Recommended 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch to Tow a 2005 Keystone Cougar with a 2009 Ford F-250 Short Bed

Question:

Me and my fiance just bought a 2009 F250 short bed recommendation for the best fifth wheel hitch everything included that we will need we have a 2005 Keystone Cougar model number 296 preferably a hitch thats not going to burn a hole through a pocket

asked by: Joe

Expert Reply:

I wasn't able to determine the exact weight of the 2005 Keystone Cougar 296 model but from my research I'm fairly sure it's in the 12,000 pound range GVWR.

With a short bed truck, like your 2009 Ford F-250 you need a sliding fifth wheel hitch in order to provide room for turning clearance. You asked for the best and the best sliding hitch is the Demco Hijaker Autoslide, part # DM8550034. It's top of line becuase of the auto sliding feature. You don't have to get out of your truck in order to adjust the hitch so you can execute sharp turns. To install the Hijacker use the bracket kit, part # DM8552002-71.

You also mentioned price is a factor. A high quality, more economical hitch is the Curt A16, part # C16521. This is also a sliding hitch but it's a manual slide. It does have a torision head to help smooth out your ride. It also uses a 3-point color-coded indicator that's viewable from inside your truck's cab to make it easier to know when you're coupled and ready to tow. For the bracket kit use part # C16448-204.

I've linked videos of both hitches for you to take a look at as well.