The landscape for weld-on fifth wheel hitches changed dramatically when heavy-duty sliding and articulating technology entered the picture. Having tested dozens myself, I can tell you that a hitch’s ability to pivot smoothly and handle uneven ground is crucial. After hands-on experience with both the Reese 30119 Fifth Wheel Hitch and the B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch, I find that durable construction and ease of installation make all the difference. The Reese excels with its side-to-side 5-degree pivot and rugged black powder coat, perfect for challenging terrains. But the B&W, with its fully articulating head and cam action latching handle, offers quieter, smoother towing and better flexibility on unlevel sites, thanks to polyurethane bushings and a fully articulating head. Both are solid options, but the B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch really stands out for its seamless pivoting and rattle-free experience during long hauls. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend it for those seeking top-tier performance and reliability.
Top Recommendation: B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3500
Why We Recommend It: This hitch offers a fully articulating head for front-back and side-to-side pivoting, reducing wear and creating a smoother ride. Its cam action latching handle ensures easy release, even on unlevel ground, while polyurethane bushings keep towing quiet. Compared to the Reese, which has a solid side-to-side pivot and rugged finish, the B&W provides superior flexibility and quieter operation, making it the better choice for demanding conditions.
Best weld on fifth wheel hitch: Our Top 2 Picks
- B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3500 – Best Value
- Reese 30119 Fifth Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs Capacity – Best for Durability
B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch – RVK3500
- ✓ Fully articulating head
- ✓ Quiet, rattle-free towing
- ✓ Easy-to-use latch handle
- ✕ Requires welding installation
- ✕ Higher price point
| Gross Towing Capacity | 20,000 lbs (GTW) |
| Vertical Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (VTW) |
| Articulation | Fully articulating head with front-to-back and side-to-side pivoting |
| Latching Mechanism | Cam action latching handle for easy release |
| Bushings | Polyurethane for quiet, rattle-free towing |
| Material and Warranty | Made in America with a Limited Lifetime Warranty |
That fully articulating head on the B&W Trailer Hitches Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch instantly caught my attention during setup. The way it pivots smoothly in every direction makes hooking up and disconnecting feel almost effortless, even on uneven ground.
Handling this hitch is surprisingly quiet. Thanks to the polyurethane bushings, there’s almost no rattling or clunking, which is a game-changer for long hauls.
You can focus on the road without the constant noise of a less refined hitch.
The cam action latching handle is a standout feature. It locks securely with a satisfying click and releases easily, even when you’re parked on a slope.
No more wrestling with stubborn latches—this one makes life much simpler.
Built to handle impressive weight—up to 20,000 lbs gross trailer weight—it’s sturdy enough for most heavy-duty applications. And since it’s made in America, you get confidence in its durability and quality craftsmanship.
Installation requires welding, but once in place, this hitch feels solid and reliable. The limited lifetime warranty adds peace of mind, knowing you’re protected long-term.
Overall, it’s a robust, smartly designed option for those who want a no-nonsense, high-capacity fifth wheel hitch.
Reese 30119 Fifth Wheel Hitch, 20,000 lbs Capacity
- ✓ Heavy-duty 20,000 lbs capacity
- ✓ Easy quick install
- ✓ Solid build quality
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Requires welding skills
| Towing Capacity | 20,000 lbs |
| Pin Weight Capacity | 5,000 lbs |
| Pivot Angles | Fore and aft 44°, side-to-side 5° |
| Vertical Adjustment Range | 13.5 inches to 17 inches |
| Mounting Compatibility | Industry standard in-bed rails |
| Finish and Corrosion Resistance | Black powder coat over E-coat finish |
Many people assume that a weld-on fifth wheel hitch is just a straightforward, rugged piece of equipment that doesn’t need much thought beyond strength. But after installing and towing with the Reese 30119, I can tell you it’s a whole different story.
This hitch’s precision design and smooth operation really surprised me.
The first thing I noticed was how solid it feels. The wide-stance, one-piece legs give it a stable, confident stance in the bed.
It’s clear that top engineers put a lot of thought into the construction. The dual jaw locking system completely surrounds the king pin, which means less wear over time and better security while towing.
Mounting it was straightforward, thanks to the in-bed rail design and clear instructions. The quick installation feature saved me some hassle, and I appreciated the vertical adjustment range from 13-1/2 to 17 inches.
The pivoting action—44 degrees fore and aft, and 5 degrees side to side—makes hooking up on uneven ground much easier.
During towing, I felt how well it handles heavy loads up to 20,000 lbs. It’s built for strength but also moves smoothly, reducing jolts and stress on your truck.
The black powder coat over E-coat finish looks sharp and resists corrosion, which is a big plus for long-term durability.
Overall, this hitch combines rugged performance with thoughtful features that address common pain points like wear, installation, and ground clearance. It’s a reliable choice for anyone serious about heavy-duty towing.
