Help with new 5th wheel

[usmarinecorps05]

Im new here and hopefully, I can get a few questions answered. I have a travel trailer and the wife and I are planning to trade it in for a 2021 Reflection 31MB 5th wheel. Our tow vehicle is a 2014 f-350 superduty 6.7L with a 6 1/2 ft bed (i beleive). We also have a 4in lift with 35in nitto ridge grappler tires. My questions/concerns are

-the current height from the bed rail to the ground is around 62in. Can i safely tow the 5th wheel or do i need to return the vehicle to stock?
-Should i install airbags or will i be good to go?
- what is the best automatic sliding hitch? we have been looking at the pullrite and the demco
-is backing up a 5th wheel easier than a travel trailer?

[mraplx]

-the current height from the bed rail to the ground is around 62in. Can i safely tow the 5th wheel or do i need to return the vehicle to stock?

*Can’t help with this one.

-Should i install airbags or will i be good to go?

*With a F350 I don’t think bags will be needed.


- what is the best automatic sliding hitch? we have been looking at the pullrite and the demco

*We have a Pullrite but both are quality hitches. The demco is height adjustable which may be important for your setup.


-is backing up a 5th wheel easier than a travel trailer?

*I’m not sure I’d describe it as harder or easier, just different. I feel like the FW reacts slower to steering input.


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[Wicked ace]

-the current height from the bed rail to the ground is around 62in. Can i safely tow the 5th wheel or do i need to return the vehicle to stock?

My thought is to return to stock height. You probably will have an issue with bed rail clearance. A 1 ton truck generally will sit and stay higher under load due to the suspension. You would probably be towing with the trailer nose up which is not good for many reasons. The lift will affect tow handling with the higher center of gravity. This apparently is your first 5W and a good sized trailer to start so you want all the advantages to be on your behalf.

-Should i install airbags or will i be good to go?

Not with that truck, it should carry the weight handily. If you look inside the driver side door you will see a yellow framed sticker that has your trucks available payload. I expect it is north of 3500#. Fully loaded a good estimation of your hitch weight would be in the 3000# range. There are other considerations but that is another conversation, I suggest, for your own knowledge, you do more homework. Start here , filling out the blanks as honestly as you can and you will see how much you can tow Safely. Airbags are a band-aid for a problem not resolved.
https://www.bwtrailerhitches.com/towing-help-fifth

- what is the best automatic sliding hitch? we have been looking at the pullrite and the demco

I have no opinion there I use an Andersen Ultimate and like it a lot.

-is backing up a 5th wheel easier than a travel trailer?

It is neither easier nor harder but it is a bit different. An afternoon in a large empty parking lot will get you accustomed to the handling change. Top tip....get a camera at the rear to watch as you back up.

[SGT ROC]

Here is my input
1. My truck (look at my signature) is 58" ground to tailgate. That is with OEM tires sizes (not OEM tires) of 265/70R18 tires.
2. When I connect my 31MB it brings the truck to mostly level, and the trailer is level. My truck is in stock configuration, no assist to the springs or anything. The factory Pin weight, according to the spec sheet that came with the trailer is 1968 pounds. Given the storage area on the front of the rig, unless you put lead in it you'll be fine with that 1 ton.
3. Hitch wise... WOW - everyone has different opinions on this. I have a Curt manual slider. I have never needed to use it. I have a brother in law with a Demco that he does not use any more (Different Truck and Rig), and a brother in law with a Pull Right. They both like them. I do have a third brother in law with a 5th wheel, but I don't know what hitch he has. Not much of an answer I know... Sorry.
4. As for backing- - I agree with the previous posts. Backing is mostly different. I have pulled TT and utility trailers for 40 years. This was my first 5er. The only time it became harder was when I made it that way. (Hint - when you find that you didn't "hit it right" start all over. Don't pull out of it part way then try to correct, unless it's just a minor correction to get straight in the site).

I agree - get a camera for the back. I got the Furrion because for the 31MB it's plug and play - but it isn't cheap. It helps immensely with backing - DW and I get along much better, and it helps when pulling down the road. You can see whos behind you, who's going to pass, and when you pass when your clear to return to the right lane.

[powerscol]

Return the truck to stock or plan on lifting the trailer. You will never get bed rail clearance as set up. I would get a manual slider. B&W is excellent, and Reese makes a good one too. I have the Reese Titan R20 and love it. It can be gotten in the slider configuration too. The Anderson Hitch may void your frame warranty - Check with GD.

Is your truck set up with a 5th wheel prep package? If not you will probably need a rail system or other frame mounted hitch component installed for your chosen hitch. Shop around on pricing and if you do need the frame components installed, find a good frame/suspension specialist that does that kind of work.

Backing a 5th wheel is a lot different than a TT. It is slower to respond. Find an empty parking lot and use the short soccer cones and practice

Hope this helps