5th Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty 8 Foot Bed with OEM Prep Pkg.

Question

Question:

I am looking at a 25,000 # 5th wheel for my 2022 F-350 with factory prep package. Are both Curt and BandW American made products? Which is easier to install and remove by one person? Which is easier to maintain? What is the better of the two?

asked by: Robert A

0

Expert Reply:

Both of these manufacturers build their 5th wheel product stateside, Curt does have other product that is sourced from overseas but not the 5th wheel hitches. Curt Manufacturing is in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with B&W in Humboldt, Kansas. B&W also promotes that their products are not only built in USA but built with raw material sourced from the USA and not imported steel.

For the 25K range of 5th wheel hitches, Curt has two options available for the 2021 Ford Super Duty with OEM Prep Package, the A25, # C16180 and the Q25, # C16265. Both will use the # C88KR Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch Towing Prep Package. The primary differences between each of the Curt models is that the head unit on the A25, a newer version over the Q25, can be removed from the base unit by pulling a single pin. This supports easier removal of the 5th wheel hitch by the fact that you can remove in multiple pieces rather than one whole unit, the # C88KR Adapter Rails come out separately too. The A25, # C16180 is lighter, has an improved head design with upgraded jaws for better locking and constructed of better materials than the older version Q25, # C16265. Between the two Curt options I recommend the A25, # C16180 that currently has a customer rating of 4.8 (out of 5) by almost 200 reviewers. I honestly do not think you can go wrong with this option. This has a 25000 lb. GTW with a 6250 lb. TW.

Overall though, I suggest the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package, # BWRVK3305. From the feedback on this product, 4.9 out of 5, from over 1,400 reviewers at present, this is the 5th wheel hitch to have. Very tight manufacturing tolerances and superior fit an finish have been some of the comments I have heard. The B&W, # BWRVK3305 is a double pivoting head with a double jaw design, a full 1" thick, for superior jaw to king-pin contact and rattle free tow. The fully articulating head makes it easier to hook up by providing front-to-back and side-to-side movement. This has a 25000 lb. GTW with a 6250 lb.TW. B&W also claims to have the best powder coating available. While I have not seen direct comparison to the Curt finishes we have had customers remark on the quality of the B&W finish.

Because the A25, # C16180 and the B&W Companion, # BWRVK3305 both have removable heads to breakdown the hitch for removal, each using the OEM puck system for mounting, I think ease of removal/installation will be about equal. Same for maintenance, each option, like all 5th wheel hitches will require some level care and I think that is equal here. The B&W I prefer because of the tighter tolerances, apparently superior materials, fit and finish as supported by actual customer feedback.

Depending on your situation of shop building/garage arrangement, we have the B&W 5th Wheel Lifting Device for Companion and Patriot Hitches, # BWRVXA3130 as well as the Demco version, # DM6100.

Please note the attached product review and installation videos that provides a great visual of installation and removal of each option. And in case it may be of use for you, I'd like to identify a helpful item for many dealing with a 5th wheel hitch release on a Super Duty truck, the Powerbuilt Adjustable Tire Step, # ALL647596. This provides a sturdy platform to help reach into the bed of your truck from over the side rails for easier grab of the handles on your 5th wheel hitch. Happy Camping!