@@BBBYpsi one reason to be careful with a tug test is pulling too hard & stressing the fifth wheel frame. You’re using a 10,000 lb truck to pull against a 12000 lb or greater trailer & it stresses the frame. After owning my last fifth wheel 10 years I saw what it did to the trailer frame. With B & W hitch if the handle allows you to put a padlock thru it the jaws are locked.
@@raywilliams9934 I haul trailers for a living. A very light tug. My truck now has 962000 miles on it that's what that 5th wheel that I've been using the I do a slight tug test with. You must have been doing too hard of a tug test because when it's too hard you can bend the legs of the trailer and then they wont-work going up or down. But you gotta trust me I know what I'm doing since I do it for a living.
Hi Jared. I have the B&W Companion slider hitch for a Ram truck. Great solid hitch. Only problem it is very heavy. Great solid for towing but a pain to remove. Fortunately B&W has addressed this issue by offering a $45 hitch lifting link that fits into the hitch and locks in like a king pin. You then can hook up an overhead lifting device and the whole thing lifts out overhead, all in one piece! Perfect! I now remove the hitch by backing into the garage, hooking on, and lifting out. Job done in 5mins. I lower it down onto a dolley platform and roll it over to its storage corner in my garage. This is particularly useful for us senior folks who can't do that kind of lifting on our backs anymore. B&W owners, look for the lifting device on the B&W website. Your back will live you for it. Happy Trails!
I have the B&W which mounts into my gooseneck slot. The most important thing I wanted in choosing a hitch was as I was pulling our rig, did I feel confident about the connection of the truck to the trailer. I get that 100% with the B&W Companion.
I haven’t read all comments, and I don’t recall it being mentioned on the video, but the Curt is made in China while the Companion is made in US. Either way, great video!
Love my B&W on my Ford puck system, easy to install and remove if needed. I was a truck driver for 5 years with 600,000 miles and this system reminded me of the hitch on an 18 wheeler.
I have the Curt A20 on standard mounting rails and it has been a workhorse for me through 2 trailers and 2 trucks. My only issue is the rubber torsion bushings on the head stick sometimes. I have to wiggle it back and forth to get it free. Has a lot of side to side and front to rear movement. It is a heavy unit if not taken apart. I have a short bed so when I’m not using it I take it off the rails and move it to the front of the bed and put the back mount ears in the front rails then install the pins and ratchet strap it down so it doesn’t rattle. That opens up about 4.5’ of bed space at the rear.
Love my B&W for my Ram 2500. Went to Harbor Freight and purchased their set of polyurethane furniture moving pads and set the base unit on them and can move the base around the bed to install/remove quite easily by myself.
Great video! You explain things in an easy to understand manner. I also like that your video show exactly what you’re talking about. A picture is worth a thousand words. I’m happy to support your channel. Time for me to go through your older videos to add more views and likes. Keep up the great work!
I just purchased and installed the B&W on my 3018 Ram 3500. I have not used it yet. It was heavy and needed two people for the base to be put on the truck. Installing it was fairly easy. I am happy with the way it looks.
Great video dead on as far as the B&W we have over 260,000 miles between the fifth wheel and our company trailer never a problem! The customer service is awesome!! Needed to replace that dampner no questions received new one less than a week.
I have a Curt A20 that uses the rails in my F350. It is identical to the A25. You are right the hitch is so easy to use. The only place I have any noise while towing is at the hitch & Rail intersections. I put curt rubber bumpers in the joints and it helps greatly.
I own a Curt Q20 and have used it since it came out. At work, Fontaine. I’ve been looking at the B&W because of all the buzz it generates in the RV community. I’ve seen all kinds of crazy things after years in RV and commercial truck service so it’s interesting to see the forums and videos that people cite.
Good video. No mention of either hitch with the drop in gooseneck adapter. I have the B&W companion with the gooseneck drop in option. Love the hitch. Have had a few problems with it binding when unhooking. I have a dually and these trucks seem to be getting taller. Wish the handle was a little longer and had a spring lever to activate the pin that locks the handle to make access easier without having to nearly get up in the bed of the truck. The companion is heavy so mine stays in and the bed cover hides and protects it. Looked liked the Curt hitch offered more side to side pivot.
@@AllAboutRVs I did some research on the Curt 5th wheel hitches. There are many options. I also found they have a rail plate that will drop into the gooseneck hitch and then the Curt hitch attaches to it. I like the possibilty of getting a lighter hitch to take out and put in.
I purchased my first 5th wheel last month and started our 100% RV life. I spent months and months researching and determining the best 5th wheel hitch for my rig. My mind was made up on B&W. My only complaints, they weigh too much and take up too much of the bed space! If I wanted to use my truck bed for a day trip away from the 5th wheel, I would have to disassemble the hitch and store it somewhere else. Living 100% out of the RV would require the hitch to take up valuable space inside the 5th wheel storage to secure it (you don't want that stolen). Then, I found Big Truck Big RV's video on the Reese Goosebox. This replaces the stock RV coupler and only requires a goose ball in your truck bed. Which is easily removable! I am so glad I found the Reese Goosebox BEFORE I purchased our 5th wheel! To make my decision 10x better, the Goosebox does NOT void the Lippert warranty. Where most, if not all goosneck conversion kits put too much strain on the frame and your warranty is null and void.
Alas Reese has no plans to make a higher limit Goosebox (confirmed this with them a few months back) or I’d probably get one. But with 20K trailer in the plans I’d rather have a 25K hitch.
I have a Ram 3500 dually with the OEM puck system, and find it strange that your Ram doesn’t have the gooseball connection point that I have. For those who do, the Pullrite Superlite gooseball hitch is fantastic! It’s similar to the Andersen hitch, but better. I highly recommend it!
Best video I've seen. Very informative, very professional. I'm getting back into the 5th wheel scene after a 14-year absence. Going from a Ram dually to single wheel 3500 8-foot box. Think I'll go with the Curt. The trailer is a year old 39-foot Montana with an Andersen hitch. Not sold on that system. I like the jaw lock mechanism.Thank you.....from your neighbour north of the 49th. Love the States, especially Texas.
I haul travel trailers for a living since 2012 got 888,000 miles on my truck. I have used the curt 20 & never had a issue with it. It is on rails I like this new one. I like this new puck system. The current 5th wheel one I have is like 300 lbs. I am a out of shape old fart. Taking them apart with this puck system would be great for me when I want to go camping. Probably be getting a new truck in next year or two.
