5th Wheel Rails for Use with Anderson Ultimate Connection for a 2008 Ford F-250 Short Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Andersen Ultimate Connection # AM3200 is designed to mount to industry standard above the bed 5th wheel rails. It is an adapter that will allow you to tow a 5th wheel trailer without a 5th wheel hitch. But if your truck does not already have 5th wheel rails then it would be better to use a 5th wheel hitch to tow a 5th wheel trailer. The use of any adapter puts additional stress on the trailer. You will get a better ride using a 5th wheel hitch.

For a custom installation kit for your 2008 Ford F-250 short bed that does not require drilling into the truck frame to mount the below bed brackets use # RP50082-58. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

At this point you can go with the Anderson adapter or use a 5th wheel hitch. But since you have a short bed truck the best solution is a slider 5th wheel hitch because the Anderson adapter does not move the pivot point of the trailer back far enough to safely make 90 degree turns. This means that when turning the trailer will hit the truck cab.

For a slider hitch that cost about the same as the Anderson adapter you can use the Curt 16K hitch # 16516. This hitch offers 12 inches of travel for better clearance when turning. The next step up from that hitch is # C16521. The difference is that the first one has a slide bar jaw and isn't cushioned so you may experience a lot of movement (called chucking) during stops and starts. The second hitch has a dual-jaw for better king pin contact and has a cushioned head for a smoother ride.

expert reply by: Michael H

0