Options for Towing A Fifth Wheel With A 2022 F-350 Short Bed With OEM Puck System

Question:

I have a 2022 F350 short bed diesel with the built in Puc System and I’m buying a 35’ 5th wheel with a Lippert Rhino Pin Box 21K rated 2024 Brinkley Z3100, rated at 15000 lbs, Pin weight around 1500 lbs. The trailer dealership sells both the Andersen Ultimate and the Pullrite Superglide which they are pushing me towards the Andersen Ultimate. The RV forums really lean more towards the Reese Goose Box 20K and the Lippert Curt Air Ride Pin Boxes. Obviously with the short bed truck I’m concerned about turning radius and hitting the top of my bed rails. The superglide style hitches are probably more secure but are heavier and I would be removing the hitch from the bed of my truck by myself 200 lbs +. I know the Andersen has some potential frame issue non coverage issues but Andersen stands behind them if Lippert doesn’t. What’s your thoughts? Looking for the best combination that is safe and easiest to install and remove and provides the best ride comfort without jerking or clunking etc. Thanks

asked by: Roy B

Expert Reply:

With a 2022 F350 short bed, hitting the top of the bed rails should not be an issue with most campers. Turning clearance however, will certainly be a factor. That is one advantage of the Andersen Ultimate hitch # AM3200, as it provides a 9" offset. It is also very light (40 lbs) and will by far be the easiest to manage by yourself. Any other hitch is going to be at least quadruple that.

For example, for your truck we would generally recommend a B&W companion hitch # BWRVK3370. Extremely durable hitch that will provinde very smooth turning and excellent ride quality. It also has a slider to help you get additional clearance on sharp turns. It truly is one of the best hitches on the marked today - the only downside being it weighs about 250 lbs as a whole.

That being said, the Andersen hitch leaves much to be desired when it comes to durability and ride comfort. Most other fifth wheel hitches will use a 360 degree jaw, which provides constant king pin contact for smoother turns. The Andersen hitch basically uses two bolts to hold the king pin in place. So you will experience a lot more chucking with the Andersen versus virtually any other hitch. It ultimately would come down to your preference. Personally, I would not use an Andersen hitch.

Converting to a goosebox is also an option on the table. Reese does make an air ride goosebox # RP85FR that will replace your Lippert Rhino box. We also have the Gen-Y goosebox # GY98GR, which is a very good option. This uses rubber torsion springs instead of an air bag, so you get the shock absorption without having to deal with maintaining an air bag. You could pair the goosebox with a 5" offset gooseneck ball # GY43XR if you need additional clearance.

Another advantage is that the goosebox would be a one-and-done install, and you would not have to worry about removing heavy parts from the bed going forward.

I know this is a lot to cover. Feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.