5th Wheel Install Kit and Hitch Recommendations for 2004 Ford F-350 with 8-Foot Bed

Question:

Hello Etrailer,I am planing to buy either a 4 or 3 vehicle carrier trailer and to make proper plans towards this project I want to know if buying a slider fifth wheel will work for me or I should just go ahead and buy the fixed fifth wheel,not sure if the slider fifth wheels are only designed for Rvs and Campers.My truck is a 2004 Ford F 350 Super Duty Dually 8 feet bed.Please I will really appreciate your technical advice and quick response so that I will be able to buy the most suitable and reliable equipment for my operations.

asked by: BODUNRIN A

Expert Reply:

A sliding 5th wheel hitch is usually required only for short bed trucks to provide better low-speed turning clearance. Since your F350 is an 8-foot long bed type you do not have to use a sliding hitch.

The linked page will show you the 5th wheel fixed hitches and installation kits offered for your 2004 Ford F-350 long bed.

I recommend a custom install kit since this will reduce drilling and overall installation time. You can use kit # RP50082-58. These are industry standard rails (ISRs) that will work with most brands of 5th wheel hitch. For a 5th wheel wiring harness use part # PK11893-11932.

You can use the linked page to select a 5th wheel hitch to fit into the above base rails. You can use the filters on the page to select your required towing capacity and other key features like a cushioned pivoting head which makes hitching easier when you're on uneven ground. For example, for a 24K-rated hitch with a cushioned 360-degree pivot and double jaws for better king pin contact use Curt hitch # C16245.

expert reply by: Adam R