5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for a 2011 Ford F-250

Question:

I have a 2011 Ford F250 Standard bed. Will I need a sliding hitch and what would you recommend for the weight rating on the hitch. My trailer is a 2006 33 foot Cedar Creek. The hitch weight is 1850 and the trailer has a GVRW of 13,830 lbs. Should I go a bit over in the weight rating for the future possibility of a different trailer. I know all trailers are different but I was thinking just as a matter of being able to purchase a different trailer at some future date that the sliding hitch would be the way to go even my current trailer would function well. Thank you

asked by: Dick S

Expert Reply:

When I hear the term standard bed, I think of a long bed (8 foot bed). If you do have a long bed on your 2011 Ford F-250 then you would not need a slider hitch. It would be an extra expense that isn't necessary for a long bed truck.

But for a short bed, 6-3/4 foot for the 2011 Ford F-250, a slider would be the way to go.

If you do anticipate a heavier trailer in the future then going with a hitch that has a higher capacity than what would be needed for your current trailer would be a good idea. If you think a 16K hitch is going to fit the bill then I recommend the Curt Q16 slider # C16521.

It offers 12 inches of travel, the most you can get for a slider, to make tight turns. It has a 360 degree cushioned head for ease of hook up and good ride quality. And it has a dual jaw for good king pin contact. For an installation kit use # C16424-204.

If you want to step up to a 20K hitch then the Curt A20, # C16541 would be a good choice. It has the same features as the Q16 but it is rated for 20K. Be sure to check the capacity of the truck prior to going with a heavier 5th wheel hitch.

If you do have a long bed then the Q16 fixed version is # C16120 and the 20K is # C16130. For any of these hitches, long or short bed, installation kit # C16424-204 will fit.