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Originally Posted by Glamper12
Hello all ! I am signing papers today to purchase a 2014 Crossroads Cruise Patriot CF355 BL although this will be my first fifth wheel it will be my third camper. I was hoping to gain some knowledge before asking the dealeras to what type/manufacture is recommended for my 2011 F-250 to pull this, later on. I am having it delivered to my site now but in the futureI would like to tow it? Any help or suggestions would be great!
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Do you have the fifth wheel prep kit? If so, there are more than just one option now. I have the Reese Elite 18K slider that the Fordfifth wheel prep kit was designed for. Nice clean bed - no rails. More expensive option if you want this set up. If you don't have it you needto installthe Reese Elite under bed mounts or pay someone to do it(I did it myself). Now you can get a B&W Companion Sliderto fit the fifth wheel prep in the 2011 Super Duty trucks. Both the Reese Elite and the B&W Companion are quality options but are not your least expensive.
Short Box or Long Box? IF you have a short box - get a slider even though you don't need it that often. Cheaper to have it than to repair your truck.
IF you don't have the Reese 5th wheel prep in your truck your options are wide open. If you have a short box, one of the better sliding options is the SuperGlide and you can get mounts for this that leave a clean bed as well. You don't have to worry about sliding your hitch - it's automatic. For heavy trailers I don't recommend a sidewinder hitch although some here probably like it - another alternative but different concept.
If you have a long box and don't mind rails in your bed - lots and lots of options and much cheaper. I am a believer in setting up the way I want it from day one and doing a lot of research. I use forums like Ford Truck Enthusiasts in the 6.7 Diesel forums and several other diesel forms to do research on what other owners with trucks like minehave tried and what is working.
Feel like going full time? Probably better to get one of the even more expensive options like a Hensley, HitchCrafter, etc.
Also, if you plan to haul in the future with that F250 - get some air bags. I use Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags with an AirLift Wireless compressor to keep my F350 level - you will definitely need it with the F250 as it has a little softer ride and tends to sag a bit more under the pin weight. Obviously if you are not hauling right now - this is something you can do more research on and get done in the future.
Ultimately, we will all have different ideas of what we like and don't like and what our budget is. I agree you need to do some research BEFORE talking to your dealer because they will sell you whatever they like and is easy to install and usually the best mark up. Take your time with finding the right hitch combination for you.