Ford fifthwheel prep hitch advice

[Hedgehog]

I recently purchased a 2016 Montana 3160 RL and I also ordered a 2016 Ford F-350 single rear wheel crew cab shortbed with the 6.2 gas/4.30 axle combo. I ordered the truck with the fifthwheel prep package and need some advice on hitches for this package. I know I can drop in a Reese elite series 18k slider but I am getting mixed information on wether or not I actually need a slider with the front cap design of the Montana. If I don't need a slider, I could also opt for a B&W hitch for the ford puck system. I could also go with the Reese adapter and then pin any rail mounted hitch to it. So, do I need a slider and what hitch would you recommend? I have plenty of time to decide because they are estimating 16 weeks until delivery.

[Artemus Gordon]

I never needed slider because of long beds. My buddy ordered a short bed with his new Silverado. He had same mixed advice. He decided on the slider because, as he put it, even if he only needs to use it once, that's the time that counts.

[JandC]

Prepare to get a mixed bag of advise on needing a slider or not. Up until last fall I was always one of the guys saying "have a slider but have never needed it".

For years while backing into numerous campgrounds all over the U.S. I just never came closer than 2 inches from my cab. Then last fall while going into a spot in SW Florida my trailer was in just enough soft soil/sandy material that it leaned over a couple inches. I could not tell it was tilting in my mirrors but if a guy in the next site had not been watching me back in and yelled a warning I would have dented my truck plus damaged my Montana.

My advise is to get a slider.

[bw2]

As JandC said. Check into the Demco sliding hitch. I just purchased 2015 F350 and installed this hitch. Works well.

[Hedgehog]

I see that the demco hitch needs a capture plate installed since I have the mor-ryde pin box, is this capture plate removable or does it get welded on?

[1retired06]

I vote for getting a slider, because of that short bed.

[Dam Worker]

I would say having a slider with a short box offers you insurance in the fact you can always avoid having a clearance issue. With that being said I also think Keystone tries to set up the newer units to be short box friendly. I am sure it is a sales promotion to try and sell more units. They seem to do this with front cap design, extended pin boxes etc. I have a long box Ford and my 3160 RL LE sets way back from my cab because of how Keystone builds the new fifth-wheels. I am sure I could put a bike or two behind the cab and never have to worry about damaging it. My old fifth-wheel had a pin box that went straight down and the front of the unit was way closer to the cab. Two different designs, one friendly to short boxes and the old one that was really designed for long boxes only.:-)

Tom Marty

[stengels]

I have never used my slider on the Monty, but was helping a kid down in Houston over the winter move his SOB as he was in a pinch for his truck. Glad I had the slider as I was backing him into his new spot.

[jlb27537]

My only thought is the decision to order a gas 6.2 engine. The chart shows a tow rating around 15K. That will be at sea level. For each 1000' you climb you will loose about 3.5% of your usable HP and torque.

There was a post in the forum last week in the Nubie area about towing a Montana with a gas truck.

http://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty...ations/towing/

[CORattler]

I'm from the "have it in case I need it" and "over engineer everything" camp.
I don't want to come up short when a situation requires a certain capability.
Good luck with a gas engine while towing your Montana.

[Charli]

We got an Airborne Sidewinder. Takes a bit of getting used to hooking up but does the job. Takes the place of a slider and air bag reduces chucking and works with standard hitch made for Fords pucks

[tspoon]

I had a diesel f250 08. I traded for f350 gas w/4.30. I never have a problem doing 65mph. I wouldn't use it for the heavier montana's. That is why I have a high country. It weighs 9820 lbs empty (12000lbs loaded). It's rated to tow 15600 lbs. I don't think it would mantain 65 mph up steep hills if it weighed much more. Ive been very happy with the way it towes.

[kevin50]

I have a GMC short bed with a Superglide slider. Only needed it twice in 6 years, but I did need it. Some of the campgrounds in New England have tight sites and the longer 5 vers need to be turned sharp to get into. My opinion of gas powered trucks, not a problem powering you and your Montana down the road, it is stopping it. The new diesel trucks have amazing engine brakes. My 2 cents worth

[JandC]

Don't mean to be critical of someone what has already ordered a brand new gas truck. However, besides all the negatives folks have already suggested about pulling larger fivers with gas trucks there is another huge disadvantage as I see it. You are going to be limited to getting gas at regular gas stations while towing. That for me, pulling a 39' Montana, would be a deal breaker!