Best 5th Wheel Hitch for Sidewinder on 2020 Ford F-350 Short Bed With Factory Prep Package Pucks

Question:

I have a 2020 F350 short bed with factory fifth wheel pre-prep. We are planning on buying a Vanleigh Vilano 394RK. I understand a sidewinder is necessary. What is my best combination of hitch and sidewinder? Also how would I figure out the distance I would have between the trailer and sidewalls of the bed?

asked by: Michael A

Expert Reply:

Let's go ahead and start with the best 5th wheel hitch for your 2020 Ford F-350 short bed with the factory prep package to use with a Sidewinder, which is the B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package # BWRVK3300.

This hitch - which has a 20,000 lb capacity - is considered by most to be the best 5th wheel hitch on the market because of its immense jaws and cushioned bushings, which combine to give you the most comfortable and quiet towing experience possible. The Companion is perfect for use with a Sidewinder as it will grasp its king pin like an adhesive, minimizing the chucking and jarring that can occur on hitches with a lesser jaw system.

The Companion's bushings are made of polyurethane which further absorb rattle to help for a more peaceful towing experience, and the hitch also has a cam-action handle and pivoting head, which combine to make coupling and uncoupling a breeze relative to other hitches. In regards to the distance between the trailer and bed rails, just measure from the underside of the trailer loft to the top of the bed rails.

Along with the Companion, you will also need a Sidewinder, which is very likely the Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret # RP34FR.

To find the correct Sidewinder what you will need to know is the manufacturer and model number of the pin box on your fifth wheel and match that with the correct replacement, however, the aforementioned Sidewinder covers the large majority of pin boxes - the Lippert 0719, 1621 and 1621HD, Fabex 663 and 665, M&M 663 and 665, along with Lippert 1716, 1116, and 0115 pin boxes. The Lippert 1716, 1116, and 0115 pin boxes do require the Spacer Kit # RP97FR.

The only other thing you will need with the Companion in order to use it with the Sidewinder is a custom wedge to ensure the Sidewinder won't pivot when attached. The correct wedge is the Sidewinder Wedge Kit # RP74FR.

I have added some links below to video reviews for you to check out of these parts, including the B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package # BWRVK3300.