Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for a 2015 Ford F250 Super Duty with Short Bed

Question:

Hello, Can I use the Andersen #AM3139 Ranch Hitch and the DrawTite #19308 together? The AM3139 has an offset of 8inch and the #19308 has an offset of 5. Thus, I would get a total offset of 13. My trailer is a Grand Design 320X with a GVWR = 15,000 lbs with a Hitch weight = 2,480 lbs. My pin box is a Trail-Air Rota Flex Lippert 1621. My truck is a 2015 F-250 SuperCab 6 3/4foot Bed 4X4. Also, are there any risks with using a gooseneck long term for long hauls related to stress on the pin box and trailer frame connection?

asked by: Jamey M

Helpful Expert Reply:

With gooseneck adapters like the part # AM3139 that have an offset built into them you cannot use an offset adapter like the part # 19308 that you referenced. The reason for this is that it will end up putting too much stress on the pin box of the trailer.

Although we have never heard of any instances where an adapter like this caused an issue for a trailer's pin box when used long term we are aware that they don't recommend these for permanent long term use for the reason you listed. It does put a bit more stress on the pin box than a fifth wheel hitch.

If this is the only trailer you plan on towing I would recommend you go with a fifth wheel hitch instead.

Since you have the factory rail kit and a short bed truck your best option would be a slider hitch like the part # RP30144. This will fit in the rail kit of your truck and will provide you with enough clearance to make sharp turns when the hitch is slid back. This is one of the nicest hitches on the market so I would recommend it strongly. It would be a much better solution that using an offset adapter that realistically wouldn't give you enough clearance to make sharp turns.

expert reply by: Jameson C