Recommended 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for 2006 Ford F-250 with 6-3/4 Foot Bed

Question:

I have a 2006 F250 crew cab 4x4 with short bed. Powered by a Powerstroke. I am purchasing a 2007 Keystone Montana Mountaineer 342PHT 5th wheel and am looking for a good hitch. The camper weighs 10,635 dry and has a hitch weight of 3,720. Thanks!

asked by: Jeremy

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since your 2006 Ford F-250 has a 6-3/4 foot bed, you will want to use a sliding 5th wheel hitch to provide additional turning clearance between the truck and trailer. My favorite sliding hitch is the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550034. This trailer hitch features an automatic sliding feature that makes it my favorite, and it is made here in the USA.

Traditional sliding hitches require you to pull over and get in and out of the vehicle several times in order to execute a tight turn, or any turn that will require additional clearance. With the Demco Hijacker Autoslide, the hitch head will automatically pivot and slide to provide the needed room to execute the turn. The slide on this hitch offers an additional 14 inches of front to back travel. This hitch has an 18,000 pound towing capacity and a 4,500 pound vertical weight capacity that will work great with your Keystone Montana Mountaineer 5th wheel. I've attached a review video of this hitch for you.

If you are looking for a more budget friendly 5th wheel hitch, the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R20 Slider # C16541 will suit your needs well. The 2-jaw locking system will contact the king pin at 360 degrees and the built-in cushioning absorbs road shock. The slider on this hitch offers 12 inches of front to back travel to provide additional turning clearance. Rated for a gross towing weight of 20,000 pounds and a vertical weight capacity of 5,000 pounds, this hitch will also work well for your trailer.

Both of these 5th wheel hitches are designed to fit Industry Standard Above Bed Rails. If you do not already have base rails in your 2006 F-250, I recommend the Reese Quick-install Custom Base Rails and Outboard Installation Kit # RP56005-53. This kit is a custom fit for your vehicle and will not require you to drill into the vehicle's frame for installation. The outboard brackets provide better access to the hardware locations and make the installation process easier than traditional brackets. I've attached an installation video of this kit on a similar F-250 to yours.

expert reply by: Victoria B