B&W Companion Slider to Replace an Anderson Hitch in a 2017 Ford F-350 Short Bed

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Question:

I have 2017 F350 short bed. Trailer is a 2011 Keystone 300mp, loaded weight is 14,500. I’m looking for the best option to tow. Currently have a Andersen ultimate and blew out back window. I don’t want this to happen again. Thank you in advance for assistance. Sincerely

asked by: John N

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Sorry to hear about your broken window. It looks like last year you bought the Reese Elite Under-Bed Rail Kit from us so welcome back. The Reese Elite has the same pattern as the Ford OEM puck package so I have a great sliding hitch for your 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty. It is the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider item # BWRVK3370.

The Companion will drop right down into the pucks of the Reese Elite. It has 1" thick dual jaws that provide a 360-degree jaw-to-king-pin contact. This ensures less rattle and more security than slide-bar jaws. Most importantly for your situation is going to be the 12" of travel from front to back that will give you the clearance needed to make tight turns and back into your camping spots. This will be a noticeable upgrade from the Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel hitch you currently use. I have linked an installation and review video below that will show you the functions of the Companion Slider.

Don't forget your lube plate. The Lube Plate for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10" Diameter item # RP83002 will prevent scratches on your fifth-wheel's skid plate and ease trailer hookup.

The B&W Companion weighs over 250 lbs. If that's not something you're interested in moving by yourself and don't want to have to rely on someone to help you then I recommend purchasing the B&W 5th Wheel Lifting Device for Companion and Patriot Hitches item # BWRVXA3130. This heavy duty steel tool lets you lift your B&W 5th-wheel hitch from your truck bed with a hoist. The 5th-Wheel jaws clamp around the device for a secure grip.

If the Reese Elite wasn't purchased for this truck and you need another recommendation please email me back. If your 2011 Keystone 5th wheel has a Sidewinder or Revolution king pin you will need to lock them to use the Companion Slider.

expert reply by: Jerred H

1

Answer 1

We have a great option for your 2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty with the factory pucks for a lighter 5th wheel hitch so you can remove it and have a clean bed. What you can use instead is a hitch from Demco: - Demco UMS Double Pivot 5th Wheel Hitch…

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Answer 2

The Demco UMS Double Pivot 5th Wheel Hitch #DM37GV weighs 140 lbs.

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Answer 3

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…

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Answer 4

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.…

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Answer 5

Hi Frank; the #RP74FR (68204) and #SWW-06 look different because they are a little different. The #RP74FR is only designed to work with the 68220 and 69220. If you have a different Sidewinder this wedge will not fit. It also fits a wider range of 5th…

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Answer 6

Hello Dan, Welcome to etrailer. I am really glad you found us! First off, congrats on the North Point!! You are absolutely right to question the salesperson’s recommendation. Unfortunately, some dealers focus more on moving units than on making sure…

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Answer 7

I can confirm for you that there is a difference between the #BWRVK3300 and the #BWRVK3305 with the construction of the base of the hitch, which is where you get the difference in capacities between the two hitches. The 3300 is only rated for…

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Answer 8

Hey Paul, we have great hitch solutions for the OEM pucks of your 2024 Ford F-350 short bed but whether or not you need a slider hitch is going to be based on the design of the trailer you plan to tow. Normally with a short bed truck you need a…

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Answer 9

Generally speaking, the lube plate will need to cover the skid plate on the 5th wheel hitch. There are some pin boxes out there that will recommend a specific lube plate but most of the times this classification will be from the 5th wheel hitch…

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B&W Companion Slider to Replace an Anderson Hitch in a 2017 Ford F-350 Short Bed

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