What is Best Fifth Wheel Hitch for 2024 Ford F-350 Short Bed with OEM Pucks

Question:

I have a 2024 F350. It has the Ford 5th wheel prep package with the short 6.75 bed. I’m trying to figure out my options to use a 5th wheel trailer hitch using the ford puck system. I would appreciate any help and guidance you could provide me.

asked by: Paul T

Expert Reply:

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 slider hitch like the part # BWRVK3370 as this allows the hitch to basically slide back and provide additional turning clearance.

But slider hitches are heavier, tend to be noisier, and require extra steps when utilized so ideally you can use a fixed hitch like the Companion part # BWRVK3300 that fits your pucks as well. So to know if you can get by with a fixed hitch is based on the front end design of the trailer. If it has a tapered nose or a pivoting pin box then yes you can use a fixed hitch and that would be the way to go.

Companion hitches like what I mentioned are widely considered to be the best around so either hitch I mentioned would be really great choices.

If you let me know what trailer you have I can see what would work best.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Paul T.

1/15/2025

I am relatively new to 5th wheel hitches (the one I had came with the trailer and fit my old Ram) so forgive me if I ask questions that may be considered dumb. The trailer is a 2004 Forest River Cardinal and measures around 34 ft from hitch to bumper. I have no problems using a sliding hitch. What would be the difference between the Curt Q20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lb Part Number: C16530-16020 and say the one you recommended the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K Part Number: BWRVK3370? I don’t mind paying the extra $300 if it’s worth it. Additionally, som of the forums say the B&W had problems (https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1752327-b-and-w-companion-rvk3300-doesnt-fit-into-oem-pucks-9.html) base fitting into all 4 pucks at the same time. This seems to be a recurring issue. Is it something I need to be worried about? Paul

Jameson C.

1/15/2025

@PaulT Definitely not dumb questions! The Curt Q20 part # C16530-16020 isn't a bad hitch but over the years it's one of the few hitches we've seen that's had quite a bit more wear on the head and jaws. They actually redesigned it as the A Series of hitches but still sell the Q Series. If you're okay spending the extra money I would highly recommend the Companion slider. It's just rock solid and super durable. The issue you found is actually a 2024 Ford Super Duty problem and not the B and W hitch itself. Look up Ford Bulletin 090–2024-2805R2 for more info to find out if your truck is affected and if Ford will fix it for you. If your truck is affected all hitches you'd attempt to install would be challenging.

Paul T.

1/16/2025

@JamesonC What about sidewinder hitch pins and such. Is a fixed hitch with a sidewinder better than a sliding hitch? Just trying to figure out the best way to go. Paul

Jameson C.

1/16/2025

@PaulT Sidewinder with a fixed hitch is my favorite setup even for long bed trucks. You get the turning clearance you'll need for a short bed truck but it also allows the trailer to track better behind the vehicle around corners. The trick to picking out the correct one is based on the pin box that is on the trailer currently. From previous customers we have learned that your 2004 Forest River Cardinal has a Lippert 1621 pin box so the correct Sidewinder is the part # RP34FR. This with a fixed Companion hitch would be my favorite setup. You'll also want the wedge kit part # RP74FR which allows the hitch to lock to the Sidewinder the easiest. Worth mentioning is that the Q series fifth wheel hitches are one of the few that can't be used with Sidewinders as their jaws and head end up getting torn up pretty bad. That's also one of the reasons they redesigned the Q Series as the A Series.

See All (11) Replies to Paul T. ∨

Jesse G.

3/24/2025

Hey Jameson, can you tow down the road with the hitch in the rear position or is that not recommended ?

Jameson C.

3/24/2025

@JesseG No you cannot do that. It would move the weight of the trailer behind the rear axle to point it would unload the front axle and potentially cause turning and sopping issuses.