New Blue Ox 5th wheel hitch - two piece & liteweight

[peanut]

Blue Ox has just come out with a new two piece, lightweigth 5th wheel hitch.
https://www.rvnews.com/blue-ox-relea...-hitch-lineup/

Maybe some of you already know about it but I stumbled on it completely by accident. From what I see, and unless I am wrong, it shares the same concept of the Andersen Ultimate and Pullrite 2600 except - - - it adds nothing to the pin box or changes it in any way. (unless you count a Rota-Flex lockout, if needed) It looks like the king pin drops into the connector without modification. If that is true it avoids all of the warranty concerns and discussion of the other two. No frame warranty worries.

No info - or hardly any - info online. No youtube videos. No results when googled. Too new, I guess.
Two piece hitch. 122 pounds total weight. So I'm guessing base at 80-85 pounds and the rest in the head.
Available in goose ball and ISR applications.

Blue Ox webpage:
https://www.blueox.com/product/bxr2100-gooseneck-hitch/

Installation manual:
https://www.blueox.com/wp-content/up...06/BXR2100.pdf

Just made choosing a hitch more complicated.
Anyone know anything more about this hitch?

[sourdough]

Very interesting indeed! Sort of the best of 2 worlds....maybe. Since Lippert/Keystone warranties don't allow any "adapters" this should skirt that limitation....and pretty neatly too. The only thing I don't like about it vs the Andersen is that pull handle that appears to require you to lean way over into the bed....but, in my case it would give me a chance to use my "over the tire" step that I've never used. Looks like Blue Ox may have something with this hitch - I wonder if they designed it specifically due to Lippert's exclusions?

[bsmith0404]

I’m sure they did design it based on Lippert exclusions. At least that would be my guess. I’m wondering how well the king pin drops down into the funnel if it’s not lined up well. I know with my Pullrite and the Andersen, the round ball slides easily as long as it hit the file. Also curious how much play there is, looks like a Lube plate would still be needed with the hitch. Does that extra 1/4” make a difference on the connection? I’m guessing it probably isn’t much different than a standard jaw type, but makes me wonder about chucking.

[jsb5717]

I agree that it looks like a very nice hitch and should solve the Lippert warranty issue. However, they’re pretty proud of it. The $1249.00 price tag would definitely give me pause.

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by jsb5717

I agree that it looks like a very nice hitch and should solve the Lippert warranty issue. However, they’re pretty proud of it. The $1249.00 price tag would definitely give me pause.

Yeah, for that price I’d just add a Goosebox. The only advantage is if a person moves multiple trailers, it can all be done with one hitch. I currently use the Pullrite 2600 for my 5er, if I move someone else’s (have down it several times) I have to install a different hitch or transfer my coupler. I have a Curt 16k that mounts using Husky puc adapters. I recently turned down a local transport job because I had my Pullrite connected getting ready for our RV trip and didn’t feel like swapping the hitches.

[travelin texans]

I'd still prefer the Goosebox!

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

I'd still prefer the Goosebox!

I’ve decided to get the Goosebox to replace my 2600, still need to keep the Curt/Husky combo for other trailers.

[peanut]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

Also curious how much play there is, looks like a Lube plate would still be needed with the hitch. Does that extra 1/4” make a difference on the connection? I’m guessing it probably isn’t much different than a standard jaw type, but makes me wonder about chucking.

They recommend and sell a lube plate. Chucking is a concern. Guess we'll have to wait for some real world users to report. Might take a while since it is so new.

[peanut]

Originally Posted by jsb5717

I agree that it looks like a very nice hitch and should solve the Lippert warranty issue. However, they’re pretty proud of it. The $1249.00 price tag would definitely give me pause.

Not way out of line from others of its type. Here are prices from the other big 4. I know there are discounted prices all over the internet but I reference the mfgs. web prices. I think it reflects how 'proud' each is of their hitch.

Reese Gooseneck 20K capacity $2,235
https://www.shophitches.com/shop/checkout

Gen-y 21K capacity $1,310
https://genyhitch.com/product/5th-wh...-manual-latch/

Andersen Ultimate 24K capacity $1,040
https://andersenhitches.com/product/...d-to-cart=2613

Pullrite 2600 20K capacity $1,128
https://pullrite.partsvia.com/shop/checkout

Blue Ox 21K capacity $1,249
https://www.blueox.com/product/bxr2100-gooseneck-hitch/


Also, keep in mind that since it keeps it's original kingpin, it most likely would not be considered a 'goose ball' hitch and not require safety chains. Add up to $100 for chains for all the others.

[bsmith0404]

Just normal with the times. If I remember correctly I paid around $600 for my Pullrite 3 years ago. My wife’s uncle just paid $900+ for his a couple weeks ago.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by peanut

Not way out of line from others of its type. Here are prices from the other big 4. I know there are discounted prices all over the internet but I reference the mfgs. web prices. I think it reflects how 'proud' each is of their hitch.