Excellent video! I told the dealer where we bought our rig that I wanted a Reese but he knew better and installed a Husky. It's a solid hitch but does allow the pin to float a little at start and stop. Knowing what I know now I should have made the guy remove the Husky but...
Good video. Just reminded me of why I have neither for our 5th wheel. On the B& W the handle is in the wrong position to operate with these super tall trucks, but the the Curt is a lot better. I use the Reese Goosebox pin box.
Reese Goosebox does save the bed of your truck if it works with your setup. I never thought about the handle being in a bad position but I'm over 6' and is easy for me to reach.
Good review. I am not sure about the gm or ram, but the puck system on the ford needs to be designed by a person that uses the truck for hauling gravel, or garden stuff etc. The truck mounts are set above the floor of the truck even with the ribs. This means that if you are scooping out dirt or other then you are continually ramming into the pucks. Works great on my b&w, but not with the other types of truck uses.
So True! When I haul dirt or gravel I grab a tarp that I plan to retire soon and put it down in the bed before I have the dirt dumped in. When you go to clean it out and get to the bottom it is easy to pull the tarp and not have to scrape the bottom of the bed running into the pucks.
Great video Jared I have a Demco Autoslide and I have a MoRRyde Orbital pinbox works ok but the hitch is very heavy and I get a bit of chucking on bad roads
I just received an A 20 to replace the Q20 so I can use a Sidewinder. The one thing that stopped me from getting the B W is the weight. It is at or more than 200 pounds. The Curt that I just got is ~134 pounds. When tight on payload, every pound saved is more you can put in the trailer. My one ton has 3441 pounds payload, when the whole family, 5 of us are in the truck ready to travel I have ~2500 pounds available to me. I had a Bakflip on it, 135 pounds in weight, took it off to get me over 2500. The only thing about the Curt, and didn't know it, Made in China.
We don't pull a 5th wheel. Even so, I found the discussion of these products fascinating...and revealing about some 5th wheel potential issues. Good stuff!
I may have missed it, but Curt Fifth Wheel Hitches are made in China. Their other lines are made in the U.S. My info source is an etrailer webpage titled "Where Hitches are Made.
Great video and thank you for sharing. I currently have a B&W hitch and I like. I have a dually and the problem I have is reaching the handle without having to climb on the bed of the truck to operate it.
Debating getting flat hauler bed with tool boxes. Would make it a lot easier to reach FW hitch and you wouldn’t be bouncing your trailer on your truck bed rails, but would lose utility of having bed sides.
@@MichaelBrown-kk6ck Funny enough, it also loses towing capacity. Don't know why, but the chassis cab trucks that they put the utility beds on have reduced capacities.
North bend That B&W looks awesome but I do not want to deal with the 150 lbs I always take my Hitch out when I get back from camping. Somebody always seems to be moving!
I have the same B&W hitch for my SB I did move it as far back as I could, my 5th wheel nose curve so it will give me a little more turn radius and I hope that I will never have to turn too sharply but if I did I will reangle my backing.
I looked at both of these brands when shopping for my hitch. My Ford did not have the pucks so that swayed me to the B&W with the turnover ball mount. PROS: I get a gooseneck hitch as an added bonus. CONS: Heavy to get in and out. If I were to do it again I think I would still buy a B&W, but retrofiit the puck system to my truck.
I have the B&W on my Ford F-350, love that thing. I use a HF electric wench in my pole barn to remove and reinstall said hitch, works great for us older people. 😂✌🏻️
Thinking of putting small easily removable swing arm hoist in bed of 2020 RAM 3500 for loading/unloading heavy B&W hitch or other stuff anywhere. So glad RAM finally followed Ford lead last year and made 115VAC outlet 400W instead of only 150W. That’ll make powering the hoist a lot easier.
We have the Curt and love it. I’ve heard Companions are nice but I’ve also heard that they are prone to opening bc the jaws don’t overlap, only touch. I don’t have any experience with them, so can’t be sure. As always, thank you for the informative video!
Whatever you have heard about the Companion hitch is just bs. If the jaws are locked by the pin, the design makes this not possible. And if they're unsafe because they don't overlap then that makes every, repeat every fifth wheel big truck on the road is unsafe for the same reason. The fifth wheel truck locking jaws clamp together just as the B&W jaws.
Kent Bullard that’s why I said I couldn’t be sure. Figured someone could help me with it. Our Curt overlaps and haven’t had any issues with it. Thanks for the info.
Kent Bullard I drive a “big truck”...they don’t connect in the middle like the B&W...if they did, I wouldn’t drive it. That’s an absolute no go for me. I don’t care how great it connects, that is a weak point for sure.
admorris11 the Curt I own overlaps and wraps about 1/2 way back around. It’s supposed to be better at avoiding it looking like it’s connected but really didn’t bc the pin was too high. (Forgot what that is called)
I'm still kinda new to 5th wheel RV'n. I bought the Kurt A20 (well over truck / trailer ratings) for our first hitch mainly for decent price and because it was a top name I recognized for receiver hitches. Overall, I like it fine, but I might have bought that B&W if I'd seen this video before buying. As for removal, I leave the whole works together and take it out as one unit. I welded up a lifting pin with eye on top and just use my tractors front end loader to pick it straight up and out and drop in the garage when not needed.
I’m shopping for hitches for my new F350 long box. Ford pick system Curt q25 Or possibly B&W But I really want to utilize these pucks I don’t want a rail adapter
i have the curt q16 in my GM and the micro adjustment for different trucks is accomplished by removing the cotter pins from the four nuts, dropping it in place, and retorqueing the nuts. I'm not sure if yours would be the same but I suspect it is.
BIG fan here with a quick question. I just bought an older F350 Dually that does not have the puck system for the 5th wheel hitch. It came with Curt rails that has CM1 stamped on it. Any recommendations for a hitch that will fit these rails?
did you have the Curt legs fastened into the puck system prior to initial assembly. if not, maybe doing that would make post assembly line up with the pucks a little smoother?
Big favor Jared, wife and I are still in the deciding and planning mode. Possibly either a 5th wheel or a travel trailer. Could you do a instructional video on how to safely hook and unhook a 5th wheel trailer? Kind of a hooking, unhooking for dummies vid LOL!!!
