Determining 5th Wheel Towing Capacity of 2018 Ford F-350

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Question:

In the towing guide that Ford puts out there is a note that states that fifth wheel tow rating is limited to the fifth wheel hitch rating of 18k lbs despite the gooseneck towing going up to 20,600. I know that Ford makes an OEM fifth wheel that fits their puck system that is limited to 18k. Is this the limit they are referring to? I know that several manufacturers make an OEM fitting fifth wheel hitch that is rated to 20k, does this allow you to tow at that rating? Does the BandW companion hitch only fit into their gooseneck adapter or will it fit into the OEM? If the fifth wheel hitch is in the gooseneck does this make the rating at the 20,600?

asked by: John W

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Expert Reply:

The note that you're seeing on Ford's towing chart for your 2018 F-350, which states that the "gooseneck tow rating is shown, 5th-wheel tow rating limited to 5th-wheel hitch rating of 18,000 pounds" certainly does seem to be referring to the 18K limit on the OEM hitch itself. I'm not sure why the truck would have a higher gooseneck towing limit than a 5th wheel limit, so it makes sense to me that a higher-rated 5th wheel hitch would allow you to tow up to the listed gooseneck capacity you see for your particular F-350 of 20,600 pounds.

With all of that being said this is still dependent on Ford and what they say your truck can handle. I absolutely recommend verifying this with a local Ford dealer or by contacting them directly with your VIN so they can tell you exactly how much weight you can pull with a 5th wheel trailer hitch.

The standard B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch is only compatible with their own square Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitch, however we do have the OEM Companion # BWRVK3305 that's designed to drop into the pucks on your F-350. This particular hitch features a robust 25,000 pound towing weight capacity. Just keep in mind that even with this higher-rated hitch, you will still be limited by the 20,600 pound capacity of your truck (if in fact you are able to verify that this also refers to its 5th wheel towing capacity with an appropriately rated hitch).

I have attached a short video demonstration on the Companion that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

Hello Charlie, thanks for reaching out. Sadly, there is no adapter that will allow your B&W Companion hitch to work with a recessed gooseneck ball. If you need to hook up a 5th wheel to your flatbed with a fixed gooseneck ball, the only option…

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Answer 2

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 3

Hey Robert, congrats on your new 5th wheel trailer! It is highly recommended to use a sliding hitch like the B&W Companion item #BWRVK3370 the shorter 6-3/4' bed on your 2026 Ford F-350. The slider will ensure you have clearance when making…

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Answer 4

With a 2022 F350 short bed, hitting the top of the bed rails should not be an issue with most campers. Turning clearance however, will certainly be a factor. That is one advantage of the Andersen Ultimate hitch #AM3200, as it provides a 9"…

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Answer 5

Hey Paul, we have great hitch solutions for the OEM pucks of your 2024 Ford F-350 short bed but whether or not you need a slider hitch is going to be based on the design of the trailer you plan to tow. Normally with a short bed truck you need a…

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Answer 6

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 7

Hey Mark, welcome to the fifth wheel community! I'd be more than happy to help you. So a fifth wheel hitch will sit lower than the top of the truck bed rails so you wouldn't have to remove the head of the hitch to close the cover BUT the…

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Answer 8

Hello David, Thanks so much for reaching out! For your 2026 Ford F-350 diesel dually, you will want the EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" #EH54QR. This is the only front mount option we offer that is confirmed…

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Answer 9

The recommendation for the 10" diameter lube plate on a B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer has come from the manufacturer of the fifth wheel hitch, B&W. The Lube Plate for Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches part #RP83002 will work just fine…

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Answer 10

I can confirm for you that there is a difference between the #BWRVK3300 and the #BWRVK3305 with the construction of the base of the hitch, which is where you get the difference in capacities between the two hitches. The 3300 is only rated for…

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Answer 11

Hey John, this is a great question. I asked B and W about whether or not the B and W Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck adapter part #BW73RV would void the frame warranty and they said it has been extensively tested and engineered to provide a smooth, stable…

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Answer 12

Hi Glen, It will depend on what the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is of your trailer to determine which B&W 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter will work best for you. Fifth wheels and gooseneck trailers go off of pin weight instead of tongue…

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Determining 5th Wheel Towing Capacity of 2018 Ford F-350

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