I have a TS-3. Good hitch, heavy at 250 pounds for the hitch, 50 pounds for the puck adapter. The ability to air up and down as needed is beneficial for us as I need the extra height at times to clear bed rails.

But, it is far from perfect. It has multiple, non greasable and greaseable parts that wear out. And the parts are expensive. Hensley will not sell parts for the saddle. If any parts in the head need to be replaced the saddle assembly is $700.
My hitch was shipped with bad shocks.
When my hitch was one year old I took it apart looking for a very annoying squeak. I was amazed at the amount of wear on the moving parts. Hensley did warrantee the worn out parts but it required me to pay for all the parts in advance and pay for shipping both ways.

 

I get it. You're not wrong being cynical about LCI. But they did overnight air me a set of their failed equa-flex equalizers when their originals were starting to fail. I did the swap. They covered the parts. 2 years out of warranty.

 

I'm really surprised they did that, it is nice to hear of customer service. That being said, so what they have an agreement, they cover the GB and at least won't automatically deny frame issues as some do with gooseneck hitches.

 

@porthole

Thanks for reporting your real world experience with the TS3.

Some have said that the original design of the TrailerSaver (the TSLB2H) remains the best (rated at 32K LB, 7,500 pin with 3rd bag option), and the TS3 comes closest to that original design, with the forward reaching pivot arms.

However, even the vaunted TSLB2H was thought to need improving upon by a maverick named Henry Szmyt, who created a line of more robust (and even more expensive) air ride 5th wheel hitches named the ET hitch, which comes in 3 models.

ET Junior TSR (where TSR stands for Trailer Saver Replacement), as the ET Junior bolts in place of the TSLB2H, where full time RVrs face the choice of repairing the TSLB2H or replacing it altogether:
Pin Weight Rating: 8,500 lbs
Hitch Weight: 470 lbs



Stepping up in capacity for the ET Junior is the ET Senior... 33K lbs trailer weight, four air bags, 5" vertical travel, self leveling,
Pin Weight Rating: 8,500 lbs
Hitch Weight: 735 lbs



ET Super Senior
Pin Weight Rating: 8,000 lbs
Hitch Weight: 750 lbs




Again, not the best hitch to "pick up" at 750 lbs! But arguably stout, considered by some full time Escapees running HDTs (ie Class 8 Volvo tractors pulling Spacecraft type RVs) to be the "best", and interesting to look at and be aware of, even if not the most appropriate choice for a pickup. Why I mention the ET Hitch is due to it being designed to directly address the issues people found with the Trailer Saver, which they otherwise loved.

 

I am aware of the ET's as well as the several other variants out there. They are geared towards the HDT and MDT crowd's. And it was the HDT crowd that found out how susceptible the Holland-Binkley hitch saddle really was to wear.
Although I did seriously consider going the HDT route with ordering a Volvo (also considered Sport chassis but they are more than a custom ordered Volvo), in the end it came down to a loaded 450 Limited.
In retrospect, with the events of the past year and anticipated events in the future, the light duty truck now seems like the right choice.
When I ordered the 450 I also ordered an installation spot for a hauler bed of which I was going to add the TSLB, alas even that has now changed.

 

Ended up picking up the B&W companion hitch slider for my 5th wheel. This went into my F350 6.75 ft bed. A little difference getting used to the new 33 ft 5th wheel but so far so great. Pulled the new 5th wheel back about 90 miles home, truck pulled great! SO far excellent feedback. The 9800 lb trailer was easy to pull, great control and stability. Climbed about 2k feet in elevation home and the 6.7 never dropped below 70, held 75 with ease.

 

Really need some help here guys. I have a 2018 F250 without the factory 5th wheel setup. I want to get the B&W Companion hitch based on the discussion in the thread. We are in the process of getting a Grand Design 295RL Reflection 150 series 5th wheel trailer. Which B&W model do I need to get? I assume I dont have the factory pucks.

Second question, I am going to get line x sprayed in my bed. Should I do this before I install the hitch or after? Not sure about drilling holes in the bed and things like that.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

To go B&W with no factory setup; you need the B&W turnover ball (includes underbed stuff), along with the B&W companion hitch. Get on B&W’s web page and theyt have pictures, etc. of everything you would need.

 

You'll know if you have the puck system, there will be a ball hole and 4 puck holes. I would do the Line-X after I did the holes, that way, the edge of the holes will be covered also. Don't know about the hitch as I have a Goose Box.

 

Thanks a bunch guys.

This site is awesome!!

 

congrats. You can’t go wrong with B&W. I came over from ~25yrs with GM and have been impressed with the 17+ 6.7L. Coming back from a trip from Myrtle Beach to TN... we held 70MPH on I40 going up old Fort Mountain. I had to keep reminding myself the 28BH was on hitch.

 

My B & W Companion for the Ford Factory Puck system arrived a few days ago. Rock solid, good condition, all the parts are there.


Hopefully the truck that it goes in will be here soon.

 

I recently purchased the Demco Hijacker 18k autoslider for our '17 F250 CCSB... only used it to bring our new 5'er home, but worked as advertised. Good luck!

 

another vote for b&w companion

 

I went this route and thought it pulled great my first time out.