Comparing Curt 5th Wheel Hitches for 2000 Ford F-350

Expert Reply:

Long bed trucks like your 2000 Ford F-350 with 8-foot bed naturally have enough turning clearance to use fixed (non-sliding) 5th wheel hitches like the excellent B&W Patriot 18K # BWRVK3255. Shorter bed trucks require a sliding hitch like the Curt E16 # 16516 that you referenced in order to have enough turning clearance to avoid trailer-to-cab contact. You can use a slider hitch in both long and short bed trucks but if used in a long bed it must always remain in the forward locked position. Both of these hitches fit into industry-standard above bed rails like kit # RP50082-58 from Reese and kit # C16443-204 from Curt.

The Curt E16 # C16115 is an entry-level hitch with a basic slide bar jaw; the fixed A16 hitch # C16120 and the sliding A16 # C16521 both have upgraded dual jaws for much tighter king pin contact and a cushioned head for less chucking and rattle. The Curt Q16 and A16 hitches are the same; just a name change Curt made in 2016.