Can Stationary B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch Be Used with Short Bed 2018 Ford F-250 Puck System

Updated 10/20/2023 | Published 10/19/2023

Question:

Can I use this fifth wheel hitch on my 2018 F250 short bed 6-3/4. Looking for something somewhat easy to remove. Trying to avoid going with the slider and have heard mixed reviews on the Andersen Ultimate. Towing a 2018 XLR Nitro 36T15.

asked by: Kris F

Expert Reply:

You can use the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch # BWRVK3305 to tow with your short bed 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty, yes. Just be mindful that stationary hitches like this one will limit the amount of turning clearance you have so you may not be able to make a full 90-degree turn like you would be able to with a sliding hitch.

We do have a clearance formula so you can figure out if you can make a 90-degree turn prior to purchasing the hitch:

(A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab (Center of hitch jaw is right in the middle of the puck system)
B = Length of offset (0 for this setup)
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

You need at least 4" of clearance to be able to make a 90 degree turn.

expert reply by: Jon G