Forum Discussion

jdsimple's avatar
jdsimple
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015

New 2015 F250 Super Duty short bed

Hi All, new to the forum and wanted to pick some brains and get feedback. I have a 2007 Keystone Copper Canyon 5th wheel(33') and obviously towing with a short bed and I know the issues that could arise. I towed this same 5th wheel with my 2009 GMC Duramax SB 5-6 trips and never had an issue with it hitting the cab. I have the B&W gooseneck and B&W Companion(non slider). Wonder if anyone has towed with the newer F250's SB and if a slider is really necessary. I have my non slider Companion listed on Craigslist trying to sell it and if so, I will get the manual slider Companion. Any advice would be appreciated and I really like the B&W products and didn't want to change over to another product(auto slider) which I'm sure are good hitches. Just mainly didn't want to get into another cost since I already have this hitch.

10 Replies

  • if your going to buy a new hitch buy the Pull rite super glide slides automatic when driving and backing have mine for about 4 years and never worry about it using a F250 2003 short bed
  • Even though my TV is a F350 short bed, the distance from hitch to cab should be similar. I have manual slider. Owned/pulled full time two Montana FW's with radius corners.

    I was always one of those guys that said "have never used my slider and probably never will". That was until pulling into a CG in SW Florida this winter.

    It was one of those CG's with pretty tight spaces and narrow roads for a 39' FW, but I have seen worse. I really didn't even have it jacked as far as I have in past circumstances. A neighboring camper warned me just in time that my FW was almost touching my cab!

    I got out and sure enough it actually was touching. What happened was the ground was just uneven enough that it allowed my FW to lean toward my cut angle, thus allowing the FW to come closer to the cab.

    So now I am one of those guys that say "if you have anything other than a 8' bed you should have a slider".
  • I have a 6.5' box with non slider hitch. RV has recessed corners. Only issue comes if your turn approaches the 90 degree point. I try to avoid such sharp turns. These type of turns cause extreme torque on tires/wheels of RV and may approach the 90 degree turning point that one should avoid. Setting the unit over or straightening up a couple times usually solves any tight turn issues that I encounter.

    Lakeside
  • My toy hauler has beveled corners on the front and have never used the slider hitch.
  • Thx guys, and Jerry, I do not have the prep package. And Yes, I do plan on trying it soon.
  • I also put a little crease above my rear window after shattering the passenger panel of the slider. I too had a 2014 f250 sb. No more worries now, just upgraded to a 2015 f350 Longbed. Id get the slider and use it. When in doubt!
  • I have a 2014 F250 pulling a 38' Stoneridge. The truck has a nice little crease in the corner where the 5er hit while manuvering into a tight backin space. Luckly, the trailer end cap wasn't damaged. The sad part is I have a slider, but was tired and in a hurry. My rule now is that the truck doesn't go into reverse until the hitch is moved to manuver position
  • I've towed two different 5th wheels with my Ford F250 6.75' box without issue. The first one didn't have recessed corners. Our present one has the recessed corners. I doubt you will have an issue.
    Like N-Trouble said why not try it before you do anything.
  • I have towed my last two FWs, with 6.5 bed Fords. It does make a difference on the front cap design of the FW. I have not had any problem in many years of towing.

    It is kind of like a TT, you still need to be aware, when backing or turning short.

    My hitch pin is about 40"s behind the cab, with current truck/trailer, with no issues.

    Do you not have the 5th wheel prep, on the 15 250?

    Jerry
  • GM trucks have the most clearance between 5th wheel attach point to back window, followed by the F250/350 trucks and finally the Ram trucks being the shortest distance. So, the F250 will be a little closer than what your use to with the GM truck. How much I can't say exactly.

    Since you already have the Companion why don't you just try it out and see how it works before selling it for a slider?