Richard Koch We too are Trying to decide between travel trailer and fifth wheel. Having to do a very fast crash course between the two because we need it fast. Job change, moving out of state, will have to live in it for several months before settling down in a house. Very daunting just because of the speed of things. I am a researcher, 1000 things up in the air at once, not enough time to feel I’m making the right decision. Poster...Thank you for this video, very informative.
@@steware Hi Evie, right now I am in a holding pattern due to the Stock Market blood letting. Our 401K went down the value of a 5th wheel and a new F-350 to tow it. Honestly, things are in a bad financial way. The RV industry is going to get slaughtered. Many people will have to let their like new 5th wheels go cheap to get away from the payments. Dealers will be in a true fire sale mode. If in a hurry look at new 5th wheels.......I would shoot a price at 45% off MSRP and wouldn't pay more than 40% off MSRP. Used from a private seller due to financial reasons depending on your personal level of taking advantage of a bad situation could bring about used RV's for 50-60% off MSRP for maybe a current or year old model. Same for travel trailers. I would go with a 5th wheel.......when you're done with it there will always be a buyer. Hopefully the Country will be in great shape in 18-24 months.......I think it will. I'm still investing in the 401K getting great stocks for a rock bottom price. Good luck and let me know how you do :)
so, we just got the 2020 3500 Laramie Longhorn. We got the big daddy high output engine with the raisin transmission. We have the 4.0 gear ratio BUT no puck system. The dealership said that they don't typically order these level trucks with the puck system already in it because they don't want people to have to be married to the MOPAR system. We are new to towing trucks and have no clue where to now get the puck system installed. The dealership has quoted us $950 to do the install but maybe we can get it done cheaper at a speciality shop? We will be hauling a 2021 GD Momentum 397TH and are wanting to be able to remove the hitch to haul 3 eBikes to trails. We have considered a Gooseneck hitch but they are a lot more money. Any advice?
I purchased a used 31 foot 5th. wheel in amazing shape and am now looking for a truck. Is that called putting the cart before the horse? I hope not. Anyway, I would prefer a short bed truck because I'm traveling alone, but I'm getting confused as to what is the best. I'm not going to buy new so I'm thinking an older Dodge with the Cummin's diesel. Any suggestions on both bed length and or brand of truck. Thanx, -keith
In my search for a 5th wheel receiver, I'm noticing that they are made specific for certain trucks. My question then is if you use top mounted bed rails that are universal, then isn't it a moot point?
great video.... I was about to purchase the Curt Q25 and seen your video and got the A25... for some reason it just looked a little better to me. thanks
Great idea, I think i'll have to do a video on that. I do a pull test more than I used to, It's a great practice to do and helps avoid a disaster. I should do it every time but some times I forget.
38 years and well over 3 million miles driving semi trucks. Pull tests can sometimes fail you into a false confirmation. Making sure the handle is in the proper locked position and the jaws are properly wrapped around the king pin is your best way of insuring you are hooked correctly. I've seen a lot of semi trailers dropped from guys who only did a 'tug test'.
You mentioned the B&W is made in America but didn't mention if the Curt is or is not? I'm leaning Curt because it looks like a smaller profile but if it's made outside the US that would be enough for me to go B&W. Thanks for the informative video!
@@AllAboutRVs thanks for the quick response. The wife and I are looking to upgrade our bunkhouse travel trailer to a bunkhouse fifth wheel possibly this year so I'm starting to narrow down my options of a hitch. My Duramax came factory with the puck system already installed on the frame and has the trailer wiring receptacle already in the bed so now it's time for the hitch. Love the channel and keep up the great work.
It won’t work for everyone but B&W makes a lifting eye that will assist in lifting the hitch out (with a vehicle lift or engine hoist). I understand they are heavy but B&W makes a hell of a good hitch. I have no negative words for Curt, they just aren’t as stout as B&W.
Kyle, have you ever taken a look at the Ram factory hitch? They offer one rated at 30,000 lbs. If I wanted a hitch that could handle up to 30,000 lbs., do you have a recommendation, i.e. Air Safe? Thanks.
Can you recommend an online retailer for these hitches? Also, this is basically a bolt-on install correct (assuming I have the 5th wheel prep package from the factory)?
I have the B&W companion hitch but it’s not the puck system I have it in a 2019 F350 Duelly I get a lot of chucking have you got any solutions to help with this have a morryde pin box on trailer
If the BMW Companion Ram hitch weighs about 154 lbs total and the Ford one weighs 78 lbs total and you figured the head of each one weighs about 75 lbs I would have to guess that maybe the Ford BMW Companion hitch may weigh more then 78 lbs total. I have the BMW on my Ram and do really like it.
The Curt A25 and A30 have two poly-torshion bushings that cannot be replaced. If one falls off or is damaged (per Curt) the hitch is useless. They do not sell the bushings.
I think Curt should paint the colors instead of a sticker. Stickers fade. I also liked the Curt, because it dampens the movement. If you couple the Curt hitch with a air pin box, it’s extremely smooth and truck and trailer travel down the road without any jerking, slamming, hoping, hard hits, or vibrations. You can also pin open the Curt. My vote is for Curt because of the weight and dampening. Thanks for the video.
We have the B&W... so far a very solid hitch. I have to laugh at comments about it being heavy AF. Seriously, how often are you likely to remove it? For most people it will be rarely if ever so the one time or few times you have actual manhandle it is merely an inconvenient and rare occasion. Now if you routinely need to haul it out for other truck bed needs.... then yeah, it is a pain. The real problem with the hitch weight is on payload and RAWR numbers. We have a RAM 3500 dually with 14000 GVWR, 9750 RAWR and 5565 lbs payload. The weight of the hitch is not an issue there for us. On a lesser capable truck and especially SRW that weight could come into play. We looked at the Curt long and hard, but B&W won out for us... YMMV as they say.
True, I don't take it in and out all the time but probably about 7-8 times a year and is not that big of a deal. I'm sure your will enjoy your B&W for many years.
Yes it should. If you have the puck system make sure you get the proper base for your make of truck. Ford Chevy and Ram all have a slightly different layout. If you don’t have the pucks you will have to go with the other mounting options.
I always use a padlock instead of the pin. I fear someone might open the handle to see how “funny” it might be to see a guy drop his trailer on the truck.
