We are first time "going to buy" 5th wheeler and pick-up truck timers....any hints on hitches? We are currently leaning towards Big Horn 3010 and Ram SLT 3/4 ton, 4x2 diesel with a short bed......any suggestions or thoughts would so be appreciated,,,there is so much to learn...and we don't want to regret not doing all the right research!
No Idea About What Hitch To Buy
- Thread starter mjmdtm
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GOTTOYS
Well-known member
Spend the extra $$ for the Ram 3500 model. You will have the exact same truck but more load capacity. Your 3010 will have too much pin weight for a 2500. You'll be over by about 800-900 pounds on your rear axle with a 2500. How do I know? I have a 2500 and had it weighed with my BC 3250 which is about the same weight as a 3010...Don't go by the published pin weight, that's based on an empty trailer with no options. The actual weight will usually be 700-900 pounds more. I use a Pull Right Super Glide with mine. Probably didn't need the sliding hitch but the Rams have the shortest cab to axle length of all the HD short box trucks out there...Don
danemayer
Well-known member
BEFORE you buy the truck, ask to see the payload specification on that specific model. Payload represents the total amount of weight the truck can carry (vertical load). When you add the pin weight spec of the 5th wheel, plus the 800-900# that Don mentioned, plus the weight of the hitch, bed liner, bed cover, tools and other junk in the bed, passengers, etc., you'll almost certainly overload a 3/4 ton truck. When you look at the 3500 which will have higher payload, you still have to get the spec. On single rear-wheel 3500 models, Dodge has in the past skimped on the components that contribute to higher payloads. I almost bought a 2010 Dodge 3500 SRW until I saw the spec. It was over 1000# less than I needed and was only 200# more than the 2500. Ford and Chevy both had way higher payload specs. Maybe they've stopped doing this, but the last thing you want to do is buy a new truck and trailer and find out you're overloaded. Especially since you can avoid the problem by checking the spec before buying.
GOTTOYS
Well-known member
FYI..The 2013 Ram (formerly Dodge) is pretty much revamped engine, frame and suspension wise. They haven't released the GVW ratings yet only to say they will be increased. I would wait just a little longer and see what they offer before making a decision on the truck. In this case more is for sure better...Don
danemayer
Well-known member
They haven't changed. The payload for single rear wheel 3500s is still 1000# less than Ford or GMC. With Dodge, you have to go to the dually to get the payload needed for most 5th wheels.
Dodge has a great truck - I don't know why they cripple the SRW models.
1231ChaseB
Well-known member
Seem's like a hitch question turned into a truck reply ?????? What did i miss ?
chaseb
chaseb
sjs731
Well-known member
I use a B & W Companion hitch. I prefer it because there are no rails in the bed of the truck to interfere with anything when I take the hitch out. Also since it has a turnover ball I could also pull a gooseneck trailer if I was ever inclined.
Steve
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Steve
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rick_debbie_gallant
Well-known member
No question about it, the B&W is the way to go! That and put it in a RAM 3500. You will then be a happy camper!
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DRGalligher
Well-known member
My suggestion is to buy the best you can afford. There are so many hitches out there of high quality. Since we had a Hensley Arrow with our TT, when we purchased our fifth wheel it was a logical move for us to purchase a TrailerSaver. This has air bags and shocks with a Holland Binkley head. This combination makes for a smooth, non-chucking ride, saving your trailer and your nerves!
Dodge, Chevy, Ford are all good TV and each has something the other does not. I would consider getting a 1 ton (F-350/3500) over the 3/4 ton F-250/2500). Can't hurt to have the extra capacity and its not that much more expensive. Also would consider the long bed over the short bed. I have heard that short beds require sliding rails. I went with the Ford F-350 long bed with the Ford factory 5th wheel prep package and purchased the Ford/Reese 5th wheel hitch from Ford. This way I know everything works together and have a Ford factory warranty. Didn't have to install rails at all since the truck comes from the factory already prepped for the hitch and all the wiring installed. There are two hitches available, 18K and 25K. Dodge, Chevy, Ford is your decision but get a one ton long bed to eliminate possible problems.
jayandhisgals
Well-known member
We did a lot of research before we purchased our truck and rig. I would have to say I totally agree with TwoToes. You will be much happier with a 1 ton and a long bed. You may also really want to consider a Duall Rear Wheel truck, it will provide you with much more stability. Being that you are "first timers" a one ton truck, with a long bed & DRW will make your travels much more enjoyable and a lot less stressful. Reese and B&W both make good hitches, when shoping for hitches... buy new and go big add 20% to your gtwr, it's better to be safe then sorry.
Happy trails, hope to see you on the road.
Happy trails, hope to see you on the road.
ILH
Well-known member
I too had a Hensley with my TT - and bought the Trailsaver BD3 when I moved to a 5er. As DRGalligher said, the air bags really smooth out the ride.
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mobilcastle
Well-known member
B&W companion is what I have and I really like how it hitches and unhitches-Check it out.
mattpopp
Trouble Maker
B&w all day long.
I just bought a F350 that has the 5th prep in it. Thankfully B&w builds a hitch to accept the ford prep. All I had to do was buy the lower portion that attached to the truck.
The B&W hitch for the Ford prep is rated for 20klb. The B&W Companion is rated for 18klb. My opinion is that these are the best hitches on the market.
I just bought a F350 that has the 5th prep in it. Thankfully B&w builds a hitch to accept the ford prep. All I had to do was buy the lower portion that attached to the truck.
The B&W hitch for the Ford prep is rated for 20klb. The B&W Companion is rated for 18klb. My opinion is that these are the best hitches on the market.
