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Hedgehog's avatar
Hedgehog
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015

Hitch advice for new ford fifthwheel prep

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?

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  • Hedgehog's avatar
    Hedgehog
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2015
    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.
  • Hedgehog's avatar
    Hedgehog
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2015
    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.
  • diftw's avatar
    diftw
    Explorer
    Jun 22, 2015
    I have the Reese Elite for mine. With the corner cut-outs on our Grand Design, we did not need the slider.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jun 21, 2015
    I would just get the B&W for OEM Ford prep, unless your FW is older, with a square front. The arms on the B&W are adjustable ahead/back, to keep it farther from the cab.

    My FW has a rounded front, and I have no need for a slider with my 6' 9" bed.

    Jerry
  • Hedgehog's avatar
    Hedgehog
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2015
    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?
  • Goldbrick's avatar
    Goldbrick
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2015
    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.
  • kennethwooster's avatar
    kennethwooster
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2015
    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
  • Hedgehog's avatar
    Hedgehog
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2015
    I don't think there is a auto slider available for the ford puck system. Not sure
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jun 21, 2015
    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.

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