How to Choose a 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Model with the Intention of Towing a Fifth Wheel Trailer

Question:

I am looking to buy a companion fifth wheel hitch for a Grand design Reflexion 303 rls UVW: 9,694 lbs GVWR: 11,995 lbs Hitch Weight: 1,796 lbs . I will probably buy a F-250 superduty with the 6.75 box. What model would I need? Do I absolutely need your model with slides? 600$ more that the reg model is a lot of money. also what is a OEM prep package?

asked by: Sylvain

Expert Reply:

If you intend to buy a 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty with a 6-3/4 foot bed, then you will need a sliding hitch like the B and W Companion, part # BWRVK3370.

The reason for this is because a short bed like the one you are looking to buy will not provide enough clearance for turning when hooked up to your fifth wheel. You would run a very high risk of the trailer hitting the cab of your truck, which would result in catastrophic damage.

If you were set on getting the # BWRVK3300 (the Companion without the slider), then you would need to ensure you got the F-250 model with an 8 foot bed, though that might end up costing even more in the long run.

If you can still decide between the 6-3/4 and 8 foot bed, then it will be up to you on where you'd like to save. I personally would opt for more space, but sometimes that can be a hindrance (8 foot beds take up a lot of the driveway).

As for the OEM prep package, that refers to the puck holes drilled into the truck bed by the factory. This package is an option for your truck when you buy it. It is usually more expensive, but it eliminates the need to install rails for the fifth wheel hitch to mount to.

In other words, if you get a truck with an OEM prep package, then you can buy a fifth wheel hitch like the # BWRVK3300 on its own and it will fit in those drilled holes. If you opt for not having the prep package, then you will also need to get rails for the hitch to attach to. In this case, the Companion hitch would be part # BWRVK3500-5W, and you would need the rails, part # BWGNRK1116-5W, in order to attach the hitch to your truck bed.

Since you are in the position that you can choose before buying, I highly suggest you go with the prep package (talk to your dealer) since that will save you time and money later. These packages usually come with wiring for trailers and some recent trucks even have brake controllers built in. Both of those things are addons you would have to buy on your own without the prep package as they are absolutely necessary to legally tow a fifth wheel.