Recommended Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch for 2017 Ford F-350 with Short Bed and Factory Tow Package
Published 12/14/2016
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Question:
Im ordering a 2017 F-350 crew cab, 4x4, SRW, short bed, diesel, 3.55 axle, and 5th wheel prep package. Why does the Ford towing guide show the gooseneck can pull about 20,600, but the 5th wheel only 18,000? I assume its a difference between how the two connect to the frame? Doesnt the factory prep package connect to the frame either on both? Im also getting a 2017 Jayco Pinnacle 36FBTS. So, do I need a slider hitch for this set up, or not? If so, which one? The one thats been recommended to me by a relative is the Demco Highjacker Autoslide for the Super Duty prep package, Code: DM8550024 or DM8550038. I know ones rated to handle 18,000 and the other 21K. Ive been told that the higher rated one would be better, is it? Which 5th wheel hitch would you recommend for my set up? Thanks.
asked by: Gene
Expert Reply:
Gooseneck and fifth wheel trailer hitches connect to the frame in some way. However, a gooseneck hitch is connected directly to the frame with just the hitch ball for connection to the trailer. A fifth wheel hitch has brackets that connect to the frame, and then either rails or pucks (What you have on your factory kit) to connect to the fifth wheel hitch. Since the hitch is what connects to the trailer there is more in between the trailer and truck's frame. So gooseneck hitches generally have higher towing capacities.
Since your 2017 Ford F-350 has a 6-3/4 foot bed you will definitely want a sliding fifth wheel hitch, unless your trailer has a Sidewinder or Revolution. This is because with a short bed you won't have enough clearance between the truck and trailer when making sharp turns. When turning, the slider can be moved backwards in the truck bed to help.
Your relative and I think alike. I like the Demco Hijacker because of its autoslide feature. Most sliding fifth wheel hitches require you to get out of your truck and slide the hitch manually in order to gain enough clearance to make sharp turns. The Hijacker auotmatically slides up to 14 inches in order to give you more clearance. As for which Hijacker you need, the 21,000 pound # DM8550038 or 18,000 pound # DM8550024 depends on the weight of your trailer. From my research, your Jayco Pinnacle has a maximum GTW of about 16,000 pounds. You'll want to verify this on the trailer and choose a hitch based on its weight.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ford Super Duty Prep Package - 21K
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 5250 lbs Vertical Load
- 21000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/2 - 18-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
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