Hey guys. Ive researched for days and cant seem to settle on what to get. I have a 2015 F250 CCSB. Since I have the short box, it seems like a sliding hitch or the reese sidewinder is the way to go. If I go the slider route, I need to be able to take it out and have a clean bed. I like the looks of the b&w companion, but I will also have to install the turnover ball. The pullrite autoslider with the super rail also looks really nice but is really expensive. Plus, I don't get the added utility of the gooseneck ball like I do with the b&w setup. The sidewinder option I'm just not sure of. Im looking for the best option with ease of coupling-uncoupling, lowering the chances of damage to the cab of my truck , ability to manuever into the tightest of spots and still be able get uncoupled. Since it is so expensive for most of the quality options, I'm really trying to do my homework and get as much advice as I can from actual users and those with more wisdom than me. Ive never owned a 5th! Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forum!You don't say if you have the Ford FW prep option, or if you are going to tow a newer FW with front corners designed for a standard bed.There are many people that don't need a slider, me, and also many that would need an auto-slider, using the same truck and FW.Pullrite has a good auto-slider, but heavy/expensive. The sidewinder is an option, but expensive as well.A Ford, with 6' 9" bed will work with no slider, and the right driver. In the end, it is your decision!Jerry

You did not mention the brand of 5th wheel that you have, a lot of the newer 5th wheels have the corners of the trailer cut so they don't hit the cab of the truck. If this is the way your trailer is go with the B & W.

Can't give you pro's and con's, but can relate my experience. I hesitated at spending the $ on the Superglide but did anyway 2yrs and many dozen couplings ago. Love it, love the positive wrap around jaws, and the comfort of not worrying about it. Many live without an autoslider and I *might* have been fine without but again am very happy with not having to think about it when in a tight spot. YMMV

My truck didn't come with fifth wheel prep so I installed rails. I think they're more solid than any of the turnover ball setups, which can have bed deflection issues. Any rail mount hitch works with the rails, plus I can easily drop a gooseneck ball on them for a gooseneck setup. I'm using a rail mount Andersen for my fifth wheel and love it - light and super solid, and it works great in my short bed. There are lots of great options these days. B&W has a great reputation so I don't think you can go wrong with them if you go that way. Or Andersen for that matter. Lots seem to like Pullright too - never used one myself but the biggest knock I've heard on them is you need to be real level to hitch it up.

Thank you for the replies. I do not have the 5th wheel prep. I haven't purchased the trailer yet. I wanted to get set up with a hitch first. I'm hoping to wind up with a newer trailer with the recessed corners though.

Having a hard time picking 5th wheel hitch setup

laknox
Nomad
Mar 31, 2016
I have, and use, the TO Ball and Companion, both. Love the clean bed. I have no issues with my setup; very square front FW and short bed D'max, as in my sig. I can not hit when turning right or left at full lock, when going forward. ALL will hit when back up; a slider gives you more room before you WILL hit. YMMV...

Lyle
bbaker2001
Explorer
Mar 31, 2016
I thought we needed more than 15% hitch weight on the 5er.
I am at 22%
4bearhug
Explorer
Mar 31, 2016
I went with the B & W turnover ball and companion hitch with my 3500 GM SB. I had a SB before with a Reese slider hitch and never used the slider feature once. Our 5th wheel is a 2010 so you really don't have to have really late model 5er to have sculpted corners which give you sufficient clearance for most manuevers. I just decided to skip the slider hitch and pay more attention to the 5er when backing.
Bute56
Explorer
Mar 31, 2016
MFL wrote:
Bute56 wrote:
Yes I have lots of experience pulling bumper pull trailers.

That being the case, you should be able to manage without a slider, and a Ford SB truck. I have towed two different FWs with SB Fords since 1999, using a NON-sliding hitch. I don't know how short I can back with current rig, but it's never even been an issue.

Many hitches are adjustable ahead/back, such as the B&W, to allow more clearance.

Jerry

If that's the case then the Anderson hitch with the b&w turnover ball looks like a really nice setup! Right at about $1000 too if I do the install myself.
MFL
Nomad II
Mar 31, 2016
Bute56 wrote:
Yes I have lots of experience pulling bumper pull trailers.

That being the case, you should be able to manage without a slider, and a Ford SB truck. I have towed two different FWs with SB Fords since 1999, using a NON-sliding hitch. I don't know how short I can back with current rig, but it's never even been an issue.

Many hitches are adjustable ahead/back, such as the B&W, to allow more clearance.

Jerry
hbillsmith
Explorer
Mar 31, 2016
Take a look at the Andersen Ultimate. I use it in my 2500 that has a 6.6ft std bed. 5er weighs 11000# loaded. Pin weight is 1700# roughly. No slider and 90deg turns are fine.
Bute56
Explorer
Mar 31, 2016
Yes I have lots of experience pulling bumper pull trailers.
MFL
Nomad II
Mar 31, 2016
You mentioned first FW, but do you have experience towing other trailers? With most trailers, you can only turn so short before hitting. A FW is the same, you just need to be aware when turning really short. If you have use for a goose neck ball then the Companion is a good choice.

I would not be concerned about bed rails, if you needed to go that route. If you cut out a rubber bed mat to fit around the rails, it's like they aren't even there with the hitch removed.

Jerry
Bute56
Explorer
Mar 31, 2016
corvettekent wrote:
You did not mention the brand of 5th wheel that you have, a lot of the newer 5th wheels have the corners of the trailer cut so they don't hit the cab of the truck. If this is the way your trailer is go with the B & W.

Are you talking about the one that slides or the plain one?
Bute56
Explorer
Mar 31, 2016
Thank you for the replies. I do not have the 5th wheel prep. I haven't purchased the trailer yet. I wanted to get set up with a hitch first. I'm hoping to wind up with a newer trailer with the recessed corners though.