Recommended Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch for 2017 Ford F-350 with Short Bed and Factory Tow Package

Question

Question:

Im ordering a 2017 F-350 crew cab, 4x4, SRW, short bed, diesel, 3.55 axle, and 5th wheel prep package. Why does the Ford towing guide show the gooseneck can pull about 20,600, but the 5th wheel only 18,000? I assume its a difference between how the two connect to the frame? Doesnt the factory prep package connect to the frame either on both? Im also getting a 2017 Jayco Pinnacle 36FBTS. So, do I need a slider hitch for this set up, or not? If so, which one? The one thats been recommended to me by a relative is the Demco Highjacker Autoslide for the Super Duty prep package, Code: DM8550024 or DM8550038. I know ones rated to handle 18,000 and the other 21K. Ive been told that the higher rated one would be better, is it? Which 5th wheel hitch would you recommend for my set up? Thanks.

asked by: Gene

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Expert Reply:

Gooseneck and fifth wheel trailer hitches connect to the frame in some way. However, a gooseneck hitch is connected directly to the frame with just the hitch ball for connection to the trailer. A fifth wheel hitch has brackets that connect to the frame, and then either rails or pucks (What you have on your factory kit) to connect to the fifth wheel hitch. Since the hitch is what connects to the trailer there is more in between the trailer and truck's frame. So gooseneck hitches generally have higher towing capacities.

Since your 2017 Ford F-350 has a 6-3/4 foot bed you will definitely want a sliding fifth wheel hitch, unless your trailer has a Sidewinder or Revolution. This is because with a short bed you won't have enough clearance between the truck and trailer when making sharp turns. When turning, the slider can be moved backwards in the truck bed to help.

Your relative and I think alike. I like the Demco Hijacker because of its autoslide feature. Most sliding fifth wheel hitches require you to get out of your truck and slide the hitch manually in order to gain enough clearance to make sharp turns. The Hijacker auotmatically slides up to 14 inches in order to give you more clearance. As for which Hijacker you need, the 21,000 pound # DM8550038 or 18,000 pound # DM8550024 depends on the weight of your trailer. From my research, your Jayco Pinnacle has a maximum GTW of about 16,000 pounds. You'll want to verify this on the trailer and choose a hitch based on its weight.

expert reply by: Charles S

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Answer 1

I do have an underbed 5th wheel and gooseneck installation kit that is confirmed to fit your 2017 Ford F-350 but the Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer Hitches part #RP30126 is not one of them.…

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Answer 2

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 3

You have really done your homework. Using the Reese Select Plus #RP30928 (one of my favorites) with the Reese Elite Series Underbed Rail Adapter #RP30156 along with a Sidewinder, like part #RP61422, is exactly what you will need for your 2017 Ford…

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Answer 4

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 5

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 6

Great question, Jeff! When the Rota-Flex first came out it renovated what a pin box could do and be, but at this point in time that technology is a little more dated and the Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box #325-GH-8040 is the "new…

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Answer 7

It sounds like the purpose of getting the air helper spring would be to counteract the 1 inch compression you're getting in your rear suspension caused by the pin weight of your 5th wheel. If that's the case, I believe that the AirLift 5000…

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Answer 8

There are a couple of options that'll work great with your Lippert Turning Point Pin Box, however one hitch stands out to me more than others. Take a look at the: -Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs #C16115 This 5th…

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Answer 9

The Hellwig Adjustable Big Wig Rear Anti-Sway Bar #HE94FR is only going to leave a few inches between it and the spare tire, as you can see in the attached picture. Depending on how far forward you have the tire it could potentially interfere with…

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Answer 10

To get the B&W Patriot #BWRVK3200 to work with your 2006 Dodge Ram you're going to need a set of 5th wheel rails #DM8552016-71. These rails are custom fit to your vehicle so they'll just bolt right up to the frame. It is worth mentioning…

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Answer 11

Since the pin weight of your camper is 2.1k, I recommend going with the LoadLifter 5000 opposed to the 7500. While technically there is not reason you couldn't use the 7500 kit, it really is not necessary for a camper like yours. Generally the…

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