New Truck (Almost) Now Need a New Hitch

[Greengas]

Well, my new truck, 2017 F350 LB FX4 SRW Lariet, should be here in about a week or so. But, this post is not about the truck but about needing a new hitch. I have always used Pull Rite sliders and they have worked great. But they are very heavy and since my new truck is a long bed I don't need the slider anymore. So, I'm in the market for a new hitch. Should be 18K minimum, somewhat light weight, and use the Ford puck system. I was sold on the Anderson hitch but spoke to several people at the RV show today and they had some problems with it. Now I know, that is just a few and its possible they did not install it right. But it got me to thinking that I should look at the full range of what's available that fits my needs. So, I looked at BW. They look very solid, they use the pucks, the price is a bit higher than the Anderson but not too much. My biggest concern is will I be able to reach the release handle from outside of the truck. It does not seem to extend as far as others. Curt and Reese both made hitches that fit the pucks and again, they seem solid. I know there are many other makes and models but it seems that most don't work with the pucks or they require a frame adapter to work with them and I would really like to avoid that if possible. And finally, there is always the "Ford" hitch which from what I understand is actually just a rebranded Reese hitch.

So, I am asking for some guidance based on experience. If you were in my position (please not comments about not buying a Ford from your bowtie and Dodge folks ) what would you buy and why? I've got about a week or so to make this decision and get it done.

Thanks in advance, as always.

 

[gwalter]

Ronn, I am a big fan of the B & W hitch. They are American made and stand behind their product. I added a Hitchmate step that hooks over the tire and allows me to reach anything in the bed of the truck. I got it mainly because I have the DRW and makes it very easy to reach the release.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Greengas]

Ronn, I am a big fan of the B & W hitch. They are American made and stand behind their product. I added a Hitchmate step that hooks over the tire and allows me to reach anything in the bed of the truck. I got it mainly because I have the DRW and makes it very easy to reach the release.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks Gregg. Hope you and Linda are doing great! B & W is at about the top of my list but I just want to hear from as many folks as possible to make sure I'm not missing something. As for needing the step, the DRW is much lower than the SRW so if you need a step I will need a ladder.

 

[TravelTiger]

We added running boards that go all the way to the flair of our GMC, and I can reach the handle and grab the lock pin on our B&W to insert it with a good lean. I'm 5'8". -Erika


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Greengas]

My new truck will also have the extended running boards so I'm hoping that gives me the reach I need. are you using the B&W turnover hitch, rails or puck?

 

[Oregon_Camper]

My biggest concern is will I be able to reach the release handle from outside of the truck. .

On our 2016 F-350, I have the puck system and I can remove my B&W hitch in less than 5 mins. Top comes off (easy handles to carry with) then release the 4 puck locks and lift it right out. I can do it alone, but easier with a helper.

For your concern on reaching the handle, I had the same issue. I bought this step for the side of the truck (see image from their web site below), as the running boards don't go back far enough. Installation took about 30 mins...could do it next time in about 15 mins, now that I've done it once.

http://www.autoanything.com/hitch-bed-accessories/61A7448A0A0.aspx

 

[happykraut]

I've had two Reese hitches and now have the B&W with the puck system. I love that B&W, it operates soo smooth and I think it is a much higher quality hitch than the Reese. I carry an aluminum two step ladder/stool in the bed to reach my aux fuel tank, hitch or anything else in the bed.You can always extend the handle.

 

[Garypowell]

Greengas,

would you you share with us what the concerns were about the Anderson Ulimate that you heard?

i think I have seen one person who had a bent hitch pin plate.....but other than that the complaints seem to come from people who don't have one but comment how they don't think it will work.

Thanks.

 

[cgaskins]

I have the same new truck - 2017 F-350 Lariat Ultimate CC Short Bed. (I love the truck by the way....)

I had been using the B&W Patriot on my 2011 so I went with the B&W Companion for the Ford puck system. As far as I am concerned - it is the only choice.

Here are a few photos:

 

[BigGuy82]

On our 2016 F-350, I have the puck system and I can remove my B&W hitch in less than 5 mins. Top comes off (easy handles to carry with) then release the 4 puck locks and lift it right out. I can do it alone, but easier with a helper.

For your concern on reaching the handle, I had the same issue. I bought this step for the side of the truck (see image from their web site below), as the running boards don't go back far enough. Installation took about 30 mins...could do it next time in about 15 mins, now that I've done it once.

http://www.autoanything.com/hitch-bed-accessories/61A7448A0A0.aspx



View attachment 49133

For those looking to buy a new truck, on the 2017 Ford Super Duty, there is an extended running board option that takes it right up to the rear tire.

 

[BigGuy82]

Well, my new truck, 2017 F350 LB FX4 SRW Lariet, should be here in about a week or so. But, this post is not about the truck but about needing a new hitch. I have always used Pull Rite sliders and they have worked great. But they are very heavy and since my new truck is a long bed I don't need the slider anymore. So, I'm in the market for a new hitch. Should be 18K minimum, somewhat light weight, and use the Ford puck system. I was sold on the Anderson hitch but spoke to several people at the RV show today and they had some problems with it. Now I know, that is just a few and its possible they did not install it right. But it got me to thinking that I should look at the full range of what's available that fits my needs. So, I looked at BW. They look very solid, they use the pucks, the price is a bit higher than the Anderson but not too much. My biggest concern is will I be able to reach the release handle from outside of the truck. It does not seem to extend as far as others. Curt and Reese both made hitches that fit the pucks and again, they seem solid. I know there are many other makes and models but it seems that most don't work with the pucks or they require a frame adapter to work with them and I would really like to avoid that if possible. And finally, there is always the "Ford" hitch which from what I understand is actually just a rebranded Reese hitch.