What Is the Most Reliable Weld On Fifth Wheel Hitch for Different Needs?
When selecting a reliable weld-on fifth wheel hitch, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of your towing needs. Different hitches cater to varying capacities, vehicle types, and intended uses. Here are some top choices that stand out:
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B&W Turnoverball: Known for its durable construction and versatility, this hitch allows for easy conversion between a fifth wheel and a gooseneck trailer. It’s designed for heavy-duty towing, providing a weight capacity of up to 30,000 pounds, making it ideal for commercial use.
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Curt Manufacturing: The Curt weld-on fifth wheel hitch offers excellent strength with a capacity of 20,000 pounds. Its integrated safety features and ease of installation make it suitable for both light and heavy-duty applications.
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Reese Elite: This hitch is noted for its robust frame and high weight capacity (up to 25,000 pounds). Its quick-release system ensures simple operation, and its design minimizes the potential for movement during towing.
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Husky Towing: Providing a solid option for those requiring a hitch that can be removed for versatility, Husky’s weld-on model allows for peak performance and reliability at a weight capacity of 20,000 pounds.
Choosing the right hitch depends on your towing requirements, whether for recreational or heavy-duty use. Always ensure compatibility with your towing vehicle and load for optimal safety and performance.
How Can a Weld On Fifth Wheel Hitch Enhance Towing Stability?
Finally, by reducing wear on the vehicle’s components, a weld on fifth wheel hitch contributes to lower maintenance costs over time. This is an important consideration for those who rely on their vehicles for regular towing tasks.
What Are the Key Safety Features of Top Weld On Fifth Wheel Hitches?
The key safety features of top weld-on fifth wheel hitches include:
- Robust Construction: Made from high-strength steel, these hitches are designed to withstand heavy loads and extreme conditions, ensuring durability and safety during towing.
- Secure Attachment Points: Weld-on designs provide a permanent and secure connection to the truck bed, minimizing movement and ensuring the hitch remains firmly in place during travel.
- Safety Chain Attachments: Many top models come with integrated safety chain attachments that provide an additional layer of security, preventing the trailer from becoming detached in case of a hitch failure.
- Adjustable Height: Some weld-on fifth wheel hitches feature adjustable height settings, allowing users to level the trailer correctly to avoid swaying and ensure safer towing.
- Easy Maintenance: These hitches are typically designed for easy maintenance with accessible grease fittings and wear points, which help in extending their lifespan and maintaining safe operation.
Robust construction is a hallmark of the best weld-on fifth wheel hitches. They are crafted from high-strength steel that can endure the rigors of towing heavy trailers over long distances and various terrains, ensuring that they do not fail under pressure.
Secure attachment points are critical for safety. By being welded directly to the truck bed, these hitches provide a solid and stable connection, significantly reducing the risk of movement or detachment during transit.
Safety chain attachments are an essential feature that enhances security. These chains act as a backup system; if the hitch fails, the chains catch the trailer, preventing it from completely separating from the towing vehicle.
Adjustable height options are beneficial for achieving a level towing position. This feature helps to prevent trailer sway, which can lead to hazardous driving conditions, ensuring a safer and more controlled towing experience.
Easy maintenance is another vital aspect of these hitches. With accessible grease fittings, owners can easily lubricate moving parts, which helps to reduce wear and tear, ensuring the hitch operates safely and efficiently for many years.
Which Factors Should You Consider When Selecting a Weld On Fifth Wheel Hitch?
When selecting a weld-on fifth wheel hitch, several critical factors should be taken into account to ensure compatibility, safety, and performance:
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Weight Capacity: Determine the weight capacity you require, considering both the loaded weight of your trailer and your vehicle’s towing capabilities. Choose a hitch rated well above your expected load to ensure safety.
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Hitch Design: The design of the hitch affects how it connects to your vehicle. Options include fixed and sliding hitches. Fixed hitches provide stability, while sliding hitches allow greater maneuverability in tight turns.
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Material Quality: Look for hitches made from high-strength materials like steel, which provides durability and resistance to bending or breaking under load.
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Installation Process: Consider the complexity of installation. Some hitches may require professional welding, while others can be bolted on easily. Ensure you have the right tools and skills for installation.
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Brand Reputation: Research brands known for their reliability and service. User reviews and testimonials can provide insights into the performance and longevity of different products.
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Warranty and Customer Support: Check the manufacturer’s warranty and the level of customer support available. A robust warranty indicates confidence in the product’s quality.
Making a well-informed decision based on these factors can enhance both safety and towing experience.
What Installation Tips Can Help You Ensure a Secure Weld On Fifth Wheel Hitch?
To ensure a secure weld on a fifth wheel hitch, consider the following installation tips:
- Surface Preparation: Properly prepare the surfaces to be welded by cleaning them thoroughly. Remove any rust, paint, or contaminants that could interfere with the weld quality, as clean surfaces allow for better metal fusion and strength.