@@AllAboutRVs do a non scientific survey to find how many owners still can find those stupid cover. I tried to purchase replacements and the ford guy did not even know what they were.
We have a 32' 5th wheel. In the market for a newer, 2015 - 2017, Diesel Truck. My preference is a Duramax. Does anyone know how much, approx, it will be to have the Puck System installed in the bed of the newer truck?
The B&W was originally designed to work with the Gooseneck Turn Over Ball. amzn.to/30XnoDr . It might be easier to have that installed and still get the Companion from B&W
Ive had the Curt Q25 OEM (GM) and 2 B&W companions (one slider, one OEM). no comparison between quality - B&W FTW. sold the Q25 after one tow. the Q25 was very sloppy and i didnt like the "window" to see the coupling - but in fairness it is different than the A25.
Jared, just yesterday I installed the B&W base into my Ram3500 and today plan on setting up and installing the pivot arms and head unit. It looks like you installed the pivot arms in the Lowest Position (17") and 2" In Front of Axle from looking at the video. What calculations or procedures did you perform to determine which of the 1 of 12 positions to use? Did you do any type of measurements you could share?
We have a Montana and RAM 3500 dually and the B&W installed at the front and lowest position giving 7.25 inches clearance at the tailgate. Rides smooth. I started at the middle and over the center of the axle just in case. Moving to the forward position adds less than 50 lbs to the front axle. At 8.25 inches at the tailgate the trailer rode nose high. and still does at the lowest settling though it is better, but that will be addressed when we get the MORryde IS suspension upgrade on the trailer this spring. Level riding trailer is very important as is minimum 6 inches clearance from truck bed rails to bottom of the front of your fifth wheel trailer.
When we were setting up the hitch we had the RV set up on a very close to a level spot and I pulled the truck under where we would connect up. I figured the truck would squat at least 1.5 to 2" but I wanted to see what the clearance would be from the truck bed rails to the 5th wheel. I wanted 5.5" and it ended up I was able to get 6" with the RV level. When I had the Truck under there I measured what I would need to have the 6" clearance and what the height of the hitch needed to be from the bed to 5th wheel pin. pulling the truck up to it and figuring on it squatting close to 2" made it easier too. You don't have to pull under it but for me, it was just easier and faster. I hope that helps. My goal was to have good clearance and a level RV when towing.
Great video, Jared. QUESTION: Have you had any experience with the Andersen (Anderson?) Ultimate 5th Wheel hitch? Would love to hear your appraisal of that hitch system for a 5th wheel trailer. Y'all Be Safe!
I have not owned an Anderson hitch but have looked at them and have had a little experience with them. My only thing I would like to see different on it is a little more support. Instead of wowing us with the weight of 35 pounds I would like to see a little more structure to it and aim for 45 lbs. I know the hitch is designed and can handle the weight but I think the tubes have the potential to get damaged and significantly compromise the integrity. A little more structure could greatly reduce that chance even though it is a very slim chance. My overly critical thought and position is demonstrated by if you were to take a hammer and hit the leg of the B&W hitch and do the same to the Anderson tube leg I would feel much safer and would not hesitate using the B&W after an impact like that to where if there was a dent on the leg of the Anderson I would not use it any more. That's a quick rundown of my thoughts on it.
I really like the way the Curt hitch jaws wrap around the campers pin and overlap.
With the jaws closed, I placed some reflective stickers on the jaws so that I can quickly check the closed position with a flashlight at night.
Why people do not do a tug test is beyond me.
@@BBBYpsi one reason to be careful with a tug test is pulling too hard & stressing the fifth wheel frame. You’re using a 10,000 lb truck to pull against a 12000 lb or greater trailer & it stresses the frame. After owning my last fifth wheel 10 years I saw what it did to the trailer frame. With B & W hitch if the handle allows you to put a padlock thru it the jaws are locked.
@@raywilliams9934 I haul trailers for a living. A very light tug. My truck now has 962000 miles on it that's what that 5th wheel that I've been using the I do a slight tug test with. You must have been doing too hard of a tug test because when it's too hard you can bend the legs of the trailer and then they wont-work going up or down. But you gotta trust me I know what I'm doing since I do it for a living.
Hi Jared. I have the B&W Companion slider hitch for a Ram truck. Great solid hitch. Only problem it is very heavy. Great solid for towing but a pain to remove. Fortunately B&W has addressed this issue by offering a $45 hitch lifting link that fits into the hitch and locks in like a king pin. You then can hook up an overhead lifting device and the whole thing lifts out overhead, all in one piece! Perfect! I now remove the hitch by backing into the garage, hooking on, and lifting out. Job done in 5mins. I lower it down onto a dolley platform and roll it over to its storage corner in my garage. This is particularly useful for us senior folks who can't do that kind of lifting on our backs anymore. B&W owners, look for the lifting device on the B&W website. Your back will live you for it. Happy Trails!
I mean love you for it. Best $45 you will ever spend.
I have the B&W which mounts into my gooseneck slot. The most important thing I wanted in choosing a hitch was as I was pulling our rig, did I feel confident about the connection of the truck to the trailer. I get that 100% with the B&W Companion.
I haven’t read all comments, and I don’t recall it being mentioned on the video, but the Curt is made in China while the Companion is made in US.
Either way, great video!
I had no pucks in my 2020 Ram 3500 dually, so went with gooseneck companion and have used it hard. I delivered RVs for years and never had an issue.
Love my B&W on my Ford puck system, easy to install and remove if needed. I was a truck driver for 5 years with 600,000 miles and this system reminded me of the hitch on an 18 wheeler.
It's a great hitch for sure.
Instablaster.
I have the Curt A20 on standard mounting rails and it has been a workhorse for me through 2 trailers and 2 trucks. My only issue is the rubber torsion bushings on the head stick sometimes. I have to wiggle it back and forth to get it free. Has a lot of side to side and front to rear movement. It is a heavy unit if not taken apart. I have a short bed so when I’m not using it I take it off the rails and move it to the front of the bed and put the back mount ears in the front rails then install the pins and ratchet strap it down so it doesn’t rattle. That opens up about 4.5’ of bed space at the rear.
Love my B&W for my Ram 2500. Went to Harbor Freight and purchased their set of polyurethane furniture moving pads and set the base unit on them and can move the base around the bed to install/remove quite easily by myself.
That’s a great idea.
