I Just Purchased A 5th wheel - Looking For Setup Recommendations

[WhiskeyBuzz]

I have a 2012 Mega w/ DRD tunes,68, 120Kmi, and I just bought a 5th wheel.

I believe it has a 3in lift and 35's.

I know I need to re-gear, it currently has 3:42, probably going to 4:10.

The 5th wheel has an 11.2K dry weight, and the 4:11 rating is above 14K, so it should work beautifully.

I also have the Air-Lift 7K setup.

I am also looking into the Power Stop brake system.

The truck has a Tow/Haul and Exhaust Brake (I'm always looking for recommendations from other members with a similar hitch setup).

I'm also looking for other 'gotchas' that I may not have considered.

Incidentally, will Tune need an update with the new gearing?

TIA

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[Corkey]

No tuning is required for regearing.

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[AK Bob]

Congratulations on your recently acquired 5th Wheel.

I would recommend the B&W companion hitch.

Mine was installed in 2014; it has been very reliable and trouble-free.

https://www.bwtrailerhitches.com/sit...nual%20web.pdf

You don’t need to update your tunes after re-gearing.

Ensure your 5th Wheel sits level, and use the 30HP tow tune to keep the EGTs in check.

Always allow for the extra stopping distance and wider turns required.

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[WhiskeyBuzz]

I'm looking at the RVK3670.

Etrailer says they can't confirm it works for the 2012 OEM Puck system, but it does for the 2013 one.

Has it ever changed?

I see posts around that say the system hasn't changed.

Does anyone have any insight to confirm?

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[AK Bob]

I'm looking at the RVK3670.

Etrailer says they can't confirm it works for the 2012 OEM Puck system, but it does for the 2013 one.

Has it ever changed?

I see posts around that say the system hasn't changed.

Does anyone have any insight to confirm?

TIA

Please see the attached page #3 for puck layout dimensions on 2014 and up models, then compare with your 2012.

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[WhiskeyBuzz]

Today has been educational so far.

I have found that the puck system wasn't launched until 2013.

I've also discovered that I had incorrect information about how my truck was set up for the past three years.

I had apparently checked a bad VIN decoder that said I did have a Puck and 3:42 gears.

This morning, I verified with two different VIN sites (including Chrysler) that I don't have a puck and have 3:73 (12K+ towing).

I've also discovered that I have installed the BW turnover ball system.

This changes things.

Thank you all for your help thus far.

Now, I need to step back and rethink a couple of things.

Suggestions are welcome, of course.

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[TWN495]

I'm a fan of the Andersen gooseneck hitch.

Its ratings are comparable to any 5th wheel setup you’ll find, but it only weighs about 40 lbs, so you can easily remove it and use your bed when you aren’t towing.

I never towed a conventional fifth wheel, but I’m told it eliminates any “chucking” you’d feel with it.

It doesn’t have a sliding option, but it moves the connection point rearward about 6” +/—, I believe, to keep the trailer away from your cab.

All trailers are a bit different dimensionally, so YMMV.

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[Mr. Goodbar]

Another option for you, since you have the turnover ball, is the Reese Goosebox.

I had a standard auto slide in my short bed 2500.

I got the Anderson on my 3500 Long bed with the turnover ball.

I upgraded our trailer to a 43' Jayco North Point and bought the Goosebox.

It's a very nice setup, and I don't have to haul a hitch in/out or store it anywhere.

Goosebox also doesn't void the Lippert trailer frame warranty.

It rides nicely, articulates well, and is easy to hook up.

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[johnmyster]

We used an Andersen with our last rig, but it had noticeable front-to-back "chucking," which was either the frame flex of the camper or the Andersen rocking, as it is a giant pyramid supported by the truck's bed floor.

It would do it in response to gear changes, bumps in the road, braking, etc.

It was hard to drive smoothly.

If it were indeed the Anderson rocking in the truck bed, a Goosebox would've eliminated it.

I always had my eye out for a deal on a used one.

It is no longer a concern because we "upgraded" to a TT after having an accident and losing the truck and trailer.

The Andersen collapsed in the accident, but I can't blame it.

Goosebox and GenY are slick setups.

You can run an offset ball if you want more cab clearance.

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[cashman]

I'll add a data point to this thread if anyone wants similar information. I have a 5500 with a flatbed and a gooseneck ball. I use a Reese Goosebox, and I love this setup. There is a trapdoor in the flatbed above the ball. When unhitched and the door is shut, the bed is entirely flat and empty. There is nothing to get in the way or remove when I want to haul other stuff with the truck. It may be slightly harder to hitch because I have to get directly under the hitch to drop the trailer down on the ball. I can do it alone but usually have my wife as a helper, and we almost always get it right on the first try. There is no chucking with the gooseneck setup.

The Goosebox has an airbag that smooths the connection between the trailer and the truck. I run it at 25psi, and it has worked great. I tried pumping it up to 40, and it bounced everywhere. It threw the truck around like a ragdoll. After 3 1/2 years of full-time RVing, I'd go with the same setup if I had to do it all over again.

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