I am researching upgrading to 5th wheel and wondering what kind of hitch. I have F250 Short bed so I am assuming I need a slider hitch but have seen options for a couple pin boxes with wedges that can move the turning point back, but I haven't found much on them.

Also truck doesn't have the 5th wheel prep package so considering adding it but seems like a lot of labor to remove bed. The other option is ISR rails but that seems tricky to line up holes. I like the idea of a clean bed with the OEM puck system but would like some other thoughts on pros/cons of each. I have also seen systems that just add the ball but not the 4 other holes. not sure what the point of that is if you have to take the bed off wouldn't it just be better to get the ball and the 4 mounting points?

Main thing is I want peace of mind backing into camp grounds with as few things to worry about so if I have to have a slider hitch would prefer an auto slider.

I have 20 yrs towing experience just not 5th wheels. I am also well versed in the payload capacities and dry vs wet weights etc. Let's try to stay on topic with the questions raised and not a discussion on weights as that has been discussed at nauseam.

 

If you have the means to lift the bed with a winch or hoist, the process seems pretty straight forward. There are a number of videos out there with detail instructions. Removing the bed involves 8 bed bolts, two connectors, a couple screws in the filler cap and removing the tail gate. The under bed components are all pre-drilled and straight forward too.
I have an OEM package sitting in my workshop that I am going to install as soon as my F350 gets here in the next few weeks.

 

What are the details of your truck and have you done any research into 5th towing with an F-250? What size 5th wheel are you considering?

One of those options that "just adds the ball" is a B&W Gooseneck hitch. It does not require the removal of the bed. Also, there is a towing forum down the page a little, I've always wondered if posting there minimizes the weight talk that you are trying to avoid.

 

You can use a B&W companion hitch with the gooseneck ball or convert your pinbox to a goosebox. The companion hitch is a slider I believe but the goosebox frees up bed space and there is no heavy 5th wheel hitch to have to move in and out.
The biggest complaint people have with a goosebox is having the get into the bed to hook up the chains and having to be lined up so close to be able to attach.
I have a goosebox and I have a 3rd brake light camera so I look though that when backing to hookup. My wife either sits in the back seat and tells me when to stop when I am right over top or she stands next to the truck as I back up and tells me to stop. The camera is not high def enough for me to see when to stop in the right spot. A few people have mentioned using the Gen-Y and Reese gooseboxes in short bed trucks in the towing forums. A 5th wheel hitch is much easier to back into. If payload is a concern the 5th wheel hitch adds at least 100lbs if not over 200lbs to the truck for some slider setups which makes a goosebox more appealing to some. I have a bad back and can't move a 5th wheel hitch anymore.
There is no right or wrong answer just what you are willing to sacrifice or deal with.

 

I have towed a lot of miles with shortbeds. Off road too. Never a problem. Use the Ford factory fifth wheel hitch.


The blue '22 has airbags. The white '21 doesn't.

 

I really like the B&W setup. It's not a slider, but they make them too. Installed myself in the driveway, took the spare out, drove up on 6" or so of boards, and installed right in the driveway. Couple bolts were hard to reach by myself, but took probably 4 hours.

 

This pin box is not approved by Lippert and will void your frame warranty. The only goosebox they have certified is the Reese GooseBox which gets good reviews but I still don't think you could get 90 degrees. Currently looking into sidewinder or turning point which locks the pivot point at the 5th wheel connection and moves it back to where the pin box connects to the camper. Not a lot of reviews/videos on that. My concern there would be trailer sway. I am leery of a slider hitch because they weigh a lot and I use my bed to get wood, mulch, dirt etc and would like the use of the bed when not towing. Those sliders don't come apart like say a BW companion.

4WD
To answer other questions, strongly considering an Arcadia 2660. Weight is a big consideration, and I know this will create some controversy but the F250/F350 are essentially the same truck with different stickers, badges and an extra leaf spring. They have the same drivetrain, axles, frames, brakes, wheels, tires etc. I will be close to the limit and am planning on beefing up the suspension and will not exceed either the rear axle rating nor the max towing capacity but will be close to the payload. The reality is even if I wanted a 350 who knows when you will get one.

 

I'm interested in input on here as well. I'm in the same situation as you, F250, added the camper package so I get the sway bar and extra overload leaf to match the F350. I too will be close to max with our new 5th wheel. I'm leaning more towards the Reese Goose Box as it's approved for Lippert frames and I don't know if I'll need 90 degrees or not, but 75+ will be great. Plus, I don't want to mess with a slider if it's not necessary. I like the idea of just using the ball. If the non sliding B&W Companion hitches work well, then that's a close 2nd choice, tied with the Andersen Ultimate hitch. I just really like the idea of the shocks and airbag of the Goose Box.

 

So it sounds like you know what you may or may not be getting into and have plans for the suspension. You're not completely new to the 250 and it's potential shortcomings.

The 250 vs 350 comparison really depends on option packages. You can option an F-250 to be nearly identical to a 350, including the same number of leafs and the same rear axle (still with a lower rear GAWR). Thats why I had asked about the truck. In some cases the 250 does not have the same axle, and has 2 less leafs (like mine).

 

If you go the gooseneck option with the Reese Goosebox, you can also get an offset ball that will give you more turning radius, and should be very close to 90 degrees.

 

Added the OEM prep package to mine after the fact. Highly recommend it. Super easy install if you’re halfway mechanically inclined.

 

The only reason that Lippert approves the Reese goosebox is because Lippert owns Reese. Good luck getting ANY frame damage approved from Lippert even with the factory pinbox.
Reese Goosebox = made in Mexico
Gen-Y = made in USA and they stand behind their product
I will risk frame damage on my 5th wheel because it rides smoother with the goosebox over the 5th wheel pinbox. I also have over 15,000 miles on the Gen-y with no damage and haven't read any reviews, forum posts or seen any videos about a camper frame being damaged while using a Gen-Y goosebox. Anderson Hitches on the other hand I have seen enough evidence of crushed hitches to not even want to go that route.

 

I ran a Pullrite Autoslide 24k in my 2008 pulling a 40 ft toy hauler. Now that I have a new truck I will be looking at a Reese Goosebox. If you are near Southern Neveada I can make you a smoking deal on the Pullrite. Only pulled the trailer half a dozen times. It is set up for Ford underbed mounts.

bob

 

My truck is a F250, I dropped the 5th prep to get it built ( should have held out). Anyway, I will be installing a factory prep when I get my truck. I have had B&W in the last 2 trucks and never again. If you live where they salt the roads, no matter how good you think you clean and care for the B&W, it will rust in place and take work to free it. I have a 5th to gooseneck conversion never has a problem, (I have had a B&W Companion but got tired of installing and removing), after a few times you will learn where to back up and come close to the ball when hooking up. I may look at a goose box for my next trailer.

 

Strongly recommend the B&W 25 Slider fifth wheel hitch. I would not recommend gooseneck. My option on Gooseneck and fifth wheel towing if it was supposed to be that great, all transports would be gooseneck. There are certain towing applications gooseneck are made for, fifthwheel towing is not......just my honest option