How To Use a Pro Series 15K Slider 5th Hitch on a 2018 Ford F-250 with Pucks

Question:

I have. aReese Pro Series 16K square tube slider for use with universal rails. I got a new truck with the Ford OEM puck system so I need a new hitch. I am worried about height so I am ruling out the adapter frame to match my Reese to the OEM pucks. The truck looks a bit higher 2018 F-250 than my old one 2013 F-250 so adding a 2 inch adapter under a 17-19 inch hitch means 19 inches minimum if I lower the hitch to its lowest setting. Does Reese make a round tube slider base for Ford OEM so I can then use the rest of my old hitch?

asked by: Darrin P

Expert Reply:

I do have an option for you but the Reese Elite Series Underbed Rail Adapter part # RP30156 is the only way you can reuse your Pro Series 15K Slider 5th Hitch because they don't offer a slider base for the puck system. As you mentioned, this will add an additional 3" of height to your 5th wheel hitch. The 2018 Ford F-250 will already sit higher than most trucks therefore you will most likely need to raise the trailer in order to tow level.

To do this I recommend flipping the axles on the trailer with the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8" diameter axles or part # K71-385-00 for 3" diameter axles. These kits will raise the trailer equal to the height of the leaf spring stack, height of the leaf spring seat, and height of the axle tube. They will only work for you if the leaf springs are under the axle tube.

If you don't want to flip the axles or you can't because the leaf springs are over the axle tube then the only option we have for you is a new 5th wheel hitch, the Reese Elite Series Pre-Assembled 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider part # RP30144. The Reese Elite Series Pre-Assembled 5th Wheel Hitch will sit inside the pucks you have now so no adapter is needed and will provide you with a towing capacity up to 18,000 lbs. It has height settings from 16" - 18".

expert reply by: Conner L