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Old 02-13-2021, 05:12 AM   #1
JandC
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Favorite Hitch

Sold our DP and will be purchasing a F350 (SRW) and fiver within the next month. We are still full timing so this will go pretty quickly.

Since it has been over 6 years since my last fiver, what are some of the more popular hitches being used now, and why? Appreciate any recommendations.

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Old 02-13-2021, 05:47 AM   #2
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My decision was based on hitch weight and my ability to remove and install myself. Years ago and many RVs ago I had a Reese hitch. My youngest son was still living at home so the two of us wrestled it in and out. I chose the Demco Recon. There may be lighter hitches out there but the day we bought the Monte - this was my best choice from the dealer. I do not have site conditions at my house where a lift would work to get the hitch out...it’s just me.
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Old 02-13-2021, 08:19 AM   #3
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I agree with Mikendebbie, above, that the Demco Recon is a pretty good hitch. I have nothing to compare it with though, since this is the only fifth wheel hitch (and the only fifth wheel trailer) I've ever had or towed with. (I'm a life-long bumper pull trailer tower, until 2 years ago, and I'm now almost 66 years old.)

Anyway, back to the Recon.... Like Mikendebbie above, I let my dealer pick the hitch and they installed it when I purchased the Montana. I had no clue what I wanted, what would work good. All I knew was, I had a very dependable and reliable dealership that I'd done a lot of business with in the past, and I trusted their judgment call. They sized the right hitch with the right trailer with the right truck. I think they also sized the hitch to the right owner too (Me). Knowing my age at the time, and after lengthy discussions how I use my truck for more than just towing a trailer, they made this decision for me. And it was a good decision. I took me some time to finally realize this hitch is really a little gem.

First, it did not cost a fortune.

Second, double pivot. I didn't realize how important that was (but I think most hitches have this feature anyway).

Third, I learned it had a 21,000 pound towing capacity. More than adequate with lots of room to spare for my Montana.

Fourth, the actual size. I installed a flip top bed cover to hide the hitch and to keep it out of the elements when not towing. The bed cover does not interfear with the hitch at all, open or closed.

Fifth, The hitch can separate into 3 sections, simply by pulling a cotter pin and a pin, making each section very easy to handle and remove from the bed of the truck. Even without separating, the total weight is still around 60 or 70 pounds.

Here's a link to their web site that has 2 YouTube videos that shows much more than I can explain. Click here.

I know there are other hitches out there that have air ride suspension on them, shocks, that slide, and a number of other things to make life easier and more comfortable. But for a basic hitch that has a lot to offer, that after more than 2 years of towing thousands and thousands of miles now, it's a pretty decent hitch.







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Old 02-13-2021, 08:41 AM   #4
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If you were to do a multi forum 'study', you will find that there are a lot of B&W owners that are 100% satisfied. Mine is 11, going on 12 years old with no problems - ever and rated 20,000 pounds. It is an easy in and out using the Ford puck system though each piece weighs in at about 70 pounds. I have no problem with that weight at my age(75) though others may.
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Old 02-13-2021, 09:17 AM   #5
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I also have B&W that I’m more than happy with. But everybody is happy with their hitch. If they weren’t they wouldn’t have it. Go compare several see which you think will serve you best ask questions. See the advantages of each. Then make your decision. I’m sure you will come up with the best hitch,, for you.
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Old 02-13-2021, 09:38 AM   #6
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In answer to the OPs question, I have an Anderson hitch. I don't want to get into the previous discussions of if it voids warranties or whatever. I like it, it's very lightweight, and it pulls very well with no chucking. A question for dave. I've recently upgraded to a newer Ford truck with the puck system. Neither my rail mount Anderson, nor my Curt Q20 that I kept back will fit directly into the puck system. Upon research, I'll have to buy an adapter either from Reece or Demco which will set the hitch even higher on an already tall truck. Please expand on your statement that your 11-year-old hitch will easily fit into the Ford Puck system.
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Old 02-13-2021, 10:02 AM   #7
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Another happy B&W with the Ford puck system user here.
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Old 02-13-2021, 10:10 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by dieselguy View Post
In answer to the OPs question, I have an Anderson hitch. I don't want to get into the previous discussions of if it voids warranties or whatever. I like it, it's very lightweight, and it pulls very well with no chucking. A question for dave. I've recently upgraded to a newer Ford truck with the puck system. Neither my rail mount Anderson, nor my Curt Q20 that I kept back will fit directly into the puck system. Upon research, I'll have to buy an adapter either from Reece or Demco which will set the hitch even higher on an already tall truck. Please expand on your statement that your 11-year-old hitch will easily fit into the Ford Puck system.
What I know about the adapters, not a height factor with my rail mount Andersen .I have the Reese adapter, there is the Demco, as well as the PullRite . Demo does sit a bit lower ,but not much.

