Best Above Bed 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2015 Ford F-350 Short Bed Without Factory Prep Package

Question

Question:

I have a 2015 f35o diesel short bed. No factory bed tow package. What is the best hitch and above bed rail set up you guys have for this.. I have a 12000 pound 5th wheel I will be towing. I guess I need a sliding hitch? What do you guys recommend for me to get from your supply....you have so many choices!!

asked by: John W

0

Expert Reply:

I have two great options for your 2015 Ford F-350 short bed without the factory prep package. The best option I have for you is the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # DM8550034 with the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit part # DM8552000-71. The reason that this is the best option for you is because it is the most convenient. As you mentioned, a slider hitch is needed for turning clearance because you have a short bed truck. The Demco Hijacker will automatically slide the trailer back away from the vehicle to create clearance while turning which means you don't have to get out of the truck to engage the slider and then again to release it once you're done turning.

The second best option is the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider part # C16521 with the Curt Custom 5th Wheel Installation Kit for Ford part # C16424-204. The Curt A25 is an excellent choice and one of my favorite 5th wheel hitches on the market. The reason for this is because it has 1" think dual interlocking jaws which do a phenomenal job of reducing chucking and its one pin head removal system which allows for one person to install and remove the hitch all by themself.

In order to compete your towing setup you will also most likely need an in-bed 7-way for which I recommend using the Pollak 5th Wheel / Gooseneck T-Connector part # PK11893-11932.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

Thank you for all of the great information! You will be getting the Replacement Head and Base Assembly #DM6077 with those parts so you just need to add the side plates #DM6033 if you have the OEM puck system (4 holes in a rectangular pattern) or the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

If you already have the Curt Custom 5th Wheel Bracket Kit for Ford part #C16424 on your 2012 Ford F-250 then you will want to use these with the Curt Universal Fifth Wheel Base Rails part #C16104, not the Reese Universal Base Rails part #RP58058 or…

view full answer...

Answer 3

You are going to need to add rails for your 2016 Ford F-250. Your truck did not come with the factory under bed prep/puck system. I have a couple different options you can consider for carrying a 5th wheel hitch. First is the Curt Custom 5th Wheel…

view full answer...

Answer 4

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…

view full answer...

Answer 5

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Answer 6

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hey Doug! The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs #F35FV are the right kit for your 2026 Ford F-350 FX4 dually. However, you will need to measure to be sure it fits. The distance from the top of your rear axle to the top of the jounce bump stop…

view full answer...

Answer 8

We have lift kits for trailer that easily add 2 inches to the height of the trailer. For that you'd want the part #RR23QX and you'd be set. I attached a picture that shows how it installs to give you an idea. This would be the easiest…

view full answer...

Answer 9

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…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hey Jerry, GM moved the placement of their puck systems starting with 2020 models so you are correct that the pucks would have the hitch not sit directly over the axle. GM did the math and made sure that this placement wouldn't adversely affect…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Hey Tom, congrats on the new truck! Typically when we hear that someone has the OEM tow prep package they mean the puck system. This is going to be five circular holes built into the bed of your Ram truck and is by far the best way to attach a 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 12

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"…

view full answer...

Best Above Bed 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2015 Ford F-350 Short Bed Without Factory Prep Package

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Continue Researching