5th Wheel Hitch Recommendation that Leaves a Clear Bed when Removed in a 2003 Ford F-250

Question:

Hello, I just purchased a 2016 trailer with the Revolution Sidewinder. I am looking for a removable hitch assembly for the truck. The instructions says it does not recommend a 5th wheel adapter that connects to a goose ball. I was looking at the BandW ball with the companion hitch. Am I missing something here? I dont want a full time hitch or rail assembly in the bed of the truck when I am not pulling a trailer.

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

I have a great recommendation for you but the B&W Companion set up in your 2003 Ford F-250 is not going to work with a Sidewinder pin box. The reason is that the single attachment point of the Companion in the gooseneck ball hole is not sufficient for the force the Sidewinder will apply to the hitch head and it can end up twisting the hitch in the ball hole mount causing damage.

What I recommend is to use Reese under bed installation kit # RP30073 with M5 Series hitch # RP30921. With this set up you will have a clear bed when the hitch is removed. And it is compatible with a Sidewinder because of the 4 attachment points at the corners rather than a single center attachment point. The custom wedge for this hitch to use with a Sidewinder is # RP44FR.

expert reply by: Michael H