Do I Need a Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2026 Ford F-350 w/a 6-3/4' Bed?

Updated 01/18/2026 | Published 01/17/2026

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K

(5115)

$1699.00

Question:

I have a F350 with a 6.75 Bed. I am buying a 5th wheel and want to know if I need a sliding hitch or if a standard one will work?

asked by: Robert H

Expert Reply:

Hey Robert, congrats on your new 5th wheel trailer! It is highly recommended to use a sliding hitch like the B&W Companion item # BWRVK3370 the shorter 6-3/4' bed on your 2026 Ford F-350. The slider will ensure you have clearance when making turns so you don't hit the back of your cab or the sides of your rear bumper.

The B&W Companion item # BWRVK3370 has a 20,000 lbs capacity and will give you 12" of travel. I really like this hitch because of the 1" thick dual jaws that give you a 360-degree jaw to kingpin contact. The jaws minimize the chucking, jarring and noise that can occur when towing a fifth wheel trailer. This not only provides a more secure connection but also a quieter more comfortable towing experience. The articulating head makes connecting to your 5th wheel's kingpin easier on unlevel ground as well.

What kind of 5th wheel trailer are you getting and does your F-350 have the factory puck system?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

BWRVK3370
(click to enlarge)

Robert H.

1/18/2026

Thank you for the information. I purchased a Ahara 42'. On the model you recommended, does the hitch head separate to make it easier to lift on and off?

Jesse

1/18/2026

@RobertH You will definitely want the sliding hitch. I have a 2024 F-250 with the same bed as you. You don’t need the slider the vast majority of the time, but when you do need it, you’ll be glad you have it. When I park my 35’ Brinkley for storage, I have to back it into a fenced pen at my shop. Without the slide, it’s pretty nerve racking how close it gets to my cab. There are times that if I didn’t have the slide and the angle to used to back it in, I would’ve hit my cab. Also, yes the top and bottom of the hitch separate, making it easier to remove. I have the same puck system, and this hitch has been great.

Jerred H.

1/18/2026

@RobertH You're welcome! Oh man that is a nice 5th wheel trailer! Congratulations! The head does easily separate from the slider base on the B&W Companion item # BWRVK3370.

Robert H.

1/18/2026

I forgot to add, yes, I have a puck system.

Jerred H.

1/18/2026

@RobertH Right on! Didn't want to assume but was pretty sure you had it on a 2026 F-350. The B&W Companion item # BWRVK3370 is going to be by far the best option based on performance and reliability.

Gordon

1/18/2026

Hi Robert. I changed trucks from a 8” dually with a traditional 5er hitch to a 6.8” bed. I tried the traditional hitch and works just fine up to about 75 degrees backing up, that’s about it. We stay mostly at RV sites so backing in at 90 degrees or so is very common, so I had to buy the slider hitch. It stays in place like a traditional hitch until you need to back up or make a big turn, at that time you lift the handle, hold the trailer brake down, pull forwards about a foot and it locks into the rear position so you can turn without hitting your cab. Previously we had a glider hitch that is automatic, but very noisy and scary all the time, constantly shifting, sounding like it’s going to brake! I highly recommend this hitch! Gordon

Bryan

1/18/2026

We bought the hitch package over a year ago. The slider, frame kit and gooseneck package. The system is outstanding! Highly recomend. We pull our 40 foot 5th wheel camper, 40 foot goose neck 24k trailer effortlessly. The slider is a must for the 6.5 foot bed. Will have the same system in our next F250 6.7. You won't be disappointed.

Rich S.

1/18/2026

Hi Robert! Congratulations on your 5th wheel camper, I bought the B and W hitch for my f-350 I live in Maine and don’t use my camper in the winter, but my truck gets a lot of us and I need the cargo area (bed) empty, my hitch has been removed in the fall and reinstalled in the spring, this usually takes about 20 minutes, I have been all the way to Cal.in 2024, and as far west as Minn. in 2025 I have complete confidence in my hitch, and it has performed perfectly, I would buy another B and W hitch again for my next tow vehicle!