Clearance Using Fifth Wheel Hitch on 2013 Ford F-350 Short Bed
Question:
I have a 2013 ford f350 short bed truck, I currently tow my 5th wheel via an 8 inch offset 5th wheel to goose neck adapter and a b and w turnover ball in my truck, however, I would like to convert over to 5th wheel. I have 37 inches from the ball of my hitch to the cab of my truck, my current rbw pin box sticks out 4 inches past the nose of my trailer which is 100 inches wide. So when you add 4 inches to 37 you get 41 inches, plus another 8 inches for my offset adapter and you get 49 inches. While this shows a one inch deficit in needed offset it all works since the nose of my fifth wheel is sloped up and the furthest point out is well above my trucks cab. I was looking at the BWRVK3500-5W since it works nicely with my b and w turnover ball, you guys say it only has 4 inches of offset, however, the instruction manual states that is has 7 inches of offset I will include a snip of the instructions, if I use the position 1 for the post. Can you please clarify for me? my measurements show that even by losing another inch of offset I will still have clearance so long as I never try to back to tightly while backing off a cliff or ridiculously steep off. Also....my 5th wheel currently uses a double gang galvanized electrical box for the towing wiring connection, besides the fact it doesnt fit anywhere out of the way so I have to mount it to my pin box......which means that it keeps hitting my bed rail......which means I am getting very, very, very......very angry with it well, it just looks bad. Does anyone make a smaller plastic junction box that I could mount inside the back of my pin box and out of the way?
asked by: Chris M
Expert Reply:
From your measurements and the nose of your trailer it sounds like you will be able to use the B&W Companion # BWRVK3500-5W with your 2013 Ford F-350 Short Bed. However, you're cutting it close, and may run into issues on uneven ground so I still recommend going with a sliding hitch like # BWRVK3400-5W. It gives you 12 inches of movement so there won't be any question of clearance.
To clarify the offset of the B&W Companion, you are correct that it allows 7 inches with the post in position 1. Our description states that there is 4 inches of movement available, and in position 1 the hitch will have an offset between 3-7 inches depending on how you position it.
A junction box that will keep you from getting so angry is # 38656.
Products Referenced in This Question
Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- B and W
more information >
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 16-1/4 - 18-1/4 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
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