Great video! You explain things in an easy to understand manner. I also like that your video show exactly what you’re talking about. A picture is worth a thousand words. I’m happy to support your channel. Time for me to go through your older videos to add more views and likes. Keep up the great work!
Thank you!
I just purchased and installed the B&W on my 3018 Ram 3500. I have not used it yet. It was heavy and needed two people for the base to be put on the truck. Installing it was fairly easy. I am happy with the way it looks.
Great video dead on as far as the B&W we have over 260,000 miles between the fifth wheel and our company trailer never a problem! The customer service is awesome!! Needed to replace that dampner no questions received new one less than a week.
I love hearing things like this. Thanks for sharing!
I have the Reese Elite. It has worked very well. I think I would buy it again if I had to do it over.
No lie, you guys should be the most popular RV channel on TH-cam.
That is very kind thank you!
I have a Curt A20 that uses the rails in my F350. It is identical to the A25. You are right the hitch is so easy to use. The only place I have any noise while towing is at the hitch & Rail intersections. I put curt rubber bumpers in the joints and it helps greatly.
It's a great hitch. Thanks for watching.
I own a Curt Q20 and have used it since it came out. At work, Fontaine.
I’ve been looking at the B&W because of all the buzz it generates in the RV community.
I’ve seen all kinds of crazy things after years in RV and commercial truck service so it’s interesting to see the forums and videos that people cite.
I have the Curt hitch and love it. I have a chain hoist from Harbor Freight in my garage making removal/installation a breeze!
Such a good idea
Good video. No mention of either hitch with the drop in gooseneck adapter. I have the B&W companion with the gooseneck drop in option. Love the hitch. Have had a few problems with it binding when unhooking. I have a dually and these trucks seem to be getting taller. Wish the handle was a little longer and had a spring lever to activate the pin that locks the handle to make access easier without having to nearly get up in the bed of the truck. The companion is heavy so mine stays in and the bed cover hides and protects it. Looked liked the Curt hitch offered more side to side pivot.
Thank You.
@@AllAboutRVs I did some research on the Curt 5th wheel hitches. There are many options. I also found they have a rail plate that will drop into the gooseneck hitch and then the Curt hitch attaches to it. I like the possibilty of getting a lighter hitch to take out and put in.
Perfect timing, picking up a new hitch very soon...thanks!
I purchased my first 5th wheel last month and started our 100% RV life. I spent months and months researching and determining the best 5th wheel hitch for my rig. My mind was made up on B&W. My only complaints, they weigh too much and take up too much of the bed space! If I wanted to use my truck bed for a day trip away from the 5th wheel, I would have to disassemble the hitch and store it somewhere else. Living 100% out of the RV would require the hitch to take up valuable space inside the 5th wheel storage to secure it (you don't want that stolen). Then, I found Big Truck Big RV's video on the Reese Goosebox. This replaces the stock RV coupler and only requires a goose ball in your truck bed. Which is easily removable! I am so glad I found the Reese Goosebox BEFORE I purchased our 5th wheel! To make my decision 10x better, the Goosebox does NOT void the Lippert warranty. Where most, if not all goosneck conversion kits put too much strain on the frame and your warranty is null and void.
Reese Goosebox is a great option.
It's a nice hitch but it's limited to only 20K pound trailers.
Alas Reese has no plans to make a higher limit Goosebox (confirmed this with them a few months back) or I’d probably get one. But with 20K trailer in the plans I’d rather have a 25K hitch.
@@MichaelBrown-kk6ck Yeah. That is why I went with the Andersen. Tows better than anything else I've used.
Love my Curt A25. Tow buddy loves his B&W. They are both excellent htches. B&W does have a leg up on adjustability
Have you had issues with the release handle latching? I have an A20 and that is bothersome
I have a Ram 3500 dually with the OEM puck system, and find it strange that your Ram doesn’t have the gooseball connection point that I have. For those who do, the Pullrite Superlite gooseball hitch is fantastic! It’s similar to the Andersen hitch, but better. I highly recommend it!
It was a bit of a strange one, I think at some point I’m going to add it to test other hitches.
I have the pullrite goose ball hitch, it's for sale. 1yr old, great condition. Sold our 5th wheel. $450 takes it
Best video I've seen. Very informative, very professional. I'm getting back into the 5th wheel scene after a 14-year absence. Going from a Ram dually to single wheel 3500 8-foot box. Think I'll go with the Curt. The trailer is a year old 39-foot Montana with an Andersen hitch. Not sold on that system. I like the jaw lock mechanism.Thank you.....from your neighbour north of the 49th. Love the States, especially Texas.
I haul travel trailers for a living since 2012 got 888,000 miles on my truck. I have used the curt 20 & never had a issue with it. It is on rails I like this new one. I like this new puck system. The current 5th wheel one I have is like 300 lbs. I am a out of shape old fart. Taking them apart with this puck system would be great for me when I want to go camping. Probably be getting a new truck in next year or two.
Has any used the curt crosswing hitch?
I love Curt hitches, I have two.
Excellent overview!
Have you ever tried the Anderson Ultimate?
Excellent video! I told the dealer where we bought our rig that I wanted a Reese but he knew better and installed a Husky. It's a solid hitch but does allow the pin to float a little at start and stop. Knowing what I know now I should have made the guy remove the Husky but...
Rv dealers can be difficult sometimes.
Great Review, Thank You!
I ve
got the curt in my truck and love it
It's a great one.
Good video. Just reminded me of why I have neither for our 5th wheel. On the B& W the handle is in the wrong position to operate with these super tall trucks, but the the Curt is a lot better. I use the Reese Goosebox pin box.
Reese Goosebox does save the bed of your truck if it works with your setup. I never thought about the handle being in a bad position but I'm over 6' and is easy for me to reach.
B&W is made just a few miles south of me, in Humboldt, Kansas! USA made!
Good review. I am not sure about the gm or ram, but the puck system on the ford needs to be designed by a person that uses the truck for hauling gravel, or garden stuff etc. The truck mounts are set above the floor of the truck even with the ribs. This means that if you are scooping out dirt or other then you are continually ramming into the pucks. Works great on my b&w, but not with the other types of truck uses.
So True! When I haul dirt or gravel I grab a tarp that I plan to retire soon and put it down in the bed before I have the dirt dumped in. When you go to clean it out and get to the bottom it is easy to pull the tarp and not have to scrape the bottom of the bed running into the pucks.
