How many use the turning point feature?

Fishwater

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2013
Messages
164
Location
New Hampshire
We just purchased a 290BH & a small part of the decision was based on the fact that it has the turning point pin box since we have a 6.75’ bed. During my research for a hitch I decided on the Blue Ox slider since it can be removed easily due to breaking it down into multiple pieces plus it’s supposed to ride great due to the internal springs. Now that I’ve put the deal together at the dealership & had them include the hitch as a part of the deal I finally read the fine print on the part# 7200 version that mounts on the ISR rails, it states that it can’t be used with any pin box that rotates. I saw the warning on the part# 6200 that mounts to a gooseball so I specifically went with the ISR version ASSUMING that it would be ok. To be sure I called Blue Ox & unfortunately it can not be used with the turning point. I neglected to ask them if it’s still safe to use as long as I keep the turning point feature locked out so I will have to call back tomorrow before I assume anything else.

I was pretty excited thinking that I could try to turning point vs using a slider to see which I prefer but now I’m not sure if I can keep the Blue Ox. So at this point I’m thinking I either have to make a decision to go with another hitch or if it’s still possible use the Blue Ox without the turning point feature. How many who purchase a 150 Series are using the turning point? I’m not sure where to go from here so any thoughts are appreciated.
 
We use the turning point feature and like it very much. We have a standard 5th wheel hitch. Key is to make sure the wedge fits tightly to the shoulders of the hitch.

I haven't seen the Blue Ox, so can't comment with any certainty as to how that hitch will work/not work with the turning point. However, I would expect that if you lock out the turning point feature, it should work just fine. I'm sure someone else can provide more info on that hitch.
 
We just purchased a 290BH & a small part of the decision was based on the fact that it has the turning point pin box since we have a 6.75’ bed. During my research for a hitch I decided on the Blue Ox slider since it can be removed easily due to breaking it down into multiple pieces plus it’s supposed to ride great due to the internal springs. Now that I’ve put the deal together at the dealership & had them include the hitch as a part of the deal I finally read the fine print on the part# 7200 version that mounts on the ISR rails, it states that it can’t be used with any pin box that rotates. I saw the warning on the part# 6200 that mounts to a gooseball so I specifically went with the ISR version ASSUMING that it would be ok. To be sure I called Blue Ox & unfortunately it can not be used with the turning point. I neglected to ask them if it’s still safe to use as long as I keep the turning point feature locked out so I will have to call back tomorrow before I assume anything else.

I was pretty excited thinking that I could try to turning point vs using a slider to see which I prefer but now I’m not sure if I can keep the Blue Ox. So at this point I’m thinking I either have to make a decision to go with another hitch or if it’s still possible use the Blue Ox without the turning point feature. How many who purchase a 150 Series are using the turning point? I’m not sure where to go from here so any thoughts are appreciated.

My question is why do you think you need it?

I have towed our Reflection with a turning point hitch (locked out) for 7,000 miles across 10 states and have never needed to turn that sharp. I have a slider hitch and the 6.75 short bed Super Duty. I’ve never used the slider.

I think a lot of people that are new to towing think (like I did) they’ll need to turn that sharp backing in, at some point.

I’ve only ever observed the really long trailers needing that kind of ability.




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My question is why do you think you need it?

I have towed our Reflection with a turning point hitch (locked out) for 7,000 miles across 10 states and have never needed to turn that sharp. I have a slider hitch and the 6.75 short bed Super Duty. I’ve never used the slider.

I think a lot of people that are new to towing think (like I did) they’ll need to turn that sharp backing in, at some point.

I’ve only ever observed the really long trailers needing that kind of ability.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don’t know whether I need it or not since this is my first fifth wheel but it seems like a nice feature. The only con I’ve read is that you have to back straight in to hitch up which shouldn’t be an issue most of the time. I did see a couple of reports about a gap in the plate indicating possible wear but nothing conclusive. Other than that it seems convenient to not have to worry about sliding the hitch or contacting the truck.
 
