F-250 Slider Hitch?

[EricMe]

Hello all, I am new to rving and am purchasing a Forestriver hemisphere Salem 378FL. (This RV is the same as the Wildwood 378FL) I will be towing with a 2020 F-250 with the 6ft 10” bed.

Do I need a slider hitch?

[mtofell]

Only if it hits your cab

No one can really say... we don't know where you are going to take your truck. If you want to be safe than yes you need a slider. Want to roll the dice? You'll be fine in most scenarios but you also may end up as one of the posters in here admitting to bashing in their cab (I'm sure most that do it don't want to face the shame of posting). That 5th looks like a full profile with a full sized cap. Many 5th wheels these days are advertised as short-bed compatible without a slider and I'd still be leary. If it's not even advertised as such I'd REALLY be leary.

Also, be careful of people recommending a measuring test since all it takes is a bit of elevation under one wheel and the cap tilts right into the cab.

[Garyp4951]

I have a B&W Companion slider, and have only used it a few times to back in a tight spot.
Since your FW is 42' long I think it would come in handy sometimes, and FYI your pin weight is going to be over 3k if loaded to max weight.

[Brantel]

I have the Curt A16 slider and love it. It is not as pricey or as heavy as the auto sliders but gives me the option to slide back when needed. I also slide it back for the initial hitch up to give me more clearance for the tailgate.

Even though my rig is short bed friendly, I still love the flexibility if needed. You can’t use it if it ain’t there!

[EricMe]

Thanks Garyp4951,
Follow up question about your FYI about the pin weight. The F-250 that I have has the hd tow package and the specs are 18k fifthwheel capacity. I know the truck will squat some but don’t expect that it will be overloaded.
I am wanting to understand more. Do you think that the trailer will be to much for my truck?

[nicky8668]

Originally Posted by EricMe

Thanks Garyp4951,
Follow up question about your FYI about the pin weight. The F-250 that I have has the hd tow package and the specs are 18k fifthwheel capacity. I know the truck will squat some but don’t expect that it will be overloaded.
I am wanting to understand more. Do you think that the trailer will be to much for my truck?

Your truck payload rating? 3000 lbs? or maybe less if it’s a higher trim.

The 5ers is 14000 lbs GVWR with 2140 lbs dry pin. It would be 2800 lbs wet pin. With 150 lbs 5er hitch, your payload is already used up before you step into the vehicle.

1 ton is great for 5ers and in bed campers, 3/4 ton maybe good for up to 10000 lbs GVWR 5ers. Payload is your truck’s weak point.

IMO, the 5er is too heavy for your truck.

[Elev8torguy]

I agree with the above comments. You'll run out of payload way before ever making it to 18k lbs. I just traded my 2019 f250 for a 2020 f350 just for the extra payload. The payload on my f250 was 3050 lbs.

[tuffr2]

Tell us more about your truck. Open the drivers side door you will see labels that will list the capacity of your truck..What is the rear axle rating (should be around 6,300lbs) and what is the 'Occupant and Cargo should never exceed xxxx kilos xxxx lbs.' number?

Typically a F-250 does not have the capacity to tow a big 5th wheel. The limiting factor is how much weight can your truck carry. That is why there are F-350 and dually trucks. The rear axle rating of a F-350 will be around 7,300 lbs and a dually truck will have a rear axle capacity of 9,999lbs. The payload (occupant and cargo capacity) will be much higher than a F-250 also.

[TXiceman]

That trailer has a GVWR of 14140# (UVW + CCC). It will have a loaded and wet pin weight close to 2300#. Does your specific truck have sufficient cargo capacity and rear axle GAWR to carry that much pin weight plus the hitch plus cagro, plus passengers.

Personally, I would not pull that trailer with a 3/4 ton truck.

Ken

[Garyp4951]

EricMe, yes I think its a little heavy, and long for a 3/4 ton like yours, and mine.
You can add air bags to help the squat, and smooth out the rough roads like dips at bridges, as long as you don't exceed the rear axle, and tire ratings.
Elev8torguy just went through this, and had to take a hit on trading his truck to get the rv he wanted.
I like feel comfortable when towing/traveling, so around 12k/35' max would be ok, or I would get a 1 ton, probably drw for anything above that.

[tuffr2]

I looked at a F-250 to give some reference. 2020 F-250 7.3 Lariat, Lariat Ultimate Package, dual batteries, clearance lights, outfitter switches, FX-4 package. It had a a payload of 2,825lbs.

Two other gas powered F-250's 2017 (mine and a 2019, both 2WD have payloads of 3,497 and 3,528 lbs.

A diesel F-250 4x4 truck will have will have about 1,000 less payload than the 2WD trucks and probably 700 or 800 lbs. less than a gas 4 x 4 truck.