How Difficult Is Installation of Reese RP87FR Elite Under Bed Rail Kit on 2017 Ford F-250
Question:
Looking at under bed kit “RP87FR”. Wondering how installation is? Does the bed have to be removed?
asked by: Brian H
Expert Reply:
The Reese Elite Series under bed puck system, part # RP87FR is compatible with your 2017 Ford F250. The puck spacing is identical to hat of the Ford OEM system, so you'd be able to use any puck mounted hitch designed for the Ford OEM tow/prep package puck system.
As you can see by clicking the provided instruction link, the bed will indeed need to be removed temporarily for the installation of the rail kit. Also, if the inner brackets shown in figure # 4 aren't welded to the truck frame, you'll need part # RP27FR. I'll link to a photo of the installed brackets, so you'll know what to look for. The brackets are circled in the photo.
The installation isn't terribly difficult, but it will take about 4-1/2 hours to install. The bracket kit will bolt up to the frame without drilling, but you'll need to cut holes in the bed for the pucks and for the gooseneck ball as outlined in the instructions.
If you'd rather not have to remove the bed, B&W offers an under-bed mounting option that uses their
# BWGNRK1116-5W Turnover Ball gooseneck hitch as the mounting point for their Companion 5th wheel hitch.
The Companion is NOT compatible with the Reese Revolution/Sidewinder, the Lippert Turning Point or any other rotating pin box. For a short bed truck, you'll want to use the sliding hitch, part # BWRVK3400-5W for for a long bed truck, use the stationary version, part # BWRVK3500-5W.
I've linked to an install video for the B&W Turnover Ball hitch.
![Mike L](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/166_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- B and W
more information >
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 16-1/4 - 18-1/4 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
Inner Frame Brackets for Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Brackets
- Custom
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Reese Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit
- Shop: Inner Frame Brackets for Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Search Results: rp27fr
- Video: B and W Fifth Wheel Underbed Kit Installation - 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Shop: Reese Quick-Install Custom Bracket Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Reese Quick-Install Custom Outboard Brackets for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Reese Quick-Install Custom Bracket Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Q&A: 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Reese Gooseneck and 5th Wheel Hitch Underbed Comparison
- Q&A: What is the Difference between the RP87FR and the RP39FR for My 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty?
- Shop: Reese Elite Series Pop-In Ball Kit for Ford Super Duty and Nissan Titan XD Under-Bed Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: Review of Reese Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Inner Frame Brackets - RP27FR
- Q&A: Recommended Gooseneck Hitch for a 2017 Ford F-250 w/ Inner Brackets Welded to the Frame
- Q&A: Replacement Brackets and Hardware for Reese Elite Rail Kit for 2019 Ford F-250
- Q&A: Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for use w/ a Turning Point Pin Box and the Ford Factory Puck System
- Q&A: Plugs for 5th Wheel Hitch on a Ford Factory Prep Package
- Article: 5th Wheel Hitch Installation | The Ultimate DIY Guide
- Q&A: Is Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch Absolutely Necessary for 2022 Ram 2500 Short Bed Truck
- Shop: Mud Flaps
- Video: Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Under-Bed Rail Kit Install - 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Demco 5th Wheel Lifting Bracket Review
- Video: Reese Elite Series Underbed Rail Adapter Review
- Video: Review of Reese Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Custom - RP87FR
- Video: Reese Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Installation - 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty
- Search Results: 5th wheel tool box
- Search Results: rp87fr
- Search Results: puck system adapter
- Search Results: ford puck adapter
- Search Results: removable fifth wheel hitch