Choosing OEM or Aftermarket 5th Wheel Puck System for 2021 Ford F-250
Question:
we are buying a 2021 Ford 250 shortbed and will pull a Fifth Wheel - we know we need a sliding hitch due to short-bed. First question is whether we should buy truck with the 5th wheel prep package from Ford and if we do, what sliding hitches will work? Or should we buy without the prep pkg and then do the prep for the hitch we buy? thank you
asked by: Sherene S
Expert Reply:
Having the puck system is a great feature. If you ever plan on loading the bed with mulch, sand or rock you'll quickly find that having rails permanently bolted to the bed floor is a real pain. Not only that, but the pucks look a lot better.
I'm not certain what Ford charges for the puck system, but we do offer an aftermarket option to provide the puck system. The Reese Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit, part # RP87FR would provide the 5th wheel pucks as well as a gooseneck hitch. The layout of the pucks is the same as what Ford uses, so any OEM/prep package compatible hitch would work nicely.
The rail kit bolts to the inner and outer frame brackets under the bed, but the inner brackets aren't present in all Super Duty trucks so you'll want to check. I'll provide a diagram showing where they're located and what they look like. If the inner brackets aren't present, you'll also need # RP27FR.
I can almost guarantee you that this option will save you a great deal of money compared to what Ford charges.
For a hitch, my typical go-to is the B&W Companion Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch, part # BWRVK3370. B&W makes an excellent product. The hitch is easy to use, durable and reliable.
If you'd prefer an auto sliding model, you can't go wrong with the Demco Hijacker Autoslide, part
# DM8550024 for an 18K capacity or # DM8550038 for a 21K capacity hitch. As you begin a turn, the head of the hitch will automatically slide 14 inches rearward to allow clearance between the 5th wheel and the cab and when the turn is complete, the hitch will slide back forward.
If you decide to get the OEM prep package, any of the hitches mentioned above would work great for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ford Super Duty Prep Package - 18K
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/2 - 18-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ford Super Duty Prep Package - 21K
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 5250 lbs Vertical Load
- 21000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/2 - 18-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Inner Frame Brackets for Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Brackets
- Custom
- Reese
more information >
Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Rear Air Helper Springs Installation - 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 25
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: B&W Turnoverball # BWGNRK1020 - Trouble Getting M14 Bolts To Thread In
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Chevy/GMC Truck - Carbide Finish
- Search Results: puck system
- Video: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Kit Installation - 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2016 Honda Odyssey
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Custom 5th Wheel Bracket Kit for Chevy/GMC Truck - Carbide Finish
- Video: Review of CURT Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Custom Fit - C16429
- Shop: Tonneau Cover
- Video: Furrion Chill HE RV Air Conditioner Review
- Search Results: c21504
- Search Results: c34er
- Video: etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Installation - 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Replacement Boat Trailer Seal for AD2527
- Video: Review of Demco Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Underbed Rail and Installation Kit - DR37FR
- Search Results: automatic leveling
- Q&A: Best Rear Suspension System for a 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer
- Q&A: Recommended Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs For A 2022 GMC Sierra 2500
- Q&A: Recommended Air Helper Springs Compatible W/ B&W Turnoverball In 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups