Recommended Easy Operating 5th Wheel Hitch for 2016 Ford F-350 with 8 Foot Bed

Published 06/29/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(772)

$799.00

Curt PowerRide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 30,000 lbs

(178)

$1348.95

Question:

I have a Husky EZ Slider 16K hitch that I originally purchased for my 6.5 foot bed F150 and a smaller 5th wheel. When we upgraded the 5th wheel, we also upgraded the tow vehicle to a 2016 F350 diesel dually and put the hitch into it with new rails. The problem is that the hitch handle is too hard to pull out by my wife. it has a really strong spring, and it eliminates her going out on here own with her girl friends. I have checked other Husky hitches on RV showrooms and that are all equally stiff, so mine is not an oddity. I have to go ahead to setup and disconnect and then come back later. Since the new truck has a 8 foot box, I dont need the slider function.. I am thinking of selling the hitch and purchasing a used static hitch that is easier to open so she can go on here own. Question: Are the rails on 5th wheel hitches based on a specific standard? Will other hitches fit into the rails installed in my new truck without modifications. Are there hitches that are easier to disconnect. I am thinking of moving up in hitch weight capacity just in case I want to purchase a heavier trailer in the future.. would that affect the rails as well? thanks for any advice you could provide

asked by: Scott T

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have industry standard base rails in the bed of your 2016 Ford F-350 so most hitches on the market will fit without any issues.

For a smooth-acting hitch I recommend the 18K B&W Patriot # BWRVK3255. This has a cam-action handle that is easy to connect and release even in binding situations where your truck and trailer parking spot may not be 100% level.

This has a higher rating than your 16K Husky slider so you can get a larger trailer but in all honesty a 2K difference in weight capacity won't greatly change the size of trailer you can tow. If you'd like something that has a huge increase in weight rating check out the Curt PowerRide # C22ER which has a 30K weight rating. The jaw action for this won't be quite as easy to operate as the Patriot but the high weight rating means you'll be able to get through a few truck and trailer upgrades before this thing will run out of capacity.

Attached are some review videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G