Great video Jared I have a Demco Autoslide and I have a MoRRyde Orbital pinbox works ok but the hitch is very heavy and I get a bit of chucking on bad roads
I just received an A 20 to replace the Q20 so I can use a Sidewinder. The one thing that stopped me from getting the B W is the weight. It is at or more than 200 pounds. The Curt that I just got is ~134 pounds. When tight on payload, every pound saved is more you can put in the trailer. My one ton has 3441 pounds payload, when the whole family, 5 of us are in the truck ready to travel I have ~2500 pounds available to me. I had a Bakflip on it, 135 pounds in weight, took it off to get me over 2500. The only thing about the Curt, and didn't know it, Made in China.
We don't pull a 5th wheel. Even so, I found the discussion of these products fascinating...and revealing about some 5th wheel potential issues. Good stuff!
Thank you!
I may have missed it, but Curt Fifth Wheel Hitches are made in China. Their other lines are made in the U.S. My info source is an etrailer webpage titled "Where Hitches are Made.
Great video and thank you for sharing. I currently have a B&W hitch and I like. I have a dually and the problem I have is reaching the handle without having to climb on the bed of the truck to operate it.
I wonder if you could bolt an extension to the handle that would be easier to reach.
@@AllAboutRVs , Thank you for your response. That is something I have been thinking about and might have to do.
Debating getting flat hauler bed with tool boxes. Would make it a lot easier to reach FW hitch and you wouldn’t be bouncing your trailer on your truck bed rails, but would lose utility of having bed sides.
@@MichaelBrown-kk6ck Funny enough, it also loses towing capacity. Don't know why, but the chassis cab trucks that they put the utility beds on have reduced capacities.
North bend
That B&W looks awesome but I do not want to deal with the 150 lbs
I always take my Hitch out when I get back from camping.
Somebody always seems to be moving!
Great video. Thank you for showing the differences between the two
Thanks
I have the same B&W hitch for my SB I did move it as far back as I could, my 5th wheel nose curve so it will give me a little more turn radius and I hope that I will never have to turn too sharply but if I did I will reangle my backing.
I looked at both of these brands when shopping for my hitch. My Ford did not have the pucks so that swayed me to the B&W with the turnover ball mount. PROS: I get a gooseneck hitch as an added bonus. CONS: Heavy to get in and out. If I were to do it again I think I would still buy a B&W, but retrofiit the puck system to my truck.
Great Choice!
Great video!!! Great information!! Thank you.
I would like to see a similar video with the rail system and gooseneck when you get a chance please
I'll add it to the list of videos I plan to do.
@@AllAboutRVs I would like to see that also. I need to replace my 15 year old hitch, but i do not have a puck system in my 2009 ford
I have the B&W on my Ford F-350, love that thing. I use a HF electric wench in my pole barn to remove and reinstall said hitch, works great for us older people. 😂✌🏻️
Fantastic idea. We had a neighbored that did the same thing. Work smarter not harder.
Thinking of putting small easily removable swing arm hoist in bed of 2020 RAM 3500 for loading/unloading heavy B&W hitch or other stuff anywhere. So glad RAM finally followed Ford lead last year and made 115VAC outlet 400W instead of only 150W. That’ll make powering the hoist a lot easier.
Michael Brown, Ford does have a better idea!😂✌🏻️
We have the Curt and love it. I’ve heard Companions are nice but I’ve also heard that they are prone to opening bc the jaws don’t overlap, only touch. I don’t have any experience with them, so can’t be sure. As always, thank you for the informative video!
Whatever you have heard about the Companion hitch is just bs. If the jaws are locked by the pin, the design makes this not possible. And if they're unsafe because they don't overlap then that makes every, repeat every fifth wheel big truck on the road is unsafe for the same reason. The fifth wheel truck locking jaws clamp together just as the B&W jaws.
Kent Bullard that’s why I said I couldn’t be sure. Figured someone could help me with it. Our Curt overlaps and haven’t had any issues with it. Thanks for the info.
Kent Bullard I drive a “big truck”...they don’t connect in the middle like the B&W...if they did, I wouldn’t drive it. That’s an absolute no go for me. I don’t care how great it connects, that is a weak point for sure.
admorris11 the Curt I own overlaps and wraps about 1/2 way back around. It’s supposed to be better at avoiding it looking like it’s connected but really didn’t bc the pin was too high. (Forgot what that is called)
admorris11 I will refer you to the comment from Michael Crawford
I'm still kinda new to 5th wheel RV'n. I bought the Kurt A20 (well over truck / trailer ratings) for our first hitch mainly for decent price and because it was a top name I recognized for receiver hitches. Overall, I like it fine, but I might have bought that B&W if I'd seen this video before buying. As for removal, I leave the whole works together and take it out as one unit. I welded up a lifting pin with eye on top and just use my tractors front end loader to pick it straight up and out and drop in the garage when not needed.
I'm sure that tractor makes it very easy to do, great idea.
I’m shopping for hitches for my new F350 long box.
Ford pick system
Curt q25
Or possibly B&W
But I really want to utilize these pucks I don’t want a rail adapter
Great comparison! We are in market for a hitch and have been looking at the Anderson. Between the two you reviewed I like the Curt.
It's a great hitch, I don't think you would be disappointed.
i have the curt q16 in my GM and the micro adjustment for different trucks is accomplished by removing the cotter pins from the four nuts, dropping it in place, and retorqueing the nuts. I'm not sure if yours would be the same but I suspect it is.
Yes I did do that and it helped a little but the B&W was able to get it perfect.
I
Great Job Sir. Thank you for producing these videos . They really help!
Thank you.
Great instruction. Per usual. Can a puck system be installed aftermarket?
Yes they can.
Yes ours was actually installed by the dealer
BIG fan here with a quick question. I just bought an older F350 Dually that does not have the puck system for the 5th wheel hitch. It came with Curt rails that has CM1 stamped on it. Any recommendations for a hitch that will fit these rails?
I also love my b and
W. The only hitch I would use.
I hear that a lot, It's a fantastic hitch.
Curt all the way! I have it in two different trucks.
Great information. Nice job of presenting the facts.
Thank you!
did you have the Curt legs fastened into the puck system prior to initial assembly. if not, maybe doing that would make post assembly line up with the pucks a little smoother?
