Recommended Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2014 Ford F-350 with Short Bed and OEM Puck System

Question:

I have a 2014 F350 156 inch wheel base and have purchased a 2014 Keystone Fuzion 390 Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler. My Truck has the 5th Wheel Hitch Prep Package and it is my understanding because of my shorter bed I need a sliding hitch. I do not think I need the installation rails since I have the package and am needing a recommendation of what hitch I should get for this equipment. My friend bought the Curt Q20 but had to get the Rails and Installation kit since his truck did not have the 5th Wheel Hitch Prep Package from you guys. I also need to know that since I have this Prep package if then I can pretty easily put in the hitch that you recommend. Thank You

asked by: Pamela S

Expert Reply:

Thank you for the details. Since you have the short bed you will need to go with a sliding 5th wheel hitch so that the trailer does not come into contact with the cab on your 2014 Ford F-350 when you are making tight turns.

The pucks do make installing a 5th wheel hitch a bit easier (you just place the hitch in the pucks and lock them in place with handles) plus they allow you to have unrestricted access to your truck bed when you aren't towing your trailer. I highly recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550038 because it has a weight rating of 21K, features a single-jaw that wraps around the king pin for 360 degrees of contact plus a 3/4" solid steel bar, and the autosliding feature so that you don't have to get in and out of your truck cab when you get in tight turning situations. The only problem with this option is that it is a bit hefty at about 330 lbs.

If you are looking for a 5th wheel hitch that is a little more lightweight then the next best option is the B&W Companion # BWRVK3370 which is rated for 20K, features dual 1" jaws for a very secure connection, and a manual sliding operation. The manual sliding isn't a bad thing and has actually been around for a very long time. It just adds some extra steps to what you need to do in tight turning situations which can be a bit frustrating in bad weather. This option weighs in at about 260 lbs.

Attached are some pictures of each one installed on similar Ford Super Duty pickups for you to get an idea of what they look like. Both 5th wheel hitches can be broken down in pieces to make it a little easier to remove them.

expert reply by: Jon G