Recommended 5th Wheel Installation Kit and Hitch for 2018 Ford F-350 Short Bed  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

Short bed pickups need a sliding type 5th wheel hitch to give you enough clearance for tight turns and we have these for both trucks with and without the factory 5th wheel prep package. You can see the 5th wheel hitches suitable for your short bed without factory prep on the page I linked for you.

I recommend a custom base rail kit over a universal kit. A custom base rail kit like B&W # BWRVK2402 will need less drilling and take less time to install. These industry-standard rails (ISRs) will accept any brand and capacity of industry-standard 5th wheel hitch, such as the Curt A16 # C16521 or the A20 hitch # C16541.

If you want an automatic sliding hitch then the Demco Hijacker # DM8550034 is a great option. This hitch does NOT require you to get out of the truck to release the slider every time you need to make a sharp turn at a campground. The linked video shows you how this USA-made 18K hitch operates.

If you need both gooseneck and 5th wheel towing capability in one setup then the go-to product is the B&W Companion system made of install kit # BWGNRK1116-5W and the 20K sliding Companion hitch # BWRVK3400-5W. The install kit does double duty, serving as both a gooseneck hitch and the installation kit for the 5th wheel hitch. One system with two ways to tow, and it also allows you to have a clear bed for cargo when you need it. B&W products are totally USA-fabricated and USA-assembled.

For any hitch I suggest the Bargman in-bed wiring harness kit # 50-97-410 which offers easy plug-and-play installation.

expert reply by: Adam R

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