5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2016 Ford F-350 with Factory Prep Package

Question:

I just purchase a New 2016 Ford F350 and it came with the new four point Hitch to bed lock system. I have the old 3500 Companion 5th wheel set-up in my 2001 F250 that I purchase from you guy years back. So my question is can I purchase the Base system only and use my exciting 5th wheel. I think it is part No. 14-9245.

asked by: MIke

Expert Reply:

The B&W Companion 3500 5th Wheel Hitch # BWRVK3500 that you referenced is designed to install in the B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch. I have a number of hitch options for you, but since the Companion 3500 is designed to install into a B&W gooseneck hitch receiver, it will not work to install in your new 2016 Ford F-350's factory towing prep package.

Unfortunately there is not an adapter to allow this hitch to install in your truck's factory pucks. Since the factory prep package is installed on your truck, you would not be able to install a Turnoverball gooseneck hitch in your F-350.

Since it sounds like you really like your B&W Companion 3500 hitch, B&W does offer a Companion that is designed to fit the factory pucks in your F-350, the Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package # BWRVK3300. I've attached a review video of this hitch for you. The OEM Companion will work well as long as your truck bed is an 8 foot bed.

If your new F-350 has a short, 6-3/4 foot bed, a sliding hitch will work better in order to give you the clearance needed to turn while towing your 5th wheel hitch. For a sliding hitch that will fit directly into the factory puck system, you can use the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch, 20K, # BWRVK3370. A more economical sliding hitch that will also fit into the factory pucks and work great is the Curt Q20 Hitch with Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package # C16530-16020. Review videos of both of these sliders are linked for you.

A standard 5th wheel hitch can fit into the pucks of your F-350's prep package by using the Reese Elite Series Underbed Rail Adapter # RP30156. This adapter will work to fit either fixed or sliding standard 5th wheel hitches to your F-350.

If you'd like to add a 7-Way trailer connector in the bed of your truck, the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Wiring Harness # C56000 is a great option. I've attached an installation video of this harness on a similar truck for you.