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Ford 5th wheel prep vs B&W turnoverball gooseneck hitch AND turning radius

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  • Ford 5th wheel prep vs B&W turnoverball gooseneck hitch AND turning radius

    I have a 2022 F350 Lariat (SRW, short bed, diesel) due to be delivered in Sept. When the order was placed in March, the Ford fifth wheel prep was an issue so it was not included. The intention is to eventually purchase a GD Reflection 303RLS. This will be our first 5th wheel and will utilize the Reese Goosebox.

    I am torn between adding the Ford 5h wheel gooseneck hitch prep package or something like the B&W turnoverball gooseneck hitch. If we eventually return to a traditional 5th wheel hitch, it appears the Ford package offers more options. HOWEVER, I like the option of the offset gooseneck ball on the B&W.

    Is the B&W offset gooseneck ball option a big concern when it comes to turning radius? Are their other considerations I am missing between the 2 options?

  • #2
    Originally posted by 4shaw5 View Post
    I have a 2022 F350 Lariat (SRW, short bed, diesel) due to be delivered in Sept. When the order was placed in March, the Ford fifth wheel prep was an issue so it was not included. The intention is to eventually purchase a GD Reflection 303RLS. This will be our first 5th wheel and will utilize the Reese Goosebox.

    I am torn between adding the Ford 5h wheel gooseneck hitch prep package or something like the B&W turnoverball gooseneck hitch. If we eventually return to a traditional 5th wheel hitch, it appears the Ford package offers more options. HOWEVER, I like the option of the offset gooseneck ball on the B&W.

    Is the B&W offset gooseneck ball option a big concern when it comes to turning radius? Are their other considerations I am missing between the 2 options?
    I personally really like the B&W turnover ball gooseneck hitch. I am using the companion 5th wheel hitch for it because it allow me to adjust for turning radius. I started out 7" behind the gooseneck ball to pull my Solitude. I never had a 5th wheel either so I was overly cautious. I am now at 5" and am thinking of going to 3" because I still have lots of clearance. It provides lots of options for clearance adjustment that I know my Ram factory setup doesn't. I will say that if you go with the Companion system for the factory puck it can give you up to 4" back for clearance.

    I think the offset ball would be the best option unless you go with a slider hitch. Cate&Rob will likely also chime in about having the trailer back on the F350 to give extra tailgate clearance which the B&W will also help with. He also has a 303.

    Rob
    Rob & Barb
    2022 RAM 3500 Big Horn, 6.7 Cummins HO/Aisin
    2022 Solitude 378MBS

    Comment


    • #3
      4shaw5

      Welcome to our owners technical forum. Have a look at our welcome post. https://gdrvowners.com/forum/main-fo...to-new-members . This will help you set up your signature and navigate the forum.

      There is a recent (rather long) thread at ​​​​​​https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...2292-new-truck that you may want to have a read through. Make sure you have a look at the attachments to some of the posts.

      In summary, Ford trucks have a significantly greater distance from centre of axle to open tailgate. The OEM ball location is directly over the axle and does not accommodate an offset ball. If you want to do this you would have to go with an aftermarket under bed frame with a square ball receiver. Something to consider is that the whole intent of a 5th wheel setup is to get the pin weight of the trailer over the rear axle. If you offset this attachment towards the rear you will somewhat defeat this.

      Rob
      Cate & Rob
      (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
      2015 Reflection 303RLS
      2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
      Bayham, Ontario, Canada

      Comment


      • #4
        I have one of those Ram things, Lol, 2021 SRW, SB.
        I removed the factory mount and installed the B&W with a Reese Goose box. I do use the offset ball, just to be cautious. I have a 2022 303rls and love how it pulls and how stable the set up is.
        I’ve had other 5th wheels with a traditional mount, I sure
        do like having my bed space back.
        Rod

        Comment


        • #5
          That's everyone for the opinions. I have decided to change to the B&W turnover ball gooseneck hitch. It appears to provide better towing options, particularly for a Ford.

          Happy Camping!

          Comment


          • #6
            I found a used 2021 F250 with the B&W turnover ball. When I bought my 280RS trailer I had a B&W Companion 5er hitch. Because my F250 is a short bed the RV dealer installed a sliding hitch.

            I did notice some bucking on the 200 mile trip home from the RV dealer.

            I chose the B&W 5er hitch because it is relatively easy to remove. It comes apart in 2 pieces. The top part, with the hitch plate, is one person manageable. The lower part is 2 person lift.
            Last edited by TEH4PWR; 08-25-2022, 09:19 AM.
            Tom H. Bedford, VA
            RVing for 30+ years 4 fifth wheels and one motorhome

            2021 F250 SB - Fifth Super Duty
            Reflection 280RS

            Comment


            • #7
              TEH4PWR

              Welcome to our owners technical forum. Have a look at our welcome post. https://gdrvowners.com/forum/main-fo...to-new-members . This will help you set up your signature and navigate the forum.

              ​​​​​​The attachment to post 49 of this thread https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...ew-truck/page4 shows why a manual slider hitch (particularly in a recent Ford Superduty) is a good idea. The gantry and chainfall hoist in my garage makes removing/installing the hitch in the truck a "non-event" (for old guys like me )

              Rob

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              Cate & Rob
              (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
              2015 Reflection 303RLS
              2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
              Bayham, Ontario, Canada

              Comment

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