I like the Turning point option, because if you get into tight spots or gas stations or need to make u turns you have extra manuverabilty, plus you don't have to worry about hitting the cab
Mark
 
If you do use it, the wedge is the key, make sure it does not have too much play, the lippert wedge it too loose with the curt A16 HITCH, so we used the curt wedge
Mark
 
To those of you towing with the turning point & the proper wedge do you notice any stability or sway issues? I’m upgrading to a fifth wheel from a 37’ travel trailer to gain stability, I’d hate to not get the maximum benefit due to the pivot point being behind the axle?
 
My question is why do you think you need it?

I have towed our Reflection with a turning point hitch (locked out) for 7,000 miles across 10 states and have never needed to turn that sharp. I have a slider hitch and the 6.75 short bed Super Duty. I’ve never used the slider.

I think a lot of people that are new to towing think (like I did) they’ll need to turn that sharp backing in, at some point.

I’ve only ever observed the really long trailers needing that kind of ability.

I totally agree. Been towing 5ers for 23 years with a short box and slider hitch. I only slid that puppy once in 23 years lol. ymmv
 
To those of you towing with the turning point & the proper wedge do you notice any stability or sway issues? I’m upgrading to a fifth wheel from a 37’ travel trailer to gain stability, I’d hate to not get the maximum benefit due to the pivot point being behind the axle?

If I bought a unit with the turning point, I’d insist they yank it and put in the conventional pin box. The more stuff you have going on, the more stuff that can fail. It’s just not necessary. jmho...
 
With the 230RL it tows great, huge difference coming from a travel trailer. And that was with an F150. No sway at all
Mark
 
To those of you towing with the turning point & the proper wedge do you notice any stability or sway issues? I’m upgrading to a fifth wheel from a 37’ travel trailer to gain stability, I’d hate to not get the maximum benefit due to the pivot point being behind the axle?

I use the turning point & it works great once it's hooked up. I need to adjust my wedge a bit I think. I pull with a 2500 GMC crew cab 6.5' box, standard hitch & I can whip a tight U turn with no issues. It pulls like a dream compared to our old 35' travel trailer, no sway & no white knuckles when a semi passes, you'll love it.
 
I have used both options, it seems there is more angle room when using the turning point. The only problem I see is when you take it to a big shop like Lazydays they put bolts in to lock it so they can move it around and they usually don't remove the bolts when you get it back.
 
We are towing a 295RL with an F150 using a standard Pullrite hitch and Turning point pin box with the Lippert wedge. So far 2300 miles from Ohio to Arizona. The truck/trailer combo handles great. No problems.
 
Thanks to all, super encouraging to see actual users happy with the turning point. Unfortunately as much as I want to use the Blue Ox it looks like I’ll need a different hitch to use the turning point. Now I need to find something that works with a wedge that is light & easy to remove, the dealership is covering my hitch up to $2000.
 
I am using B&W Trailer Hitches RVK3300 Companion 5th Wheel Hitch Ford F-250/350 '12 - '19 with my turning point. I purchased B & W wedge for it from etrailers.
 
I am using B&W Trailer Hitches RVK3300 Companion 5th Wheel Hitch Ford F-250/350 '12 - '19 with my turning point. I purchased B & W wedge for it from etrailers.

I know everyone seems to recommend the B&W as the best of the best but what's the weight on it for removal? I need to use the bed of my truck when I'm not camping during the season & want something light that's easy to remove. Do you remove yours often or just leave it in?
 
I know everyone seems to recommend the B&W as the best of the best but what's the weight on it for removal? I need to use the bed of my truck when I'm not camping during the season & want something light that's easy to remove. Do you remove yours often or just leave it in?

It is not bad. It comes in two sections. I can remove it by myself without any tools. Good thing about it is I can lock both parts down so it can't be removed. I also able to lock the handle so no one can open it when I am not around.
 
I remove my B&W quite often. It comes out in a couple of minutes. 2 pieces that weigh approximately 75 lbs. each.

Bob
 
I have a Curt A16 hitch that I use with the Turning Point. Very happy with the hitch. I can easily remove it in one piece by myself. It can be separated into to two pieces for less weight.
 
Looks like the Curt & the B&W are on the top of the list for use with the turning point since they can both be removed easily. How much harder is it to hook up with the wedge installed? Being a new fifth wheel owner I’m sure there’s a learning curve to all of this but I don’t want to make it worse.
 

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