Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2019 Ford F-350 Short Bed with Ford Hitch Prep

Question:

I have a 2011 Keystone Montana 5th wheel. I sold the old truck and bought a new 2019 Ford F350 with a short bed 6.75foot with factory puck system and gooseball prep. I want to convert to the gooseneck tow system but need to ensure clearance both at the bedrail and cab. My existing pinbox is a Reese air ride with 30inch length between the rear of the pinbox and the center of the kingpin. . I dont know whether to go with a convert-a-ball 12 to 16 option item CAB- C5GX1216, or replace the pinbox entirely with something like a Reese 94716 and an offset ball. The other product that looks promising is the PopUp RV2 with a 9inch offset.

asked by: Don F

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have a solution that will work for you but honestly there isn't a great way to tow a fifth wheel trailer using a gooseneck adapter with a short bed truck. One reason is there isn't an offset ball that fits the Ford rail kits, also most of the time the offset isn't enough clearance. There really isn't a great way to gain clearance for tight turns with a gooseneck hitch like there is with fifth wheel setups. Fifth wheel options allow you to use a slider hitch to gain the needed turning clearance. Also worth mentioning is typically gooseneck to fifth wheel adapters void the warranty of the trailer frame as well.

So your most ideal scenario is to install a slider hitch into the factory rail kit of your truck like the B and W Companion Slider part # BWRVK3370. This will give you the best hitch on the market and since it can slide back when needed you would easily have the clearance needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C