I have the demco recon and like it. Light weight was key for me.
That's great.
Can you do one for slider hitches, I have a 2020 Silverado 2500 with standard bed and trying to decide if I need the slider?
Big favor Jared, wife and I are still in the deciding and planning mode. Possibly either a 5th wheel or a travel trailer. Could you do a instructional video on how to safely hook and unhook a 5th wheel trailer? Kind of a hooking, unhooking for dummies vid LOL!!!
Great Idea. I'll add it to my list of videos to do.
Richard Koch
We too are Trying to decide between travel trailer and fifth wheel. Having to do a very fast crash course between the two because we need it fast. Job change, moving out of state, will have to live in it for several months before settling down in a house. Very daunting just because of the speed of things. I am a researcher, 1000 things up in the air at once, not enough time to feel I’m making the right decision.
Poster...Thank you for this video, very informative.
@@steware Hi Evie, right now I am in a holding pattern due to the Stock Market blood letting. Our 401K went down the value of a 5th wheel and a new F-350 to tow it.
Honestly, things are in a bad financial way. The RV industry is going to get slaughtered. Many people will have to let their like new 5th wheels go cheap to get away from the payments.
Dealers will be in a true fire sale mode. If in a hurry look at new 5th wheels.......I would shoot a price at 45% off MSRP and wouldn't pay more than 40% off MSRP.
Used from a private seller due to financial reasons depending on your personal level of taking advantage of a bad situation could bring about used RV's for 50-60% off MSRP for maybe a current or year old model. Same for travel trailers.
I would go with a 5th wheel.......when you're done with it there will always be a buyer. Hopefully the Country will be in great shape in 18-24 months.......I think it will. I'm still investing in the 401K getting great stocks for a rock bottom price. Good luck and let me know how you do :)
so, we just got the 2020 3500 Laramie Longhorn. We got the big daddy high output engine with the raisin transmission. We have the 4.0 gear ratio BUT no puck system. The dealership said that they don't typically order these level trucks with the puck system already in it because they don't want people to have to be married to the MOPAR system. We are new to towing trucks and have no clue where to now get the puck system installed. The dealership has quoted us $950 to do the install but maybe we can get it done cheaper at a speciality shop? We will be hauling a 2021 GD Momentum 397TH and are wanting to be able to remove the hitch to haul 3 eBikes to trails. We have considered a Gooseneck hitch but they are a lot more money. Any advice?
Love this! Big bad hitches 👏🏻
Thanks.
I purchased a used 31 foot 5th. wheel in amazing shape and am now looking for a truck. Is that called putting the cart before the horse? I hope not. Anyway, I would prefer a short bed truck because I'm traveling alone, but I'm getting confused as to what is the best. I'm not going to buy new so I'm thinking an older Dodge with the Cummin's diesel. Any suggestions on both bed length and or brand of truck. Thanx, -keith
In my search for a 5th wheel receiver, I'm noticing that they are made specific for certain trucks. My question then is if you use top mounted bed rails that are universal, then isn't it a moot point?
Yes, usually the specific truck options are for the puck system.
Great information, thank you!
i just subsribed i like your way of presenting good job
great video.... I was about to purchase the Curt Q25 and seen your video and got the A25... for some reason it just looked a little better to me. thanks
Thanks!
Another great video....thank you!!!!!!!!
Thank you!
Great video! Do you always perform a Pull Test after hookup? Perhaps an instructional video on performing a Pull Test.
Great idea, I think i'll have to do a video on that. I do a pull test more than I used to, It's a great practice to do and helps avoid a disaster. I should do it every time but some times I forget.
38 years and well over 3 million miles driving semi trucks. Pull tests can sometimes fail you into a false confirmation. Making sure the handle is in the proper locked position and the jaws are properly wrapped around the king pin is your best way of insuring you are hooked correctly. I've seen a lot of semi trailers dropped from guys who only did a 'tug test'.
You mentioned the B&W is made in America but didn't mention if the Curt is or is not? I'm leaning Curt because it looks like a smaller profile but if it's made outside the US that would be enough for me to go B&W. Thanks for the informative video!
Great question, the Curt is assembled in america but some parts come from over seas.
@@AllAboutRVs thanks for the quick response. The wife and I are looking to upgrade our bunkhouse travel trailer to a bunkhouse fifth wheel possibly this year so I'm starting to narrow down my options of a hitch. My Duramax came factory with the puck system already installed on the frame and has the trailer wiring receptacle already in the bed so now it's time for the hitch. Love the channel and keep up the great work.
It won’t work for everyone but B&W makes a lifting eye that will assist in lifting the hitch out (with a vehicle lift or engine hoist). I understand they are heavy but B&W makes a hell of a good hitch.
I have no negative words for Curt, they just aren’t as stout as B&W.
very true they are stout
Kyle, have you ever taken a look at the Ram factory hitch? They offer one rated at 30,000 lbs. If I wanted a hitch that could handle up to 30,000 lbs., do you have a recommendation, i.e. Air Safe? Thanks.
My recommendation would be the Curt 30,000 lbs hitch
What about Anderson hitches?
I don't have a gooseneck hitch yet so I can't do the Anderson at this time.
All About RV's They have one for a bed rail system too.
Just wondering what happend to your 6.0 ford truck
Can you recommend an online retailer for these hitches? Also, this is basically a bolt-on install correct (assuming I have the 5th wheel prep package from the factory)?
Fantastic review. Thx
Does anyone use a disc on the pin? Or grease of any kind?
My spring loaded never worked for me for my Kurt hitch, I see how smooth is supposed to work and I am disappointed.
I have the B&W companion hitch but it’s not the puck system I have it in a 2019 F350 Duelly I get a lot of chucking have you got any solutions to help with this have a morryde pin box on trailer
If the BMW Companion Ram hitch weighs about 154 lbs total and the Ford one weighs 78 lbs total and you figured the head of each one weighs about 75 lbs I would have to guess that maybe the Ford BMW Companion hitch may weigh more then 78 lbs total. I have the BMW on my Ram and do really like it.
It's a great hitch.
The Curt A25 and A30 have two poly-torshion bushings that cannot be replaced. If one falls off or is damaged (per Curt) the hitch is useless. They do not sell the bushings.
