When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Only truck I looked at that didn't have fifth wheel prep, but had all other options I wanted. So, do I move my old rails and old hitch? I had an 8' and this is a 6 3/4 bed. Do I need a slider? Does any aftermarket venders sell a puck system, or is that a ford only purchase?
i have a SB truck and I went with the B&W hitch. I did some research when I got mine and most people love them and now I do also. It is a heavy hitch but I'm a firm believer in you need steel to tow a 5th wheel. I don't have a slider. With the B&W you can adjust the hitch back far enough to clear the cab in my case. I am not a fan of the rails because if you need to haul something the rails get in the way. I only have one hole in my bed and the receiver sits below the ribs in the bed. I also like how the hitch jaws surround the kingpin. There is a handle that you have to close to close the jaws. I have never had a problem making sure I am hooked up Handle closed you can bet the pin is locked.
Nice looking truck by the way.
I drilled my 4" hole in my truck when it had about 100 miles on it. I installed my hitch myself. You need air bags as well/. Even the 3560 will squat when you hook up your 5er. Put the bags on first then the hitch. I had to losen the side plates because one of the bolts for the bags was behind the side plates.
I do think the Ford puck system is available from Reese. They are the ones that make the system for Ford. It can be added after the fact.
There is also the B&W turnover ball with their companion hitch.
Either system is great; but if I were doing it myself, it would be the puck system and the B&W companion to fit that.
Unless you plan to install a Goosebox to the trailer instead of the regular pin box. Then I would definitely go with the turnover ball because then one can use an offset ball to bove the ball back 4” for added clearance with a short box.
Yes, you need a slider for a short bed. Otherwise one day you are going to turn too short (as little as 45 degrees) and smash your back window, or crumple your cab. Happened to my dad so there's 2nd-hand experience at least.
Honestly you can have the bed off in under an hour, 8 bed bolts and unbolt the filler necks and pull tailgate and lift it off. It is tight but with patience you can have it off without damage. I ordered the factory system online from Fairway Ford parts. Was $629 shipped if I remember correct, has trailer plug for bed and all hardware except bed bolts. They say you should replace them but I reused them.
My old man has the Pullrite Superglide auto sliding hitch. He loves it besides it takes a real boy to unload it or a cherry picker. He said the auto sliders are “weird” at first when you are turning because they feel like they “release” the truck when you start to turn & then drag the truck back as you straighten out but once you have a few miles under your belt, you will get used to them. Absolutely no worries about cab banging or window smashing even at 90°+!
My old man has the Pullrite Superglide auto sliding hitch. He loves it besides it takes a real boy to unload it or a cherry picker. He said the auto sliders are “weird” at first when you are turning because they feel like they “release” the truck when you start to turn & then drag the truck back as you straighten out but once you have a few miles under your belt, you will get used to them. Absolutely no worries about cab banging or window smashing even at 90°+!
We had a Pullrite Superglide on our first truck ( 2014 F350 SRW ) and never had any issue with hitch or the trailer getting close to the back of the cab. I can tell you that it is a very heavy hitch and not something you want to be moving by yourself. I can also say, that the hitch is super strong and probably saved our lives. On one of our trips, someone swerved in front of us and slammed their brakes while going 65mph. I hit my brakes and locked up the truck and trailer (40ft Cedar Creek). Needless to say, we couldn't stop in time and rear ended the guy in front of us, crashed him into the bridge railing, into another car and back into the railing. Our truck was totaled. The hitch was damaged but still held. Had the hitch given way, our trailer would have come through our back window and most certainly killed us. A solid hitch for sure.....
