Can A Reese Underbed 5th Wheel Hitch Mounting System Be Removed And A New System Installed

Question:

I have a Reese 20k under rail mounted 5th wheel hitch. Wanted to buy new hith local trailer shop said drilling new holes into bed would weaken bed to much is this possible? If attached to rails would not think it would. Thank You

asked by: Alfred B

Expert Reply:

It's really going to be a case by case situation but you would most likely be fine removing the current rail system and installing a turnoverball hitch in order to use the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider # BWRVK3400-5W. The only integrity issue you could run into is if the mounting holes in the frame were enlarged to install the original mounting system and would now be too large for the new system or if you had to drill new holes too close to another hole already in the frame from the original system.

If you have a Reese Elite underbed puck system then you could just use the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package # BWRVK3370 instead and avoid having to swap out the rails.

expert reply by: Kevin C