Choosing OEM or Aftermarket 5th Wheel Puck System for 2021 Ford F-250

Question:

we are buying a 2021 Ford 250 shortbed and will pull a Fifth Wheel - we know we need a sliding hitch due to short-bed. First question is whether we should buy truck with the 5th wheel prep package from Ford and if we do, what sliding hitches will work? Or should we buy without the prep pkg and then do the prep for the hitch we buy? thank you

asked by: Sherene S

Expert Reply:

Having the puck system is a great feature. If you ever plan on loading the bed with mulch, sand or rock you'll quickly find that having rails permanently bolted to the bed floor is a real pain. Not only that, but the pucks look a lot better.

I'm not certain what Ford charges for the puck system, but we do offer an aftermarket option to provide the puck system. The Reese Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit, part # RP87FR would provide the 5th wheel pucks as well as a gooseneck hitch. The layout of the pucks is the same as what Ford uses, so any OEM/prep package compatible hitch would work nicely.

The rail kit bolts to the inner and outer frame brackets under the bed, but the inner brackets aren't present in all Super Duty trucks so you'll want to check. I'll provide a diagram showing where they're located and what they look like. If the inner brackets aren't present, you'll also need # RP27FR.

I can almost guarantee you that this option will save you a great deal of money compared to what Ford charges.

For a hitch, my typical go-to is the B&W Companion Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch, part # BWRVK3370. B&W makes an excellent product. The hitch is easy to use, durable and reliable.

If you'd prefer an auto sliding model, you can't go wrong with the Demco Hijacker Autoslide, part
# DM8550024 for an 18K capacity or # DM8550038 for a 21K capacity hitch. As you begin a turn, the head of the hitch will automatically slide 14 inches rearward to allow clearance between the 5th wheel and the cab and when the turn is complete, the hitch will slide back forward.

If you decide to get the OEM prep package, any of the hitches mentioned above would work great for you.

expert reply by: Mike L

Inner Frame Bracket Mounting Location for Ford Super Duty Trucks
(click to enlarge)

Ray A.

5/9/2024

Hello Mike, Is the Reese Elite under bed system (RP87FR + RP27FR) fully compatible with the Ford OEM system? So a B&W or Curt 5th wheel puck would fit into the Reese pucks? Thank you!

Mike L.

5/15/2024

@RayA It sure is! Reese originally developed the in-bed puck system for Ford, so the puck spacing for the # RP87FR is the same as what Ford uses in their puck system. The pucks measure 30 inches apart center to center measured side to side and 13 inches apart front to back, measured center to center. Hope that helps!