Which Hitch?

BeagleMan · 10-06-2020, 05:18 PM

Me again. Which Companion Hitch is viable for a F-450? Seems like they are the better ones out there. I'm looking around for one to look at and only a 20K pound capacity? Certainly there are a bigger one for the beast that is a F-450. What say you, Gurus?

BeagleMan · 10-06-2020, 05:23 PM

Or is CURT a better brand? If so, what size? 24k? 25K?

**chuckster57** · 10-06-2020, 05:27 PM

I’ve seen both, installed both. If you want weight capacity get the Curt. I can’t really say anything bad about either one.

BeagleMan · 10-06-2020, 05:31 PM

Thanks, I am leaning towards them. 24K? 25K? Which would you prefer? If you need a reference, we are looking at the Montana 3781RL.

BeagleMan · 10-06-2020, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I’ve seen both, installed both. If you want weight capacity get the Curt. I can’t really say anything bad about either one.

Are any of those sliding? Is that what I would need?

**chuckster57** · 10-06-2020, 05:38 PM

The ones I have dealt with were not sliding.

BeagleMan · 10-06-2020, 06:00 PM

Wouldn't I need a sliding one?

Getn off · 10-06-2020, 06:12 PM

Not if u opted for the 8’ bed. If you are ordering a 6.5’ bed, it will depend on the ttailer/pin box as I understand it.
Ps. I would order the 8 if u havent already. Cant recall ur build sheet!
Troy

BeagleMan · 10-06-2020, 06:43 PM

I am getting the 8' bed. So, with a 8' bed, I do not need a sliding hitch?

rhagfo · 10-06-2020, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeagleMan

Me again. Which Companion Hitch is viable for a F-450? Seems like they are the better ones out there. I'm looking around for one to look at and only a 20K pound capacity? Certainly there are a bigger one for the beast that is a F-450. What say you, Gurus?

Not sure why you feel the need for a 24K hitch for a 5er that tops out at 16,600#.

On top of that B&W makes a 25K hitch for the Ford puck system, which come standard on the F450.

https://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/r...rything%20Else

One more thing to consider the payload of the F450 pickup is less than the same time level in a F350.
Both have the same GVWR of 14,000# and the F450 is heaver so less payload.

The loaded pin on the Montana could range between 3,320# to 4,150#.

Key specifications - 3781RL FIFTH WHEEL

Shipping Weight 13,490#

Carrying Capacity 3,110#

Hitch 2,695# (20% of dry weight)

Length 41' 0"

Height 13' 4"

Getn off · 10-06-2020, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeagleMan

I am getting the 8' bed. So, with a 8' bed, I do not need a sliding hitch?

Nope. Regular hitch is all. Keep in mind, air hitches are also an option. I just installed a “TrailSaver” but have not towed with it yet. Supposed to be the cats meow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Not sure why you feel the need for a 24K hitch for a 5er that tops out at 16,600#.

On top of that B&W makes a 25K hitch for the Ford puck system, which come standard on the F450.

https://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/r...rything%20Else

One more thing to consider the payload of the F450 pickup is less than the same time level in a F350.
Both have the same GVWR of 14,000# and the F450 is heaver so less payload.

The loaded pin on the Montana could range between 3,320# to 4,150#.

Key specifications - 3781RL FIFTH WHEEL

Shipping Weight 13,490#

Carrying Capacity 3,110#

Hitch 2,695# (20% of dry weight)

Length 41' 0"

Height 13' 4"

I thought this same thing with my last trailer that weighed only 14k, so I went with an “overkill” 21k Demco. New trailer weighs in at 20.5 without water. New hitch was ordered.
Troy

**JRTJH** · 10-06-2020, 08:13 PM

To clarify a comment made by Russ: "On top of that B&W makes a 25K hitch for the Ford puck system, which come standard on the F450." It's the Ford puck system that comes standard on the F450. The Ford hitch is made by Reese, not B&W. B&W does make a 24K hitch that fits the Ford puck system. They also make a 20K hitch that fits. I just wanted to clarify that B&W does not make the Ford OEM hitch.

The Montana 3781L trailer GVW is 16,600 pounds. A hitch rated at 20,000 will give you 3,400 pounds excess capacity that you'll never use, even with the trailer loaded to maximum capacity... If there's a chance you'll be upgrading the trailer to another brand that's heavier (VanLeigh, etc) you might want to consider a 24 or 25K hitch. IMHO, if you're not contemplating an upgrade to the trailer, no need to carry, load and unload a hitch that big. A 20K hitch is sufficient.

