5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for a 2015 Ford F-250

Question:

Looking for the best hitch,for our 2015 Ford F-250. Some people say we need a sliding hitch and some say we do not. We are new to a fifth wheel and want to make sure we get the right hitch. Our f-250 is new and we do not want to put unwanted holes, nor do we want to have the wrong hitch.

asked by: Pat H

Expert Reply:

I am assuming that your 2015 Ford F-250 has a short bed (6-3/4 foot bed) and that would be why people are telling you about sliding hitches. Short bed trucks do require either a slider 5th wheel hitch, Sidewinder replacement pin box, or a trailer designed specifically for short bed trucks (they are much more narrow at the front than the back so you can make sharp turns without hitting the truck and trailer together).

Basically it is going to depend on the width of the front of the trailer. A slider will provide 12 inches of additional clearance at most. A Sidewinder will move the pivot point back 22 inches for even more clearance. Sidewinders cost more and only can only be used on certain trailers. Basically I would have to know the pin box manufacturer and model number to determine if there is a Sidewinder than fits using the chart in the Sidewinder info page I have linked.

To avoid drilling holes in the truck frame to install a hitch you will want a custom installation kit # RP50026-58.

For a slider hitch that has 12 inches of travel I recommend # RP30083. It is rated for up to 20,000 pounds gross trailer weight. I have included a link to a video review of this hitch for you.

If your truck came with the factory 5th wheel prep package then you would not use the installation kit or hitch mentioned above. You would have to use # RP30144.

expert reply by: Michael H