Need Info on 5th Wheel Hitch > Ford F 350
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New User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11
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From: Ontario Canada
Need Info on 5th Wheel Hitch > Ford F 350
Hi all. I have purchased a 2013 F 350 dually with the 5<SUP>th</SUP> wheel prep package built in it. Seems real slick. I need advice on what 5<SUP>th</SUP> wheel hitch to purchase that would fit this truck. The RV Trailer I'm getting is 14,500 so I’m thinking I should get a 18K hitch so I have room to expand later if required. So I got this part of it figured out. The best I can tell is this system is called a “puck” system where the hitch would sit cleanly into the Ford’s pre holes and then lock. When the hitch is not required you take it out and you then have a clean bed with no rails etc left. Also I see most hitches go “vertical” movement but should they also have some horizontal movement ? So what’s a good hitch for my F 350 ? Thanks...Ron<O
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 151
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From: Terrell, Texas
I use the b&w companion. It has a 4k pin weight and 20k trailer weight. I paid around $800 a yr ago. Reese also makes a hitch but I don't know much about it. There are also adapter plates that fit the puck system but allows you to use the traditional style hitches.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 914
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From: Saskatoon, SK, CA
Reese Elite 18k drops into the pucks because a Ford uses the Reese Elite underbed mounting rails. I have it and it works good, however, next time around I would probably go with the B&W Companion which now has a design made to work with the factory Ford system. Wasn't available when I got mine since I needed a slider (short bed), however you don't need a slider (long bed). Both have 4 motion heads.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
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From: Western MA
Ron, we also have the Reese Elite which, as WWW mentions, is the same as the Ford hitch. Ford just rebrands Reese products and marks them up a bit. So, I ordered my truck with the 5th prep and got the Reese Elite 18k. Very easy in and out when needed. (Think, less than 60 seconds.) To get the best price out there, shop around then buy it on etrailer.com. After you checkout, email their customer service a link to the best price you found on the net and they will refund you 110% of the difference in price. Makes them the best deal out there. Plus, when you buy the hitch, it will come with the in bed wiring which you don't need as your prep package came with it. So, sell that on eBay for $60 or so and you're even further ahead. The B&W has a huge following and it also drops right in and may be cheaper too. Can't go wrong with either option.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2014
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Reese Elite 18k drops into the pucks because a Ford uses the Reese Elite underbed mounting rails. I have it and it works good, however, next time around I would probably go with the B&W Companion which now has a design made to work with the factory Ford system. Wasn't available when I got mine since I needed a slider (short bed), however you don't need a slider (long bed). Both have 4 motion heads.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
I have the ford reese 18K hitch for the factory holes. Reese makes some real good hitches and you can go wrong.
The 18K is light enough for one person to mount it or remove it.
Your dealer should have provided the rubber covers that go in the holes when you are not using the hitch.
Should also have one for the gooseneck hole. Go ahead and get the 25K ball for the gooseneck too.
The 18K is light enough for one person to mount it or remove it.
Your dealer should have provided the rubber covers that go in the holes when you are not using the hitch.
Should also have one for the gooseneck hole. Go ahead and get the 25K ball for the gooseneck too.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
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From: Western MA
Depends on the trailer. My trailer, a Heartland product, has an 88 degree turn radius front cap so no slider needed with a short bed truck. All Heartland units are built this way as well as many other manufacturers. If the trailer doesn't have this feature, a slider hitch is needed. Reese makes a slider unit that drops into the factory pucks for this application.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2014
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Depends on the trailer. My trailer, a Heartland product, has an 88 degree turn radius front cap so no slider needed with a short bed truck. All Heartland units are built this way as well as many other manufacturers. If the trailer doesn't have this feature, a slider hitch is needed. Reese makes a slider unit that drops into the factory pucks for this application.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 387
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From: Limestone County
I have the 24k reese purchased from summit racing for about the same as the 18k at other retailers. Because it splits into two parts makes it a snap to install and remove with only one person.
Chuck
Chuck
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Georgia
You might have to order and wait. I couldn't find one anywhere and I had to get going so I bought the big one, 25,000 lbs. Cost me 1600 plus. Also there are several companies making adapters which fit in the ford prep holes and lock down, then you can install a normal 5th wheel hitch in the adapter. I don't know if the B&W could be installed in the prepped bed or not. I doubt there is much room left below the bed.
As to short bed trucks, I don't think ford would put the prep in a short bed. Reese doesn't make a slider for that application. I guess you would have to get one of the adapters and then install a slider into the adapter.
As to short bed trucks, I don't think ford would put the prep in a short bed. Reese doesn't make a slider for that application. I guess you would have to get one of the adapters and then install a slider into the adapter.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,787
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From: Georgia
You might have to order and wait. I couldn't find one anywhere and I had to get going so I bought the big one, 25,000 lbs. Cost me 1600 plus. Also there are several companies making adapters which fit in the ford prep holes and lock down, then you can install a normal 5th wheel hitch in the adapter. I don't know if the B&W could be installed in the prepped bed or not. I doubt there is much room left below the bed.
As to short bed trucks, I don't think ford would put the prep in a short bed. Reese doesn't make a slider for that application. I guess you would have to get one of the adapters and then install a slider into the adapter.
As to short bed trucks, I don't think ford would put the prep in a short bed. Reese doesn't make a slider for that application. I guess you would have to get one of the adapters and then install a slider into the adapter.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
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From: Western MA
You might have to order and wait. I couldn't find one anywhere and I had to get going so I bought the big one, 25,000 lbs. Cost me 1600 plus. Also there are several companies making adapters which fit in the ford prep holes and lock down, then you can install a normal 5th wheel hitch in the adapter. I don't know if the B&W could be installed in the prepped bed or not. I doubt there is much room left below the bed.
As to short bed trucks, I don't think ford would put the prep in a short bed. Reese doesn't make a slider for that application. I guess you would have to get one of the adapters and then install a slider into the adapter.
As to short bed trucks, I don't think ford would put the prep in a short bed. Reese doesn't make a slider for that application. I guess you would have to get one of the adapters and then install a slider into the adapter.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2014
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Wrong wrong wrong wrong... Reese makes an Elite slider for our pucks. Part number 30144. Also, Ford absolutely puts the prep in short bed trucks and has since late 2011. I have it as do tons of other people. As to availability, the 18k is available everywhere online. Lastly, as others and I have stated earlier in the thread, B&W makes a hitch that uses the pucks so nothing to add under the bed.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
Wish I could help on that one. I never used one, just know it's available. When shopping a 5ver, I intentionally bought one that didn't require a slider with a short bed. Something to consider. Sliders have to be opened and closed and are much heavier to take in and out of the bed. There are lots of rigs out there that don't require one so pick your trailer before committing to a slider. You may not even need one...