So, I am asking for some guidance based on experience. If you were in my position (please not comments about not buying a Ford from your bowtie and Dodge folks ) what would you buy and why? I've got about a week or so to make this decision and get it done.

Thanks in advance, as always.

I've got a Reese 18k Elite Hitch for the Ford pucks on my 2016 Super Duty. Looks good (for a hitch), is easily removable (when I take mine out, I easily remove the top plate and then pop the base out of the pucks - very light), lockable. About $1,150 at eTrailer.

Here's a link to the video: https://www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel/Reese/RP30142.html

If you have pucks already, you don't need the rail kit. Suggest you call eTrailer to confirm fit to 2017 Fords.

 

[Greengas]

Greengas,

would you you share with us what the concerns were about the Anderson Ulimate that you heard?

i think I have seen one person who had a bent hitch pin plate.....but other than that the complaints seem to come from people who don't have one but comment how they don't think it will work.

Thanks.

Let me start by saying that the Anderson Hitch is still up at the top of my list. I have not heard anything that would dissuade me buying it. So, at the RV show yesterday, at a hitch dealer, I got into a conversation about the Anderson hitch with some owners. Two of them were shopping for a new hitch because the Anderson hitch turned and in their words "torqued" in the bed of the truck causing them to have to make an emergency stop. Now, my thought is that if the hitch turned in the bed of the truck it was because they did not torque down the bolts holding it place enough. In all my research I had never heard of that happening. The other comments were about the pressure it puts on the bed of the truck which was fine but got me to thinking about my 2017 F350 which does not have a steel bed. Again, don't see it as a stopper but it did make me realize that I have been locked onto buying the Anderson hitch since I saw it at our fall rally and found out that Heartland has ok'd it for not causing a violation of the frame warranty. So, I started thinking, before I buy this hitch maybe I should at least look at what is available for the Ford puck system. I would hate to buy the hitch and then find out there was something that I would have liked even better. Right now I am basically looking at either the B&W or the Anderson.

I understand your possible frustration with those who talk bad about something without any first hand knowledge and that was not my intent. Sorry if I did not make that clear but I hope with my rambling response it is now at least clear as mud.

 

[HOOKERUP]

When I got my 2016 F350 dealer threw in Reese 26.5 hitch. Also had dealer install in truck. Since this was done during sale it is under Ford warranty. ( In writing on purchase order ). Only problem is that the handle is too high above bed rails so can't install bed cover. Locked the puck handles with pad locks, and the hitch head with a pin lock. You never know.

 

[happykraut]

When I got my 2016 F350 dealer threw in Reese 26.5 hitch. Also had dealer install in truck. Since this was done during sale it is under Ford warranty. ( In writing on purchase order ). Only problem is that the handle is too high above bed rails so can't install bed cover. Locked the puck handles with pad locks, and the hitch head with a pin lock. You never know.

Had the same problem with one of the Reeses I owned. I just turned the handle 180 degrees. I might of shortened the handle too, but not sure about the shortening.

 

[Mrsfish]

Had the same problem with one of the Reeses I owned. I just turned the handle 180 degrees. I might of shortened the handle too, but not sure about the shortening.

Ditto. Slightly harder to open the jaws, but fit under the cover perfectly

 

[BigGuy82]

Ditto. Slightly harder to open the jaws, but fit under the cover perfectly

I just pushed the handle down and stuck a short piece of 2 x 4 between the top plate and the hitch body. Works perfectly.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

I've had two Reese hitches and now have the B&W with the puck system. I love that B&W, it operates soo smooth and I think it is a much higher quality hitch than the Reese. I carry an aluminum two step ladder/stool in the bed to reach my aux fuel tank, hitch or anything else in the bed.You can always extend the handle.

Extending the handles seems like a great idea, but you still have to get WAY up in there to insert/remove the locking pin.

 

[BigGuy82]

Extending the handles seems like a great idea, but you still have to get WAY up in there to insert/remove the locking pin.

You could try this instead of a ladder - looks interesting so I ordered one. Right now I use a small fiberglass step ladder. No problems.

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Stairs-and-Steps/Powerbuilt/ALL647596.html

 

[Oregon_Camper]

You could try this instead of a ladder - looks interesting so I ordered one. Right now I use a small fiberglass step ladder. No problems.

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Stairs-and-Steps/Powerbuilt/ALL647596.html

Thanks...but I already installed the side step on my truck. Scroll up a few posts and you'll see a picture of what it looks like (not my truck..just picture from MFG site)

 

[Garypowell]

Greengas,

thanks for the explanation. I saw an answer to that torquing in that Andersen said it was normal and the concerned person put a 2 by 10 on either side laid in the bed that stopped it.

For me, I have rails installed for my now old (10 years) Curt....so not a concern.

It is arriving tomorrow.

I have never seen any official notice from HL that the Andersen hitch is approved but when in Elkhart this summer getting my frame fixed the guy next to me, in for the same problem, had an Anderson. The worker moving his rig into the shop mentioned to his boss "we need to build an adaptor since so many customers are changing to Andersen". Figured that if they would still fix that guys frame it must not be a big deal to them.

I installed my own rails so I am curious if the Andersen will fit OK. Should be fine......but one never knows.