Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch For 2018 Ford F-250 W/ OEM Prep Package Compatible W/ Rotating Pin Box

Question:

I read the last post about if slider hitches were necessary for towing which you said yes. With the Sidewinder pin box on a 2018 carbon 347, can I use a standard fixed 5th wheel hitch or do I still have to use a slider? Another question i have is do kits come with rails for the truck or do they have to purchased separately? Thank You.

asked by: Steven H

Expert Reply:

Since your 2018 Ford F-250 has the short bed typically a sliding 5th wheel hitch is recommended for cab to trailer clearance when turning, but since your trailer has a sidewinder pin box you will want to go with a fixed 5th wheel hitch instead.

The reason for this is a standard sliding 5th wheel hitch only gives 12-14" of rearward travel where a rotating pin box moves the pivot point 22" back giving you even more turning clearance, but also it does not require you to get out each time you make a sharp turn to unlock the slider. Once it is hooked up to a fixed 5th wheel hitch you just make turns without worry.

With all of that said I recommend going with the B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package # BWRVK3300 which will fit directly into the OEM puck system you mentioned your truck has, and is compatible with a rotating pin box by using wedge # SWW-06. This hitch has a 20000lb towing capacity which is plenty for your 2018 Keystone Carbon 347 that has a GVWR of 17000lbs, and the interlocking dual jaw gives 360 degrees of king pin contact for a safe and more secure towing experience.

I included a video of the # BWRVK3300 for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C