Hitches are very much like trucks. Everyone has a "favorite" and it often boils down to that's the hitch they bought when they first bought a fifth wheel or it's the one they currently have, after upgrading from what they first had. Few people (me included) have any experience with more than one or maybe two fifth wheel hitches. So, many folks will say, What I have is best, and they truly believe that, but when all the cards are laid out on the table, it comes down to that's the hitch they are familiar with and it hasn't caused any problems, so "it's the best".

Ribtip · 10-07-2020, 06:10 AM

I have a curt 20k. Its been a really good hitch. I have the ram puck system. I cant speak to where it holds up to other hitches. This is my 1st five'r

BeagleMan · 10-07-2020, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Not sure why you feel the need for a 24K hitch for a 5er that tops out at 16,600#.

On top of that B&W makes a 25K hitch for the Ford puck system, which come standard on the F450.

https://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/r...rything%20Else

One more thing to consider the payload of the F450 pickup is less than the same time level in a F350.
Both have the same GVWR of 14,000# and the F450 is heaver so less payload.

The loaded pin on the Montana could range between 3,320# to 4,150#.

Key specifications - 3781RL FIFTH WHEEL

Shipping Weight 13,490#

Carrying Capacity 3,110#

Hitch 2,695# (20% of dry weight)

Length 41' 0"

Height 13' 4"

I dont know. Just going with the largest possible. Would a 20k work? I looked at that B&W but that was for Chevy and GMC. Could not find a Ford model for it.

BeagleMan · 10-07-2020, 08:45 AM

Just saw that I can do a 20k hitch. Thank you!

So, CURT or Companion? Does Companion have a Ford model?

Javi · 10-07-2020, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeagleMan

Just saw that I can do a 20k hitch. Thank you!

So, CURT or Companion? Does Companion have a Ford model?

Yes, B&W was the first after Reese to build one to fit the Reese puck system which debuted in the FORD..

BeagleMan · 10-07-2020, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Javi

Yes, B&W was the first after Reese to build one to fit the Reese puck system which debuted in the FORD..

Mikelff · 10-18-2020, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeagleMan

I dont know. Just going with the largest possible. Would a 20k work? I looked at that B&W but that was for Chevy and GMC. Could not find a Ford model for it.

Go to the manufacturers web site and get all the specs. A phone call to them is also very helpful as they have experts that can tell you which hitch will work for your situation. Of course they will try to sell you their brand, but they will also steer you to the right hitch. You won’t need a slider hitch with a 8’ bed. I also agree, you don’t need an F450 for that rig. A F350 will be just fine and F350 looks to have more payload, which is what you are looking for.

bsmith0404 · 10-18-2020, 10:01 AM

I’ve had Reese 16k, upgraded to a Reese 20k, upgraded to an Andersen, upgraded to a Pullrite 2600. IMO, I wouldn’t get a hitch any heavier than you need. 20k is more than enough. I can tell you I hated putting the Reese 20k in and out of the truck because of weight, I would actually remove the head from the legs and move it in two pieces. That’s why I switched to the Andersen. Found out there were things I didn’t like about the Andersen (weight was not one of those things) so switched to the Pullrite. One thing I suggest, get a hitch that goes to the gooseneck ball instead of the pucks. If you decide to change trucks down the road, you may have to change the hitch if it doesn’t match the pucks of the new truck. Don’t get the picture frames that connect to the pucks, they are too tall and many people have trouble getting the RV low enough to tow level.

Getn off · 10-18-2020, 01:20 PM

I completely disagree here. Get the largest hitch that you like. I actually thought my Demco 21k was super overkill 2 years ago when I bought my Keystone (14k max). Wife wanted to upgrade Recently. Big boy toy hauler triple. Weighed in at 20.5 without any fluids! Just upgraded to a 28k TrailerSaver air ride. Will NOT have to upgrade this thing ever!
Just got back from a short trip this weekend and all I can say is holy chit! You can barely tell its behind you. Honestly. Super great ride at slow speeds, and also at highway expansion joints et all. They are def proud of them, but an “extra” 2 grand aint nothin in a 100k rig.
If you can swing the cost, u wont be disappointed at all.
Just wow.
Troy

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