I just ordered a new f350 crew cab shortbed with the ford fifthwheel prep package. The truck is a few months out so I have some time to ponder what is the best hitch for my application. The trailer I will towing is a 35'6" Montana that has a 16,000 GVWR. I know the way I travel that trailer will never weigh over 14,500. Obviously, I need a sliding hitch but the Reese elite series sliding hitch that drops into the ford puck system is very pricey at over $2,000. I could but a different sliding hitch and the Reese rail adapter for way cheaper. So, what is the benefit of buying the Reese elite slider vs. a different slider with the adapter? Which route would you go and if you went with the adapter, which hitch would you prefer on that adapter?

I would skip the adapter and go with one that fits the hitch prep system. And definitely an auto slider.The truck cost north of $50k, probably well north. A 5er that size will cost that much or more depending on what you get. What is another $1K over a cheaper hitch.

I don't think there is a auto slider available for the ford puck system. Not sure

I had a friend that went with B&W turn over ball, and used B&Ws extension to keep from hitting cab. This was in a short bed dodge with their big cab, and it worked perfect. I bought a Ford with puck system and bought the B&W. Not a slider, but mine is a long bed. Depending on your trailer you may get by without a slider. You can buy a puck B&W for about half the money. More then likely if I was going with auto slider I would go with Pullright. I've had one and its an excellent hitch. I've had more problems with Reese then any others. Just my opinions

I bought the Reese Elite slider and frankly for the cost its been very disappointing. It didn't work at all to start then had to have it replaced under warranty and I'm still not happy. It does not operate in a smooth manner as I was led to believe it should. Today, two years later, I would invest in the Pullrite auto slide which will fit the Ford Puck system. The cost is high but peace of mind would be a wonderful thing.

I don't think pull rite or b&w make a slider for the ford puck system. I wonder how the pull rite would be with the Reese rail adapter?

Hitch advice for new ford fifthwheel prep | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

bushman512003
Explorer
Jun 23, 2015
Ok that is what I needed to know Thank You Guys I was thinking they would be different as Night and day ...John
RustyJC
Explorer
Jun 23, 2015
The Ram and Ford puck locations are NOT the same. That's why the B&W Companion for the Ram pucks is rated differently than for the Ford pucks - the Ram pucks have a larger spread between them.

Rusty
gtsum
Explorer
Jun 23, 2015
Different adapters. The ram adapter is spread out a good bit more than the ford
bushman512003
Explorer
Jun 23, 2015
Got 1 question are the pucks and the adapters the in a Dodge and a Ford..I have a Dodge (Reese) adapter and want to sell it as My new truck has the rails not the pucks...The pucks worked great and I had no problems at all...So if they are the same I have a Dodge and/or Ford adapter means a bigger field of shoppers ...
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jun 23, 2015
" I honestly dont know how one could high hitch or drop the fiver on the bed with this hitch (assuming you take 1 second to look at the jaws wrapped around the kingpin)??"

I have been saying that for a long time and I have been so wreckless to suggest no pull test is required with the B&W.
gtsum
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
I was in same boat (but with Ram factory pucks) and went with B&W puck system hitch and a sidewinder. Works great. I did not want a manual sliding hitch. If superglide had one that mounted into the pucks, without the adapter plate, there by raising the hitch up high, I would have strongly considered that also.

Love the B&W...they just appear to be extremely well made and I never have an issue hitching or unhitching. I honestly dont know how one could high hitch or drop the fiver on the bed with this hitch (assuming you take 1 second to look at the jaws wrapped around the kingpin)??
Goldbrick
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
After looking at this thread found a Demco Hijacker slide hitch that with initial adjustments can be dropped into the Ford Puck system that may be of interest. Model number is DM 8550024 check it out.
laknox
Nomad
Jun 22, 2015
Hedgehog wrote:
I just ordered a new f350 crew cab shortbed with the ford fifthwheel prep package. The truck is a few months out so I have some time to ponder what is the best hitch for my application. The trailer I will towing is a 35'6" Montana that has a 16,000 GVWR. I know the way I travel that trailer will never weigh over 14,500. Obviously, I need a sliding hitch but the Reese elite series sliding hitch that drops into the ford puck system is very pricey at over $2,000. I could but a different sliding hitch and the Reese rail adapter for way cheaper. So, what is the benefit of buying the Reese elite slider vs. a different slider with the adapter? Which route would you go and if you went with the adapter, which hitch would you prefer on that adapter?

There is no "of course" on the need for a slider. Each application is different, but most truck/trailer combos won't hit when turning going forward. They will =all= hit going backwards, just sooner without a slider. I'll throw my vote in for the B&W hitch. Great product and great company standing behind it.

Lyle
grampscamper
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
Hedgehog wrote:
I have narrowed it down to three choices,
1) Reese elite 18k slider $$$$
2) Reese rail adapter with pull rite auto sliding hitch
3) Reese rail adapters with b&w sliding hitch
Which one is the best for my application? I just want the best working and most reliable hitch.

Be careful that the adapter doesn't raise your hitch too much causing the 5th wheel to be nose high.
I have a Husky fixed hitch on an adapter. It is OK for my trailer.
grampscamper
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
Hedgehog wrote:
I love the look and quality of the b&w but would hate to buy a non slider and then find out I need a slider.

4.5 year with a Ford F250 short box. No need for a slider in all this time. Had a Reese Elite and sold it. Nothing but problems getting it to release. Now have a Husky that works perfectly. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a B&W either.
Just my experience. Others here seem to like the Reese hitch.