Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for Towing a 10,500 lb GVWR Trailer with a 2017 Ford F-250  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

Since you have a short bed on your 2017 Ford F-250 it is best to go with a sliding 5th wheel hitch. The sliding feature will help to keep your trailer from contacting the cab on your truck in tight turning situations.

The best option that we have to offer is the Demco Hijacker Autosliding 5th wheel hitch. The autosliding feature on this 5th wheel hitch makes tight turns much easier because you don't have to get in and out of your truck to lock and unlock the sliding feature like what you would find on a typical slider. This hitch also has a wraparound, single-piece jaw, 3/4" Thick, solid steel locking bar, and a double-pivot hitch head; all of which helps to give you the best ride possible.

The 18K Hijacker comes in 2 different options; with above bed rails, parts # DM8552031-71 and # DM8550034, and below bed rails, parts # DM8551009 and # DM8550022. The advantage of using the underbed rails is that you have full access to the bed of your F-250 when you are not hauling your trailer.

For a more cost-effective solution I recommend the 16K Reese 5th Wheel Hitch # RP30051. This will install in the bed of your truck using custom base rails # RP50074-58, or the outboard base rails # RP56017-53 which are easier to install. The 16K features a 4-Way pivoting head, and a dual-jaw system which helps to battle chucking and jarring.

Either of these 5th wheel options are great and would work very well for your application. If you have a spray-on bed liner then you will typically not need to remove it, however if it is too thick or not a spray-on liner then you will need to cut around the rails for the 5th wheel hitch or rails to properly install.

If you do not already have a 7-Way installed in the bed of your truck I recommend installing the Bargman # 50-97-410-010 which will help make connecting and disconnecting the wiring on your 5th wheel much easier.

I have also attached some videos that you can check out for a reference.

expert reply by: Jon G

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