Auto-Slide Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2002 Ford F250 Short Bed

Question

Question:

I am purchasing a 2002 f250 7.3L diesel Superduty with a short bed. Im going to tow a 2008 28foot Keystone Cougar 276RLS. The truck was used to tow a fifth wheel in the past but I cant see the hole configuration because it had a spray on truck bed liner added later. The truck is not local so I cant look at the underside. It has a factory tow package. Is what I gave you enough info to recommend a fifth wheel slider hitch with the automatic slide feature? Thanks for any help you can offer.

asked by: Perry S

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Expert Reply:

Yes, that does provide enough information. From a quick online search, it shows that your 2008 Keystone Cougar 276RLS is well under 18K, for this, I recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch. You have two options, my recommendation, is to install with the below bed rails, using hitch # DM8550022 and rail installation kit, # DM8551000. The benefit of the below bed kit is a rail-free design that allows for full access to truck bed when hitch is removed.

Or the second option, using hitch # DM8550034 and installation kit, # DM8552006-71.

Either route you choose will provide an autoslide that has a built-in rack-and-pinion gear system operating automatically as your truck turns. And note that you may need to remove some old brackets to install this option.

expert reply by: Michael R

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Answer 1

Thank you for providing those important details about your 2003 F-250 that will soon be home to a new 5th wheel hitch. Since you have a short bed pickup you will need a slider type hitch to ensure enough turning clearance for your low-speed…

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Answer 2

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 3

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 4

Great question, Jeff! When the Rota-Flex first came out it renovated what a pin box could do and be, but at this point in time that technology is a little more dated and the Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box #325-GH-8040 is the "new…

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Answer 5

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 6

Most fifth wheel rails are made to the same industry standard dimensions. They aren't all though. If you measure 22 inches on center between the two rails and they look like the rails of the #RP30035 that you referenced they would be the industry…

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Answer 7

To get the B&W Patriot #BWRVK3200 to work with your 2006 Dodge Ram you're going to need a set of 5th wheel rails #DM8552016-71. These rails are custom fit to your vehicle so they'll just bolt right up to the frame. It is worth mentioning…

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Answer 8

There are a couple of options that'll work great with your Lippert Turning Point Pin Box, however one hitch stands out to me more than others. Take a look at the: -Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs #C16115 This 5th…

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Answer 9

The recommendation for the 10" diameter lube plate on a B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer has come from the manufacturer of the fifth wheel hitch, B&W. The Lube Plate for Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches part #RP83002 will work just fine…

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Answer 10

The B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package #BWRVK3775 you're looking at will work fine with your new Chevrolet Silverado. This hitch has 3 height adjustments so you'll be able to set the hitch height…

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Answer 11

I recommend using a Lube Plate #16721 over covering the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #DM8550043 in Grease #L74FR. The lube plate is much cleaner and you will not have to constantly clean off the dirt and apply new grease over time.

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Answer 12

The head alone for the B&W Companion hitch #BWRVK3500 weighs about 70 pounds. Everything else weighs about 130 pounds. So the total weight of the hitch is approximately 200 pounds.

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