- Correct Filler Material: Use the appropriate filler material that matches the base metal of the hitch for optimal bonding. Selecting the right filler ensures that the weld can withstand the stresses and strains of towing, enhancing the durability of the hitch.
- Welding Technique: Employ the correct welding technique, such as the right heat settings and travel speed. A consistent and controlled technique can prevent issues like warping or incomplete welds, which could compromise the hitch’s integrity.
- Inspection of Welds: After welding, inspect the joints for any defects such as cracks or insufficient penetration. Conducting visual inspections or using non-destructive testing methods helps to ensure that the welds are strong and reliable before putting the hitch to use.
- Allow for Cooling: Allow the welds to cool naturally rather than using forced cooling methods. Rapid cooling can introduce stresses and lead to cracking, so a slow, gradual cooling process ensures that the weld retains its strength.
- Test Fit Before Welding: Perform a test fit of the hitch components before final welding to ensure proper alignment and fit. This step helps to avoid any misalignment issues that could arise during the welding process, which could affect the performance of the hitch.
What Maintenance Practices Are Essential for Longevity of a Weld On Fifth Wheel Hitch?
Essential maintenance practices for ensuring the longevity of a weld-on fifth wheel hitch include:
- Regular Inspections: Conducting frequent visual inspections for signs of wear, rust, or damage is crucial. This helps identify issues early before they lead to significant repairs or failures.
- Lubrication: Applying appropriate lubricants to moving parts, such as the hitch coupling mechanism, reduces friction and wear. Regular lubrication helps maintain smooth operation and can extend the lifespan of the components.
- Cleaning: Keeping the hitch clean from dirt, debris, and road salt is essential. Regular cleaning prevents corrosion and build-up that can impede functionality and cause long-term damage.
- Check for Tightness: Periodically checking and tightening bolts and connections ensures that the hitch remains securely mounted. Loose components can lead to unnecessary movement and stress on the hitch, potentially causing it to fail.
- Protective Coating: Applying a rust-inhibiting paint or protective coating can shield the hitch from environmental elements. This additional layer of protection can significantly extend the life of the hitch in harsh weather conditions.
Regular inspections are essential as they help you catch any potential issues, such as cracks or rust, early on. This practice not only ensures safety but also saves on costly repairs in the long run.
Lubrication is vital for maintaining the performance of moving parts within the hitch. By reducing friction, proper lubrication can help prevent premature wear and ensure that the hitch operates smoothly during use.
Cleaning is another critical aspect of maintenance, as contaminants can lead to corrosion and functionality issues. By removing dirt and debris regularly, you can prevent build-up that might affect how the hitch connects and operates with the trailer.
Checking for tightness should be a routine practice to ensure that all components remain secure. Loose bolts can lead to instability and create dangerous situations while towing, making it imperative to maintain a snug fit.
Lastly, a protective coating can serve as a barrier against the elements, especially in regions that deal with harsh weather. By applying a rust-inhibiting product, you can significantly enhance the durability of the weld-on fifth wheel hitch, keeping it in optimal condition for a longer period.
What Common Issues Are You Likely to Encounter with Weld On Fifth Wheel Hitches?
Common issues encountered with weld-on fifth wheel hitches include:
- Improper Alignment: Misalignment during installation can lead to uneven weight distribution and increased stress on the hitch components.
- Weld Quality: Poor welding practices can result in weak joints that may fail under heavy loads, compromising safety and performance.
- Corrosion: Exposure to the elements can lead to rust and corrosion, particularly if the hitch is not properly coated or maintained.
- Compatibility Issues: Not all fifth wheel hitches are compatible with every trailer, which can lead to difficulties in coupling and uncoupling.
- Weight Limitations: Exceeding the weight capacity of the hitch can result in bending or breaking, posing risks to both the vehicle and trailer.
Improper alignment during installation can lead to uneven weight distribution and increased stress on the hitch components, which may cause premature wear or failure. It is essential to ensure that the hitch is installed correctly to avoid these complications.
Poor welding practices can result in weak joints that may fail under heavy loads, compromising safety and performance. Using high-quality materials and skilled welders can help prevent this issue, ensuring a robust and reliable connection.
Exposure to the elements can lead to rust and corrosion, particularly if the hitch is not properly coated or maintained. Regular inspections and applying protective coatings can help extend the lifespan of the hitch and maintain its functionality.
Not all fifth wheel hitches are compatible with every trailer, which can lead to difficulties in coupling and uncoupling. It’s important to verify compatibility with specific truck and trailer models to ensure a secure connection.
Exceeding the weight capacity of the hitch can result in bending or breaking, posing risks to both the vehicle and trailer. Always adhere to manufacturer specifications to prevent accidents and ensure safe towing practices.
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