Finally got the truck, next will the fifth wheel fit ?.

[tourusa]

Hi all, finally got the f350 dually with 8ft bed, previous owner was doing hot shoting and I have an aux tank and tool box in the bed .

The issue I’m concerned about is which fifth wheel hitch would you suggest , and with all left in place do I have enough clearance for any turns with a 30ft fifth wheel, suggestions on if I need a sliding hitch or suggestions appreciated

My question is do I need to remove all or just the tool box to ensure I have 5th wheel clearance

From the top pin to the tool box I have

3ft from forward pins to start of tank

26 inch height tool box installed with but can be separated from the tank
31 to top of tank caps

Pictures below

[tourusa]

[tourusa]

[tourusa]

[tourusa]

[tourusa]

Btw, I haven’t purchased the fifth wheel as yet, I’m guessing the more rounded the nose of the fifth wheel the better for clearance on the 8ft bed

[tourusa]

Thanks for your input all, let me get some better measurements today and post from forward pins to toolbox and height above bed rails,

[Roger10378]

The real question you need to answer is what are the height of the bed rails and overhang of the 5th wheel. The newer trucks are higher than they were a few years ago so in many cases the older 5th wheels are not high enough without some modifications. If you are looking at new 5er's you won't have any problems but a tape measure is your best friend when looking at anything used.

[schlep1967]

The fuel tank could definitely stay. Your concern would be the tool box. If you could cut enough off of the bottom of that to get you to bed rail height you could keep it with a standard hitch. If you remove the tool box you can use a standard hitch.
If you want to keep everything the way it is I would consider an autoslider hitch. The length of your fifthwheel makes no difference. The width is what matters. When you turn 90 degrees half the width of the trailer is going to be in front of the pin towards the cab, or in this case towards the tool box.

[MFL]

Yes, either one, 3300, or 3305 will fit in factory Ford OEM pucks, no modification.

I mentioned the 3305, due to your truck being capable of a 40+ foot FW. The 3300 is rated 20K, and would be my choice for a SRW.

You can get a similar, much heavier, more expensive slider, but it is not needed. The B&W hitch handle rotates forward, using a cam action, so a little clearance is needed, forward of the hitch. I'm thinking maybe a foot, between front of hitch, to rear of tool box?

Etrailer is a good source of info, and good pricing. If you have questions, concerning hitch, or installation, you can talk to a knowledgeable, REAL person, by just giving B&W a call. They are very accommodating/friendly, and stand behind their product.

[tourusa]

Hi jerry,

https://www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel-Hitch/B-and-W/BWRVK3305.html

You suggest this one and it will just fit in the puck holes no modifications to the bed

[tourusa]

Link to hitch

Looking for the 3305 now

[tourusa]

Thanks jerry for you assessment and recommendation, and when not in use easy to uninstall, and you mention adjustments. Do I need a sliding hitch with the tool

[MFL]

Lots of B&W hitch fans on this forum, including me. While there are other hitches that will fit your OEM puck system, IMO, the B&W Companion 3300 is the best choice for ease of use, and great fit to the pucks. It can easily be adjusted up/down, and ahead/back.

Since you have a DRW, capable of towing a FW of more than 20K, you may want to consider the 3305, same as above, but rated to 25K.

Jerry

[tourusa]

How do I ensure I get the correct hitch for bed rail clearance ? Any suggestion on hardware curt etc appreciated

[tourusa]

Hi thanks all for the quick response I’ve updated the questions

The issue I’m concerned about is clearance with the tool box and aux tank, also which fifth wheel hitch would you suggest , and with all left in place which I’m not convinced I need an AUX tank ? Open to comments, do I have enough clearance for any turns with a 30ft fifth wheel, suggestions on if I need a sliding hitch or suggestions appreciated