Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2026 Ford F-450  

Hey Mark......,. I can't say enough good things about the B&W 5th wheel hitch. This is the best hitch I've ever used by far. I've been RV'ing for 35 yrs, 21 yrs with large 5vers and I've had some lousy hitches in the past. This hitch is really, really nice and the last hitch I'll ever try........I like it that much.. The action of the locking lever is fool-proof........if its closed, jaws are locked. If lever is open, jaws are unlocked........no 2nd guessing ever. Its a two piece design so not too heavy getting the base and head in/out of truck. I'm on my second B&W 5ver hitch because 1st one stayed with the last truck I sold. New owner wanted that hitch so I made it part of the deal. Next truck I bought (2021 F350 dually) needed a hitch so I bought my 2nd B&W. I've never tried a gooseneck. I like the idea of a ball for the hitch to pivot on and obviously the extra bed space available vs a conventional 5th wheel hitch. I have heard that some manufacturers may not honor their warranty if the pin box has been fitted with the goose adapter.........you might want to check on that. I know Brinkley made a point to tell their customers they added additional structural support in the front cap area to be able to handle the different loading the Gen-Y hitch put on the frame. I think backing the truck to hitch the rig is probably easier with the conventional 5th wheel hitch. It's so easy to see the engagement through the back window. A gooseneck requires a little more precision to center the pin receiver over the ball.......and its a little tougher for the driver to see. If you do decide to go with a conventional 5th wheel hitch, then hands down go with the B&W.........its a great hitch and you won't be disappointed.

I have the B&W 25k lb Companion OEM in my 2025 F450 and an in bed canister bed cover. The B&W sits below the cover without any concerns of touching it. The OEM and puck system is awesome. You’re fine.

Hey Mark! The BW is a fantastic set-up in my F350. I have a Pace Edwards Switchblade tonneau cover that rolls up into a canister. The tracks are flush such that the whole cover is level with the top rails of the bed. I have my BW assembled in the middle height position and there's about 1-1/2 inches of clearance under the cover when I close it, so I can leave the hitch assembled and in the bed. I am new to 5th wheel as well but I freaking love this hitch set up. I also put a MorRyde pin box on the camper (44ft Ahara, 17,000 lbs loaded on the scales - 14k on axles, 3k pin weight). I HIGHLY recommend adding the MorRyde if your rig doesn't already have it. Towing is unbelievably easier than my 31ft travel trailer was. Happy towing and camping! -Paul

Love our B&W Companion fifth wheel hitch. Selected this primarily because of the lever arm design. Had problems with our previous hitch releasing properly. Not so with this one. Our tonneau cover rolls out over the entire hit hitch with no interference. Can’t comment on gooseneck except to suggest you check with your fifth wheel manufacturer to be sure it is OK from an engineering standpoint and that you won’t void your warranty.

Mark, I have had the 25K B&W Companion 5th Wheel hitch hitch in the back of my 2024 F450 Limited for 2 years pulling a 18k lb 40 ft 5th wheel with the Gen-Y Executive king pin and love the set up. Have the OEM canister rolling tonneau cover and the hitch fits under the cover nicely while closed, protected it from the elements. Prefer this set up over the gooseneck version for ease of hitching and less stress on the frame.