Recommended B&W 5th Wheel Hitch for 2019 Ford F-250 4WD with 6-3/4 Foot Bed

Updated 06/05/2019 | Published 06/03/2019

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5033)

$1099.00

B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(258)

$260.00

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs

(716)

$899.00

Question:

Will the non slider work and allow 70 degree turns? Im pulling a 2020 Reflection 29RS there is 51inch from the pin to the corner.

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

Since your Ford F-250 is a 6-3/4-foot short bed and your Grand Design Reflection 29RS 5th wheel does not have a tapered nose for increased turning clearance you will need a slider hitch to be able to safely make tight turns, or you can install a Sidewinder pivoting pin box and still use a fixed (non-sliding hitch). You need to be able to make close to 90-degree turns to enable safe maneuvering at campgrounds.

For a B&W option we have the 18K Patriot Slider hitch # BWRVK3270 which installs using base rail kit # BWRVK2402. The Patriot gives you 12-inches of slider travel and the install kit requires no drilling into the truck's frame. The Patriot has plenty of capacity for your 11K GVWR Reflection.

If you already own a fixed 5th wheel hitch and wish to continue using it you can do so by replacing the trailer's pin box with a Sidewinder pivoting pin box that extends your turning clearance by 22-inches. Sidewinders are made as bolt-on replacements for the most popular OEM pin boxes. Just find your OEM pin box number and then refer to the linked article that has a table showing Sidewinder compatibility. For instance, if the Reflection has the popular 1621 or 1621HD pin box you can upgrade to an air-cushioned Sidewinder model # RP61422 for both extended turning clearance and a smoother ride with less chucking and jarring.

Grand Design does not publish a width spec for this trailer on their website so I cannot calculate turning clearance for you but the general rule of thumb is that half of the trailer width should be at least 5-inches LESS than the distance from the center of the hitch jaws to the cab.

expert reply by: Adam R