Solution for Using 5th Wheel Hitch on 2003 Ford F-250 Short Bed with Gooseneck Hitch Installed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I do have a couple possible solutions for you, however you won't be able to install fifth-wheel base rails through the gooseneck plate under the bed of your 2003 Ford F-250. There aren't any base rails designed to install in this manner and doing so may affect the integrity of both the rails and your existing gooseneck hitch.

I first recommend seeing what brand/model gooseneck hitch you have installed already. If it happens to be the B&W Turnoverball then there is already a product designed for exactly what you're needing. The B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch # BWRVK3400-5W is considered by many to be one of the best hitches on the market and it is designed to mount to the gooseneck hole of the Turnoverball hitch. This would maintain the use of your existing gooseneck (if it is the B&W) while still allowing you to pull your fifth-wheel when needed by simply mounting the Companion. The hitch features a 20,000 pound towing capacity and its built-in slider gives you 12 inches of travel for cab clearance with your short bed.

If you have a different model gooseneck hitch but like the idea of still keeping a functional gooseneck hitch in place then your best option will be to remove your existing hitch and install the B&W # BWGNRK1108-5W. This is the Turnoverball gooseneck hitch that doubles as the mounting rails for the Companion 5th Wheel. You would simply install this instead of traditional fifth-wheel base rails.

Using a gooseneck adapter is another possible solution but the potential issue like you mentioned is the short bed on your truck. We do have the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned Adapter # CAB-C5GX1216 that features a 7-1/2 inch offset to provide additional cab clearance but since the actual pivot point doesn't change you might still have trouble making a 90 degree turn. Because of this a sliding fifth-wheel hitch will still be your best option.

expert reply by: Chris R

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