Recommended 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for 2018 Ford F-450 with Factory Rail Kit
Question:
Need advise, military assigned overseas and need to order a hitch sight unseen. Retiring in 6 mo and my wife and I just purchased/stored a vehicle and trailer online and need a hitch to connect them. Truck is 2018 Ford F-450 Platinum Ultimate with all accessories towing pkg also, trailer is 40’ - 21,750 max weigh so guessing no more than 5,500 hitch weight. I like the Reese with Ford Base but not th 2 degree side/side movement, believe 3 degrees or more would be better. The Curt looks better on design but not durability from reviews that I have read. Cannot find enough info on Pull Rite. Want the BandW but afraid of exceeding limits. Trailer empty weight is 16,000 but will be increasing weight with batteries, washer and dryer and generator.. Thanks for help!
asked by: Buzz
Helpful Expert Reply:
First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank you for your service.
If your 2018 Ford F-450 features the factory rail kit in the truck bed, I highly recommend the Curt Q24 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16545-16017. This is a fantastic hitch that will mount directly to the factory pucks in your truck bed and provide you with a 24,000 pound towing weight capacity. This is an extremely well-built and durable unit that features a 2-jaw locking system for excellent jaw-to-king-pin contact and a unique, spherical axial bearing that allows for easy pivoting of the hitch head. Because of this, the hitch head will have a smooth, 360-degree movement (not just front to back, but also side to side tilting). This will do a great job of absorbing road shock and giving you a nice, smooth ride with your trailer that can get up to 21,750 pounds when fully loaded.
As you mentioned, the B&W hitch that is also designed to work with your truck doesn't have quite the capacity needed if you were to ever max out the weight on the trailer.
I have attached a short video demonstration on the Curt hitch, along with the complete written installation instructions so you can get a closer look at all of its features and individual components.
