Reese M5 Head Assembly Review

Let’s Dive into Reese M5 Head Assembly

The Reese M5 Head Assembly, manufactured by Reese, is a critical component designed specifically for their M5 fifth wheel hitch system. It’s tailored for GM 2500/3500 pickup trucks equipped with the OEM underbody prep-package, promising a secure and reliable connection for heavy towing. This head assembly boasts interchangeability with other M5 center sections, adding to its versatility.

I was looking to upgrade my existing fifth-wheel setup to handle heavier loads safely and securely. My current setup felt unstable when towing my RV, especially on uneven roads. I needed a solution that offered both peace of mind and improved towing performance.

The Reese M5 Head Assembly arrived in a sturdy cardboard box, well-protected with foam padding. My initial impression was of solid construction; the materials felt robust and the welds looked clean and strong. The weight suggested a durable build, inspiring confidence in its ability to handle heavy loads.

I considered other options, including the B&W Companion and the Curt A20. I chose the Reese M5 Head Assembly primarily because of its compatibility with my GM truck’s OEM prep package and its reported ease of use. B&W is fantastic, but requires more installation work, while the Curt didn’t seem as robustly built based on online reviews.

I was genuinely excited to install and test the Reese M5 Head Assembly. The promise of a more stable and secure towing experience was a major draw. Hopefully my road trips would be less stressful.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Reese M5 Head Assembly to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Reese M5 Head Assembly on a weekend camping trip to the mountains. I was towing my 35-foot travel trailer, weighing approximately 10,000 lbs. The terrain included steep inclines, winding roads, and some unpaved sections.

The head assembly performed admirably in all conditions. Even on the roughest sections, there was minimal chucking or sway, making the towing experience significantly smoother. It was surprisingly easy to couple and uncouple the trailer, thanks to the well-designed latching mechanism.

After the first use, I noticed a slight learning curve in aligning the trailer pin with the hitch. However, this was quickly overcome with practice. Overall, the initial experience was very positive, instilling confidence in the product’s capabilities.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and over 5,000 miles of towing, the Reese M5 Head Assembly continues to perform reliably. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The finish has held up well, even after exposure to rain, dust, and road salt.

Maintaining the head assembly is straightforward. I regularly grease the pivot points and inspect the fasteners for tightness. It has required minimal effort to keep it in optimal condition.

Compared to my previous hitch, the Reese M5 Head Assembly offers a substantial improvement in stability and ease of use. It has exceeded my expectations and made towing a much more enjoyable and stress-free experience. It is a vast improvement over the old clunky assembly I had!

Breaking Down the Features of Reese M5 Head Assembly

Specifications

• Compatibility: Designed specifically for Reese M5 fifth wheel hitches and GM 2500/3500 trucks with OEM underbody prep package. This ensures a perfect fit and maximizes towing safety.
• Interchangeability: The head can be interchanged with 20K center section (30884) or 27K center section (30894), sold separately. This provides flexibility to upgrade towing capacity as needed.
• Non-Compatibility: This fifth wheel hitch will not work with Elite Series Rail Kits. Important to note for those with existing Elite Series setups.
• Durability: Built with robust materials for long-lasting performance. A well-built unit inspires confidence in handling heavy loads.
• Ease of Use: Designed for easy coupling and uncoupling. This saves time and effort during setup and takedown.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the safety, stability, and convenience of towing. The compatibility ensures a secure connection to the truck and trailer, while the interchangeability offers flexibility. The durable construction guarantees long-term reliability, and the ease of use simplifies the towing process.

Performance & Functionality

The Reese M5 Head Assembly excels at providing a stable and secure connection between the truck and trailer. It minimizes chucking and sway, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable towing experience. Its usability is very high, the latching mechanism is simple to operate and provides a positive lock.

The main strength is its rock-solid stability, making towing feel safer and more controlled. A weakness could be the need to purchase the leg assembly separately; an all-in-one kit option would be more convenient. It does meet my expectations overall, delivering a noticeably improved towing experience compared to previous setups.

Design & Ergonomics

The Reese M5 Head Assembly features a robust design with a focus on functionality. The materials used are heavy-duty steel, providing a sense of durability and reliability. It is a bit on the heavy side, but this contributes to its stability and robustness.

The design is user-friendly, with a clear and intuitive latching mechanism. There is a slight learning curve in aligning the trailer pin initially, but this is easily overcome.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its solid construction, the Reese M5 Head Assembly is expected to last for many years with proper care. Regular greasing of the pivot points and inspection of fasteners are essential. These activities are straightforward and do not require specialized tools.

The powder-coated finish helps protect against corrosion, further extending its lifespan. It is designed for easy maintenance and repair, with readily available replacement parts if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Reese M5 Head Assembly does not come with a wide range of accessories. However, it is compatible with various fifth-wheel lubricants and cleaning products. The most significant customization option is the ability to interchange with different center sections (20K or 27K) to adjust towing capacity.

It appears to be compatible with standard fifth-wheel pin boxes. I would suggest further research on specific aftermarket accessories that may enhance the towing experience, but generally, it is a well-designed and complete unit as-is.

Pros and Cons of Reese M5 Head Assembly

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Who Should Buy Reese M5 Head Assembly?

• Perfect for: Owners of GM 2500/3500 pickup trucks with the OEM underbody prep package looking to tow heavier fifth-wheel trailers safely and reliably. RV enthusiasts who prioritize a smooth and stable towing experience will find this a significant upgrade.
• Who should skip this product? Those with Elite Series Rail Kits or those not owning a GM 2500/3500 with the factory installed prep package.

Conclusion on Reese M5 Head Assembly

The Reese M5 Head Assembly is a well-engineered and robustly built component that significantly enhances the fifth-wheel towing experience. It offers exceptional stability, ease of use, and seamless integration with GM trucks. While the leg assembly being sold separately is a slight inconvenience, the overall benefits far outweigh this drawback.

The price of $408.99 is justified considering the improved safety, stability, and comfort it provides. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Reese M5 Head Assembly to anyone looking to upgrade their fifth-wheel setup and enjoy a smoother, more controlled towing experience. Invest in your peace of mind and make your next road trip a pleasure!