I didn't want to switch hitches back when I purchased my 2014 Ram 3500 with the puck system ,so I went with the adapter ,and since went with the rail mount Andersen. cheaper alternative at the time . I wouldn't do anything different today if I had a rail mount hitch , or if I went with a new truck.

I'm thinking what Dave is talking about is a B&W connected with the gooseneck ball, may be mistaken ,but if its that old it certainly isn't a four point hitch attachment. , and definitely not the puck style .

To answer the OP ,the Andersen is certainly worth a look .
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Old 02-13-2021, 10:34 AM   #9
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B&W here with pucks. However, the Gen2 goosebox may be the preferred one for me.
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Old 02-13-2021, 10:36 AM   #10
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I am using the Anderson and really like it. I have it hooked to a Curt gooseneck setup. At less than 40lbs. and having two lower discs fused in my back, the weight is something i can manage pulling in and out of the truck.
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Old 02-13-2021, 10:58 AM   #11
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PSFord99 ... thanks for your input on my question. Oddly, if you want to go ahead and put regular old style hitch rails on a truck with the puck system ... you have to lift the bed and remove the puck system as it interferes with the side brackets.
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Old 02-13-2021, 11:00 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by PSFORD99 View Post
I'm thinking what Dave is talking about is a B&W connected with the gooseneck ball, may be mistaken ,but if its that old it certainly isn't a four point hitch attachment. , and definitely not the puck style .

To answer the OP ,the Andersen is certainly worth a look .

The head unit is 11+ years old, the base is 6. It originally started out as a turn over style with the last truck, converted with a new base to the puck style
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Old 02-13-2021, 06:00 PM   #13
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Hitch

Quote:
Originally Posted by 432bartman View Post
I am using the Anderson and really like it. I have it hooked to a Curt gooseneck setup. At less than 40lbs. and having two lower discs fused in my back, the weight is something i can manage pulling in and out of the truck.
I also have that Anderson hitch and love it.. Very lightweight and easy to take in and out.
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Old 02-13-2021, 07:06 PM   #14
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If you get a shortbed with pucks then B&W. They adjust fore or aft without having to slide yet provide for cab clearance. They weigh a ton but otherwise function well.
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Old 02-13-2021, 08:17 PM   #15
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Joe, as was said, most everyone (myself included) will say their hitch is great. Make a list of what is important to you? Are you towing with a short bed or long bed? Will the hitch stay in the bed? How much does your rig weigh? Does your truck have a puck system or do you want a single point hitch? So, once you decide the important things to you, decide which hitches meet your needs. Pullrite, Reese, B&W, Andersen and others have their following. Find the hitch that fits YOUR needs.
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Old 02-14-2021, 02:07 PM   #16
JandC
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Thanks all for your input and replies. I'm leaning toward either a Remco Recon or B&W.

Going Tuesday to start dealing a a F350 dually. The fiver will be a triple axle 44' toy hauler. I'm hoping I'll have a good choice of hitches. With covid who knows what the stock pile will be like.
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Old 02-15-2021, 09:24 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by Dave W View Post
The head unit is 11+ years old, the base is 6. It originally started out as a turn over style with the last truck, converted with a new base to the puck style
That makes a little more sense ,considering your first post was a bit confusing considering there was not such a thing from B&W when you first purchased it .
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Old 02-15-2021, 08:00 PM   #18
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I am an autoslide user. My solution for the heavy hitch is to use a Harbour Freight engine hoist to move my Sliderite 2315 (2300 for Ram puck system) in and out of the bed. My hitch weighs in at #280 according to the manufacturer. I also use the Demko adapter to lift it from the king pin jaws. It is pretty easy to slide the hitch a bit so it balances. The engine hoist folds up and I store my hitch on 2x4's in my garage. It is a one person operation. I also start my lift with the gate up, connect, move it back a bit, then open the gate to remove it. I put moving blankets on the gate to prevent any potential scratching.
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Old 02-16-2021, 05:09 AM   #19
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B&W Companion. Heavy but worth it.
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Old 02-16-2021, 05:23 AM   #20
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Again, thanks for all the info. The Ford dealership I'm going to refers all their hitch installs to a local truck center. Called them and can get the Demco Recon installed by Friday. The owner of the shop said it was a really popular hitch, at least down here in Florida.
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