Will A Pullrite 25K OEX super 5th wheel hitch work in a 2026 Ford F250 Super Duty Short Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Ian,

Nice fifth wheel dude!

Yes, the PullRite OEX Super 5th-Wheel Hitch # PUL79ZR (25,000 lb) will work in your 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty with the 6-3/4-foot bed, provided your truck is equipped with the factory Ford OEM prep (puck) system. This hitch is designed specifically to fit directly into that puck system.

As for skipping the slider, you’re in a much better position than you were with your previous 32-foot Alpenlite. The PullRite OEX helps by allowing the hitch head to be positioned in a rearward offset configuration, which provides 4 inches of additional cab-to-trailer clearance. That built-in offset gives you more room during tight turns compared to many standard fixed-position hitches. On top of that, your 2026 Cougar 23MLE is designed with Keystone’s MaxTurn front cap, which is specifically engineered to allow tighter turning angles. Keystone advertises up to about a 95-degree turning radius on the right setups, without requiring a sliding hitch or rotating pin box. The modern, tapered nose profile of the Cougar makes a significant difference compared to older, more square-front fifth wheels.

That said, since you prefer to always maintain at least 4 inches of cab clearance at full turn, it’s smart to verify things before purchasing. A simple way to check is this: Clearance = (distance from hitch point to back of cab) - (trailer nose width ÷ 2). If that number is positive, you have clearance. Then, because the PullRite OEX can be set in the rearward position, you effectively add 4 inches to that result. If your final number is at least 4 inches, you’re meeting the safety buffer you’re looking for. This is a conservative check, and the Cougar’s tapered MaxTurn front cap typically provides more real-world clearance than the basic math suggests, but measuring removes the guesswork.

With a 6-3/4-foot bed, the OEX set in the 4-inch rearward position, and the Cougar’s MaxTurn design, you are not in automatic “cab crunch” territory. Most owners running a similar short-bed and modern fifth-wheel combination are able to tow confidently without a slider. As with any fixed hitch in a short bed, it’s still wise to do a slow, controlled turning check in an open area the first time you hook up, especially on uneven ground.

Overall, the PullRite OEX 25K #PUL79ZR is a strong, compatible choice for your 2026 F-250 and 2026 Cougar 23MLE. What’s the first adventure you’ve got planned with the new Cougar?

expert reply by: Heather A

0