Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for a 2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty Towing a 36 ft Layton Toy Hauler

Question:

I have a 2005 F250 super duty diesel, short bed, supercab. I just purchased a 36foot fith wheel RV Layton toy hauler. It has a gooseneck converter on the trailer, so the question is am I better to install a gooseneck ball or a slider fifth wheel hitch on my truck. My concerns in order of importance are 1. Protect truck from damage and 2. Towing stability and 3 being able to use the bed when not towing. Thanks

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Anytime you have the choice between a gooseneck hitch and a fifth wheel hitch to pull a fifth wheel trailer, I always recommend a fifth wheel hitch. The fifth wheel hitch will provide more clearance between your truck and trailer, especially when making sharp turns with your truck. The fifth wheel hitch will also provide more stability for the truck and trailer when towing.

With a fifth wheel hitch, the king pin on the trailer can attach directly to the hitch. With a gooseneck hitch, an adapter is required which creates additional space between the king pin and the hitch. That can cause more chucking and bouncing when driving and flexing of the trailer frame.

To give you full use of your truck bed when not towing your trailer, take a look at the Reese Elite Series Under-Bed Gooseneck Hitch, # RP30138-26, which sits underneath the bed of your truck. This hitch not only gives you a gooseneck hitch if you ever need one, but it also has 4 pucks that sit almost flush with the truck bed which are connection points for the B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch, # BWRVK3370. I have attached an installation video and instructions for you to check out.

If you did not want to get the Reese Elite Series fifth wheel hitch, then you could use the Reese Elite Series Underbed Rail Adapter, # RP30156, which will allow you to attach any fifth wheel hitch that uses standard rails. I have attached a link to all of the fifth wheel hitches and installation kits we offer for your truck.

Since your truck bed is shorter than 8 ft, it will require a sliding fifth wheel hitch to provide additional clearance between the cab of your truck and your trailer when turning. The sliding hitch allows you to move the pivot point of the trailer further back so it can clear the cab of your truck.

If you have any other questions or concerns regarding your towing set up, just let me know.