Reese Gooseneck 20K capacity $2,235
https://www.shophitches.com/shop/checkout

Gen-y 21K capacity $1,310
https://genyhitch.com/product/5th-wh...-manual-latch/

Andersen Ultimate 24K capacity $1,040
https://andersenhitches.com/product/...d-to-cart=2613

Pullrite 2600 20K capacity $1,128
https://pullrite.partsvia.com/shop/checkout

Blue Ox 21K capacity $1,249
https://www.blueox.com/product/bxr2100-gooseneck-hitch/


Also, keep in mind that since it keeps it's original kingpin, it most likely would not be considered a 'goose ball' hitch and not require safety chains. Add up to $100 for chains for all the others.

I can't speak for any other states, but in Michigan, if there is a ball on the hitch (regardless of which end of the hitch) chains are required. So, since the new hitch "Attaches to 2-5/16″ Gooseneck Hitch 21,000 Gross Towing Capacity 5,000 lb. Vertical Load Limit", in Michigan, chains are required. Can't say they're required anywhere else, but you need them here.

[jsb5717]

Originally Posted by peanut

Not way out of line from others of its type. Here are prices from the other big 4. I know there are discounted prices all over the internet but I reference the mfgs. web prices. I think it reflects how 'proud' each is of their hitch.

Reese Gooseneck 20K capacity $2,235
https://www.shophitches.com/shop/checkout

Gen-y 21K capacity $1,310
https://genyhitch.com/product/5th-wh...-manual-latch/

Andersen Ultimate 24K capacity $1,040
https://andersenhitches.com/product/...d-to-cart=2613

Pullrite 2600 20K capacity $1,128
https://pullrite.partsvia.com/shop/checkout

Blue Ox 21K capacity $1,249
https://www.blueox.com/product/bxr2100-gooseneck-hitch/


Also, keep in mind that since it keeps it's original kingpin, it most likely would not be considered a 'goose ball' hitch and not require safety chains. Add up to $100 for chains for all the others.

I suppose all prices have gone up a ridiculous amount in the past 2 years. That same Andersen sold for 749.00 new just 2 years ago.

But I guess I was comparing to my Demco Recon, which I recently bought for about $400 less that this Blue Ox. So far it’s proven to be a very nice hitch.

I used an Andersen Hitch as well for about 3 years. But I had absolutely no trouble selling it for more than I paid for it. What a market!

[wiredgeorge]

I just checked craigslist and there are dozens of used 5th wheel hitches ranging from about $200-$800. I can't see buying a new one as I am cheap. No Anderson Ultimate hitches on CL but a bunch on FB Marketplace going $250-$600. Many looked in like-new condition.

[peanut]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

I can't speak for any other states, but in Michigan, if there is a ball on the hitch (regardless of which end of the hitch) chains are required. So, since the new hitch "Attaches to 2-5/16″ Gooseneck Hitch 21,000 Gross Towing Capacity 5,000 lb. Vertical Load Limit", in Michigan, chains are required. Can't say they're required anywhere else, but you need them here.

There are always little gotcha's, I guess. I imagine the ISR version would qualify to be chain free. But even then a little extra security wouldn't be amiss if a person is so inclined.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

I can't speak for any other states, but in Michigan, if there is a ball on the hitch (regardless of which end of the hitch) chains are required. So, since the new hitch "Attaches to 2-5/16″ Gooseneck Hitch 21,000 Gross Towing Capacity 5,000 lb. Vertical Load Limit", in Michigan, chains are required. Can't say they're required anywhere else, but you need them here.

When I was deciding whether to get the Andersen or not, then whether to use chains or not, I found quite a few little "gotchas" that made me decide to get them and just use them.

When I bought the hitch I was told I didn't need chains which is true as "5th wheels and goosenecks" are exempt. But, it's not a regular 5th wheel hitch and it uses a goose ball so it's sort of in la la land. Talked to DPS and technically it shouldn't be required BUT it all depended on the officer and his interpretation of the law since it didn't actually fit either description - so I could be cited. Since we travel all around research showed that some states require them, some don't and none I saw mentioned the Andersen and it's method of attachment specifically. That seemed to leave a big gray hole that you may or may not encounter if you were stopped, or worse yet, in an accident. The simplest solution to me was install the chains and eliminate the possibility of any confusion.

[dutchmensport]

I wonder how that would ride on the King Pin Bolster Plate?

For what it's worth, my Recon Fifth Wheel Hitch comes apart in 3 pieces. None of the pieces are more than 30 pounds. I can lift the entire hitch out of the bed of my truck myself, or as I get older, simply pull the cotter pins and pull the pins and remove it in 3 sections. It takes about 1 minute.