Community Forums

JDT · 08-25-2017, 09:55 PM

Pretty sure I'm going to break tradition and go with a Ford with the 5th wheel prep package. I have a Trailer Saver BD3 hitch and see they have an adapter kit for $500. The price seems awfully steep but may be the best way to go. I'm not even sure how the system works so kind of don't know what I'm getting into. I assume an adapter of some sort is required. Anyone have any suggestions or advice?

Rickeoni · 08-25-2017, 10:28 PM

I use this with my BD3 hitch, less $$$.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...e/RP30156.html

I had to lower the head one row of bolts when I added the adaptor into the equation in order to regain level towing.

sbpierce · 08-25-2017, 10:31 PM

I have the puck system on my new F350 with a B+W companion. Solid as a rock and sure cleans up the floor space on the bed.

JDT · 08-25-2017, 10:43 PM

Thanks, I got a better picture of what is involved now that I'm aware of the Reese adapter. It gets mostly great reviews on Amazon and even saw one from someone using it with a hitch like mine. I should have done a little more research before asking the question.

Steve R. · 08-26-2017, 03:44 PM

Be aware that using Reese adapter (or any of them) will add significant height to your standard rail hitch. I was unable to adjust my last hitch low enough to have the head below the bed rails using the Reese adapter with Ford pucks. I had to give up the adapter and hitch altogether when I bought a higher 2017 Ford. I could not get the old combination low enough.

mudpuppy · 08-26-2017, 03:59 PM

Our new truck 2017 Silverado 3500HD came prepped for the puck system. I went with a Curt Q20 and it was easy to setup and install.

JDT · 08-26-2017, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudpuppy

Our new truck 2017 Silverado 3500HD came prepped for the puck system. I went with a Curt Q20 and it was easy to setup and install.

Edit: I meant to quote Steve R.

Never thought about that. I think my Trailer Saver BD3 is already set at its lowest setting. I have a deal working on a F350 dually. Hopefully it won't be an issue but I wouldn't be surprised if it is. I can lower the air in the hitch bags to make it ride a bit lower but not much. I've already ordered the Reese from Amazon so can return it but what to do next would be a big issue. I've grown very fond of my BD3.

I did check the bed height of the Ford against my GMC. They are very close. I did have air bags on the GMC and always inflated them to bring it back to level. I won't have them on the Ford so that may also help.

Steve R. · 08-26-2017, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDT

Edit: I meant to quote Steve R.

Never thought about that. I think my Trailer Saver BD3 is already set at its lowest setting. I have a deal working on a F350 dually. Hopefully it won't be an issue but I wouldn't be surprised if it is. I can lower the air in the hitch bags to make it ride a bit lower but not much. I've already ordered the Reese from Amazon so can return it but what to do next would be a big issue. I've grown very fond of my BD3.

I did check the bed height of the Ford against my GMC. They are very close. I did have air bags on the GMC and always inflated them to bring it back to level. I won't have them on the Ford so that may also help.

I loved my AirSafe hitch but now have the B&W Companion for Ford set to its medium height adjustment. It gave me 6" bed rail clearance but I'm used to having more and she's still a little nose high. I have some parts on the way that will level the bed height by -1.5". That should get me back into my comfort zone.

JDT · 08-26-2017, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve R.

I loved my AirSafe hitch but now have the B&W Companion for Ford set to its medium height adjustment. It gave me 6" bed rail clearance but I'm used to having more and she's still a little nose high. I have some parts on the way that will level the bed height by -1.5". That should get me back into my comfort zone.

I had a Companion before I got the Trailer Saver. It was a great hitch. I currently have about 6" clearance also with my GMC The Winslow sits very close to level but does appear to be ever so slightly nose high, especially if I inflate the Air Lifts to 25psi. Not sure what you mean about the parts to level the bed height. Do you mean lower the rear end or put a leveling kit on the front end, if there is such a thing for the Ford? Do you know if the 450 sits higher than the 350?

This change has been a gut wrenching decision as we have really enjoyed the GMC. Even trading, the value of it just amazed me and makes it a lot easier but kind of headed into the unknown even though I was a nothing but Ford guy for 30 years. The wife has been pushing me to get a truck with some of the safety features and camera system that only Ford offers, for a price of course. I think she is trying to tell me I'm getting old(er).

Steve R. · 08-26-2017, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDT

I had a Companion before I got the Trailer Saver. It was a great hitch. I currently have about 6" clearance also with my GMC The Winslow sits very close to level but does appear to be ever so slightly nose high, especially if I inflate the Air Lifts to 25psi. Not sure what you mean about the parts to level the bed height. Do you mean lower the rear end or put a leveling kit on the front end, if there is such a thing for the Ford? Do you know if the 450 sits higher than the 350?

This change has been a gut wrenching decision as we have really enjoyed the GMC. Even trading, the value of it just amazed me and makes it a lot easier but kind of headed into the unknown even though I was a nothing but Ford guy for 30 years. The wife has been pushing me to get a truck with some of the safety features and camera system that only Ford offers, for a price of course. I think she is trying to tell me I'm getting old(er).

LOL, Excels do always look a little nose high.

Before my last Ford, I had zero brand loyalty but the 2011 f350 dually I had was really good to me - even at trade in time. Although I'm loving the f450 now, I almost had a deal on a nearly identical f350 dually. I ended up finding my f450 with the same options and price as the f350 out of town.

Active Steering is amazing when towing and to me is the best of all the towing related features that can come on these. I'm still exploring all of the towing safety functions but not all are useful to me. I'm finding a lot of other features that I didn't know I needed until now.

The 2017 f450 and f350 dually are virtually the same height and share the same rear end (externally). A slight difference in wheel / tire profiles makes the f450 a smidge taller. You can read all about this in the truck forums but here's the scoop. All of the new SD's have a taller bed height and added bed rail height, over the last series. For obvious reasons, this isn't great for gooseneck and fifth wheel haulers. For 2017, Ford installed an "enhanced ride height" rear spring spacer (one type for SRW, one type for DRW) that is taller than 2011-2016 SD's. The taller rear spring spacers are contributing to the added bed height. To address this, it is common to retrofit the appropriate OEM SRW or DRW rear spring spacers from 2011-2016 to effectively lower the bed by 1.5". The cost of the spacers along with new U bolts is under $140 and it's an easy job. It's not a drastic change but a little drop in height back there goes a long way.

JDT · 08-26-2017, 11:08 PM

I will be interested to see how it goes and whether or not it helps. May have to do the same.

Steve R. · 08-27-2017, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDT

I will be interested to see how it goes and whether or not it helps. May have to do the same.

I'll share my findings.

Here is a thread that shows a leveled f250.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-rear-end.html

Joe11 · 08-27-2017, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbpierce

I have the puck system on my new F350 with a B+W companion. Solid as a rock and sure cleans up the floor space on the bed.

Same on my Ram. Love it.

W5CI · 08-27-2017, 04:40 PM

I have the PUCK system on my 2015 RAM 3500, I bought the Reese Picture frame adapter then just mounted my Reese hitch to it. I later found a good deal on a Curt Q16 with the puck system. If anyone with a RAM is looking for the picture frame adapter i would make them a great deal on it.