I think Curt should paint the colors instead of a sticker. Stickers fade. I also liked the Curt, because it dampens the movement. If you couple the Curt hitch with a air pin box, it’s extremely smooth and truck and trailer travel down the road without any jerking, slamming, hoping, hard hits, or vibrations.
You can also pin open the Curt. My vote is for Curt because of the weight and dampening. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Mike. The Curt is a great hitch, I have enjoyed using it.
Great video!!! Thank you for posting.
Thank you!
Your welcome 👍🏽
Thanks!
Thanks for watching.
We have the B&W... so far a very solid hitch. I have to laugh at comments about it being heavy AF. Seriously, how often are you likely to remove it? For most people it will be rarely if ever so the one time or few times you have actual manhandle it is merely an inconvenient and rare occasion. Now if you routinely need to haul it out for other truck bed needs.... then yeah, it is a pain.
The real problem with the hitch weight is on payload and RAWR numbers. We have a RAM 3500 dually with 14000 GVWR, 9750 RAWR and 5565 lbs payload. The weight of the hitch is not an issue there for us. On a lesser capable truck and especially SRW that weight could come into play. We looked at the Curt long and hard, but B&W won out for us... YMMV as they say.
True, I don't take it in and out all the time but probably about 7-8 times a year and is not that big of a deal. I'm sure your will enjoy your B&W for many years.
Awesome video thank you
Thank you.
Will both these models work with a 2019 3500 DRW? Amazon says no... leaning to the Curt. Thx
Yes it should. If you have the puck system make sure you get the proper base for your make of truck. Ford Chevy and Ram all have a slightly different layout. If you don’t have the pucks you will have to go with the other mounting options.
Is it possible to lock the handle in place? I have heard of people pulling the pin on a fiver causing serious damage.
Yes both of these have pins to lock it in place
I always use a padlock instead of the pin. I fear someone might open the handle to see how “funny” it might be to see a guy drop his trailer on the truck.
I have the companion, it's a very well designed hitch and because of the lock, I have zero chance of not having my home safely locked in.
They do have a fantastic hitch.
When you are not using the hitch do you have to cover the holes in the bed?
They come with the covers that pop in place
@@AllAboutRVs do a non scientific survey to find how many owners still can find those stupid cover. I tried to purchase replacements and the ford guy did not even know what they were.
I'm planning on a B&W 5th Wheel hitch but my truck doesn't have the OEM Base from the factory. What is the best Base to install in your opinion?
The original design mounted to the B&W turn over ball. That would be best. Just be Sure to get the one that matches your make of truck.amzn.to/3zV7pGA
Very Very Very Good Video !!!!!!
Thank you!
We have a 32' 5th wheel. In the market for a newer, 2015 - 2017, Diesel Truck. My preference is a Duramax. Does anyone know how much, approx, it will be to have the Puck System installed in the bed of the newer truck?
The B&W was originally designed to work with the Gooseneck Turn Over Ball. amzn.to/30XnoDr . It might be easier to have that installed and still get the Companion from B&W
Over 800k miles on my B&W companion.
Wow that is a lot of miles!
Ive had the Curt Q25 OEM (GM) and 2 B&W companions (one slider, one OEM). no comparison between quality - B&W FTW. sold the Q25 after one tow. the Q25 was very sloppy and i didnt like the "window" to see the coupling - but in fairness it is different than the A25.
The B&W is fantastic!
Anderson Ultimate hitch is 35 lbs
35 lbs is definitely a wow number, it is crazy light.
The Curt in the 2020 GMC/Chevy 3500 has a much smaller footprint. 30.500 lb. Cap. $800.
where u buy for 800?
Jared, just yesterday I installed the B&W base into my Ram3500 and today plan on setting up and installing the pivot arms and head unit. It looks like you installed the pivot arms in the Lowest Position (17") and 2" In Front of Axle from looking at the video.
What calculations or procedures did you perform to determine which of the 1 of 12 positions to use? Did you do any type of measurements you could share?
We have a Montana and RAM 3500 dually and the B&W installed at the front and lowest position giving 7.25 inches clearance at the tailgate. Rides smooth. I started at the middle and over the center of the axle just in case. Moving to the forward position adds less than 50 lbs to the front axle. At 8.25 inches at the tailgate the trailer rode nose high. and still does at the lowest settling though it is better, but that will be addressed when we get the MORryde IS suspension upgrade on the trailer this spring. Level riding trailer is very important as is minimum 6 inches clearance from truck bed rails to bottom of the front of your fifth wheel trailer.
When we were setting up the hitch we had the RV set up on a very close to a level spot and I pulled the truck under where we would connect up. I figured the truck would squat at least 1.5 to 2" but I wanted to see what the clearance would be from the truck bed rails to the 5th wheel. I wanted 5.5" and it ended up I was able to get 6" with the RV level. When I had the Truck under there I measured what I would need to have the 6" clearance and what the height of the hitch needed to be from the bed to 5th wheel pin. pulling the truck up to it and figuring on it squatting close to 2" made it easier too. You don't have to pull under it but for me, it was just easier and faster. I hope that helps. My goal was to have good clearance and a level RV when towing.
Great video, Jared. QUESTION: Have you had any experience with the Andersen (Anderson?) Ultimate 5th Wheel hitch? Would love to hear your appraisal of that hitch system for a 5th wheel trailer. Y'all Be Safe!
I have the Andersen, and love it. My 5th wheel weighs 13,500lbs and can tow great.
I have not owned an Anderson hitch but have looked at them and have had a little experience with them. My only thing I would like to see different on it is a little more support. Instead of wowing us with the weight of 35 pounds I would like to see a little more structure to it and aim for 45 lbs. I know the hitch is designed and can handle the weight but I think the tubes have the potential to get damaged and significantly compromise the integrity. A little more structure could greatly reduce that chance even though it is a very slim chance. My overly critical thought and position is demonstrated by if you were to take a hammer and hit the leg of the B&W hitch and do the same to the Anderson tube leg I would feel much safer and would not hesitate using the B&W after an impact like that to where if there was a dent on the leg of the Anderson I would not use it any more. That's a quick rundown of my thoughts on it.
@@AllAboutRVs great answer
Thanks for your input.
I have a Reese. Hate the darn thing. Been in for repairs twice this year. Hard to move the handle. Hate it.
It's never fun having a piece of equipment you feel like you are fighting.
Curt an my Chevrolet Silverado 3500💪