5th wheel prep package
New User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
You need to get a 5th wheel that is made to be installed on the Ford Factory Prep Package.
Reese makes one (they make the Ford factory 5th wheel also)
B&W makes one: Companion
Reese makes one (they make the Ford factory 5th wheel also)
B&W makes one: Companion
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,676
Likes: 913
From: Milford, MI
Traditional fifth wheel hitches have ugly rails bolted to the bed floor, that is what most out there use. Reese developed the system Ford adopted. Your looking for their Elite series hitch, Reese offers 18&25k lbs rated hitches. The B&W hitch is nice as well, rated for 19k if memory serves me correctly.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Traditional fifth wheel hitches have ugly rails bolted to the bed floor, that is what most out there use. Reese developed the system Ford adopted. Your looking for their Elite series hitch, Reese offers 18&25k lbs rated hitches. The B&W hitch is nice as well, rated for 19k if memory serves me correctly.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 2
From: Altamonte Springs, FL
I have the Reese Elite rated 25K. I bought more hitch than i need right now as my toyhauler is 18,000; but who knows what the future holds. I also have the Reese gooseneck ball. Both work well and are easy to remove leaving my bed clean.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,051
Likes: 10
From: TEXAS
On my few week old F350 FX4 I chose to go with the old style rails across the bed design. It may not be the cleanest look or newest production, but it is tried and proven to work time after time. I ordered the quick mount bolt on mounting kit which bolts straight to the frame with no holes to drill through the frame. You do still have to drill through the bed to mount the rails to the frame adapter.
Any how, the other reason I went with the old style rail system is that the slots in the rails allow the rails to do double duty as tie down points for the hooks on the end of tie down straps.....almost worth the price just for that function at times.
Any how, the other reason I went with the old style rail system is that the slots in the rails allow the rails to do double duty as tie down points for the hooks on the end of tie down straps.....almost worth the price just for that function at times.
New User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I was also looking at the Reese Elite 25K for my 6.5' box but the specs do not mention that it has the slider option which could be used in some turning situations. Any thoughts.
Elder User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 502
Likes: 3
From: North Georgia
From ford it does not come with a slider. I have the 25k Reese from Ford and with only one pull so far I really like it. Haven't pulled the hitch out yet but I like the fact it leaves the bed clean and flat.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 2
From: Altamonte Springs, FL
I bought my Reese Elite independently from Ford. Reese has an 18K with Slider for short bed trucks.
Reese Elite 5th Wheel Hitches and Gooseneck Ball Hitches.
Reese Elite 5th Wheel Hitches and Gooseneck Ball Hitches.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,247
From: Western MA
Many new trailers have their front end caps designed to allow for use on a short bed with no slider. All Heartland brands have adopted this. Every trailer is different so pick that before picking a hitch...
New User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
One mechanic I talked to says the Reese 18K will be fine and it will fit the Ford factory 5th wheel prep kit. If I go with the Husky 26KGlider, there is an adaptor plate for the Ford prep as well.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,247
From: Western MA
Yep, Reese make the factory prep so the Reese Elite fits. The Ford hitch is just a Reese Elite with a Ford sticker on it. Average price on the web is around 1200 for the 18k and 1600 for the 25k. With an 18k GVWR and almost 4k on the pin, your right at the limit of the 18k. If it was me, I'd spend the extra 400 for the 25k. You didn't mention if your 350 was a DRW truck. That much pin weight is a lot for a SRW.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
25K hitch and no less with that load. You also need the DRW with that much pin wt.
I hauled a 15K 5er with my F250 for many miles with a 3100 king pin on it and it did just fine and was within limits of the axle and the tires..but I would not want to put anymore than that on it.
I hauled a 15K 5er with my F250 for many miles with a 3100 king pin on it and it did just fine and was within limits of the axle and the tires..but I would not want to put anymore than that on it.