Choosing OEM or Aftermarket 5th Wheel Puck System for 2021 Ford F-250
Updated 05/15/2024 | Published 03/12/2021
Products Featured in This Question
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.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Difference Between The Roadmaster Comfort Ride Kits RM-2460-2580-3, RM69NQ, And RM-2460-2570-3
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Search Results: andersen 5th wheel hitch
- Search Results: fifth wheel rails
- Shop: Reese Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit
- Video: Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Under-Bed Rail Kit Install - 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Search Results: fifth wheel hitch
- Search Results: air bag compressor kit
- Shop: MORryde GooseTech 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box for 14K to 18K Trailers w/ Lippert 1621
- Search Results: 6033
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Video: Installing the B&W Custom Mounting Brackets on a 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider for Ram Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ford F250 and F350 - Gloss Finish
- Video: B and W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation - 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty
- Search Results: truck bed mats
- Video: Review of Reese Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Inner Frame Brackets - RP27FR
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Review of Reese Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Custom - RP87FR
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Video: Best Overall Fifth Wheel Hitch Fits - 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Video: Maintaining Your B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider
- Q&A: 2025 Ford F-350 Super Duty Pace Edward Cover Options for a Standard Bed Size
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Under-Bed Rail Kit # RP87FR and # RP39FR on My 2021 Ford F-350 SD
- Q&A: Replacement Brackets for Reese RP87FR Under-bed Rail and Installation Kit
- Q&A: 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Reese Gooseneck and 5th Wheel Hitch Underbed Comparison
- Q&A: How to Easily Add Ford OEM Fifth Wheel Rail Kit to 2017 F-250/350 Without It
on 5th Wheel Hitch
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!