5th wheel hitch selection help
Background: I have not purchased a truck or a toy hauler (5th wheel) yet. I probably have about 4 more months before we purchase both of those but I am wanting to do all my research now so I know eve...
Forum Discussion
I have a 2013 F250 so very similar to what you are getting, it is a great truck. The stock height of the truck is perfect for my 2011 Keystone Fuzion 302, if the truck was higher it would be too close to the rails. The F350 has taller blocks in the back then the F250 so you are going to need the truck to squat more anyway to sit level.
As for my set up I put in a Pullrite auto slider, I wish I had the factory prep package but when I bought the truck I didn't have any plans of owning a 5th wheel toy hauler. So for that Part I would get the factory prep, it would be convenient. With the Fuzion trailer the front corners are cut back so that it "shouldn't" need a slider hitch, I still went with the slider hitch since depending on angles (not always on a flat surface) It could get real close or possibly hit, it is hard to verify every scenario and I would rather be safe then sorry.
The Pullrite hitch puts the weight of the pin a couple of inches in front of the rear axle so you distribute the weight between front and back axles better in my opinion, other hitches that don't need a slider are shifting the weight back on top of the rear axle or just behind it to give you the additional clearance. The Anderson Ultimate hitch is appealing due to the weight alone, the pull right is 180-200 lbs which is tough to move around.
As for a worry free hitch locking, I am happy with the Pullrite, you pull the handle back to open the jaws, when you back into the pin the handle snaps back into place showing you that it closed, pretty simple. I still always shine a light from the back to verify that it is closed and use the trailer brake test to pull on the connection before I lift the front jacks to be sure. With any trailer double checking is the key, once you have a system it is quick and easy.
Since I have owned a few of the Ford trucks I would suggest getting air bags to help carry the load as well as the factory or aftermarket sway bar, my 2008 had the camper package (factory sway bar) and on my 2013 I put on the aftermarket one, it makes the truck feel much more stable when cornering, especially with a load. You may also plan on getting a Titan or Transferflow replacement fuel tank as the stock 26 gallons doesn't go far when towing.
Only other suggestions would be, since I made the transition to a 5th wheel recently, is backing and cornering are very different from a bumper pull, you need to take wider turns and backing up it doesn't react as fast. I knew both going in, but still took awhile to get the hang of it.
Leon
As for my set up I put in a Pullrite auto slider, I wish I had the factory prep package but when I bought the truck I didn't have any plans of owning a 5th wheel toy hauler. So for that Part I would get the factory prep, it would be convenient. With the Fuzion trailer the front corners are cut back so that it "shouldn't" need a slider hitch, I still went with the slider hitch since depending on angles (not always on a flat surface) It could get real close or possibly hit, it is hard to verify every scenario and I would rather be safe then sorry.
The Pullrite hitch puts the weight of the pin a couple of inches in front of the rear axle so you distribute the weight between front and back axles better in my opinion, other hitches that don't need a slider are shifting the weight back on top of the rear axle or just behind it to give you the additional clearance. The Anderson Ultimate hitch is appealing due to the weight alone, the pull right is 180-200 lbs which is tough to move around.
As for a worry free hitch locking, I am happy with the Pullrite, you pull the handle back to open the jaws, when you back into the pin the handle snaps back into place showing you that it closed, pretty simple. I still always shine a light from the back to verify that it is closed and use the trailer brake test to pull on the connection before I lift the front jacks to be sure. With any trailer double checking is the key, once you have a system it is quick and easy.
Since I have owned a few of the Ford trucks I would suggest getting air bags to help carry the load as well as the factory or aftermarket sway bar, my 2008 had the camper package (factory sway bar) and on my 2013 I put on the aftermarket one, it makes the truck feel much more stable when cornering, especially with a load. You may also plan on getting a Titan or Transferflow replacement fuel tank as the stock 26 gallons doesn't go far when towing.
Only other suggestions would be, since I made the transition to a 5th wheel recently, is backing and cornering are very different from a bumper pull, you need to take wider turns and backing up it doesn't react as fast. I knew both going in, but still took awhile to get the hang of it.
Leon
