch and come get it and use it any time you want" so I said "OK" [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Here is what he bought HERE

I am looking to buy a fifth wheel hitch and was considering the B&W gooseneck turnover ball with the B&W companion Fifth wheel hitch as an option. This way I can have an empty bed when I need it, a goose neck and a fifth wheel. Best of all worlds. However, I wanted some feedback from you guys that do the towing. Is this a good set up? I am sure some of you have used the B&W and thought you might share your opinions please

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks

Oh and BTW nice father in law you have !!!Think he'd want to adopt another son so's i can use his trailer !!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]LOL..yes that was a sweet surprise. I will ask him about adopting another one [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Thanks guys for the replies so far. I appreciate it.

James

1971boss · 08-01-2006, 08:39 AM

Are these air bags something used to aid your rear springs? At what point do you need them? I ask because I'm looking at 5ers and never really considered the bags too much. Do you need/recommend them for all fifth wheel campers or just the heavier ones, which brings us to the next question....At what wt. trailer would you need the additional help of the bags? Are the bags easy to install? Thanks guys.

**SmokeyWren** · 08-01-2006, 10:22 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Do you need/recommend them for all fifth wheel campers or just the heavier ones, which brings us to the next question....At what wt. trailer would you need the additional help of the bags?

[/ QUOTE ]

With your Y2K F-250, you need the air bags for any 5er with a GVWR over about 6,000 pounds. Or else do what I do and park it an sundown and don't crank it up again until sunup. Because when you load your rig down to more than the GVWR, your headlights will be pointing to the stars. At night, oncoming drivers will not like you at all. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

My 5er has a GVWR of 8,000 pounds, and I'm usually loaded with GVW of around 9,200 to 9,400 and a rear GAW of around 4,800 to 5,200. But I try very hard to be off the road before sundown when towing. If I needed to tow at night, then I would definitely need Firestone Ride-Rites installed.
http://www.ride-rite.com/

1971boss · 08-01-2006, 10:43 AM

Thats good information SmokeyWren and I thank you for it. Now, if I decided to go bumper pull with the correct weight distributing hitch, am I still going to need these air bags? I'm still on the fence on deciding whether to go 5er or pull behind and am trying to absorb as much info as possible before commiting to either.

**SmokeyWren** · 08-01-2006, 10:59 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Now, if I decided to go bumper pull with the correct weight distributing hitch, am I still going to need these air bags?

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe not. The weight-distributing hitch can be used to level the tow vehicle. The reason for air bags when towing a TT is to smooth the ride a bit and to take some of the strain off the rear springs.

But when comparing a TT to a 5er, do "full costing" analysis. With similar size and quality and features, the 5er will cost more. But a good 5er hitch will cost about $1,000 installed while the only TT hitch I would consider costs about $3,000. So automatically add about $2,000 to the cost of any TT when comparing to the price of a 5er. And then if you decide on the TT, order a Hensley Arrow TT hitch. www.nosway.com

Or maybe price the 5er including the installed 5er hitch compared to the price of the TT with the Hensley Arrow installed. And understand that any RV dealer that does not sell the Hensley Arrow will try very hard to convince you that whatever hitch they sell is as good as the Hensley Arrow. Don't believe it.

kampinguru · 08-22-2006, 05:03 PM

I have the pullrite superlide hitch and the rails are under the bed on the frame. 4 Pins hold it in place. I just loosen the 4 pins and use the electric jacks on the 5er to lift the hitch up connected to the kingpin and then set it down on a stand. No heavy lifting.

rms0726ea · 08-22-2006, 11:07 PM

1971boss,

I have owned a 30' travel trailer and now own a fifth wheel (32'). The fifth wheel definitely pulls alot better than the TT. I didn't own the more expensive hitch's (i.e. Hensley) but I did have a weight ditribution hitch with the braker bar. Any headwind and/or 18 wheeler passing me on the highway would cause the trailer to start dancing back & forth. With the 5th wheeler - it doesn't happen anymore. You will hear all kinds of arguments & opinions over TT's & fifth wheelers but if you plan to do some serious long distance traveling with your camper I would suggest going the 5th wheeler route. Unless you need the bed space in your truck to haul 4 wheelers, but then you could always add a utility trailer.

If you do decide on the TT then I would suggest going with some good shocks like Bilsteins and a Hensley or equal-i-zer sway control hitch. See how that goes then decide if you need the air bags.

Just my 2 cents - hope the info helps [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Fever · 08-22-2006, 11:38 PM

[ QUOTE ]
If you do decide on the TT then I would suggest going with some good shocks like Bilsteins and a Hensley or equal-i-zer sway control hitch. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree on the Equalizer hitch...that's what we're pulling our TT with and it really settles the load down nicely...
I haven't pulled a 5er yet, but I would consider it in a few years when we look at upgrading campers again..

KokDiezel · 09-05-2006, 01:12 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Thats good information SmokeyWren and I thank you for it. Now, if I decided to go bumper pull with the correct weight distributing hitch, am I still going to need these air bags? I'm still on the fence on deciding whether to go 5er or pull behind and am trying to absorb as much info as possible before commiting to either.

[/ QUOTE ]

If I could do it again I'd buy a 5er. That said, I use a Reese Dual Cam hitch and Air Lift air bags with my 32' TT. The Dual Cam eliminated the sway but I didn't like the up/down motion the rear was doing so I added the air bags. Tows awesome now. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]