Choosing Between Gooseneck Hitch or Adapter on Fifth Wheel Rails for 2006 Ford F250

Question:

I recently bought a 2006 Ford F-250 Diesel Short Box pick-up. I want to install a gooseneck hitch for a stock trailer. A previous owner had rails for a 5th wheel in it, so holes are already drilled in the bed. There is a chance I may need to pull a 5th wheel in the future as well. Will the holes for a new rail system match the ones in my pick-up bed? Would you suggest re-installing rails and getting a gooseneck adapter, or installing a gooseneck hitch and later buying a 5th wheel adapter. Thank you

asked by: Andy W

Expert Reply:

Without knowing which installation kit was used to install the hitch that was on the vehicle previously I cannot say for certain if the holes will line up, but there is a fair chance that they will.

I would recommend installing the fifth wheel rails, and using a rail mounted gooseneck ball like the Curt # 16085. Adapting the fifth wheel rails to accept a gooseneck ball is much simpler and usually less expensive that using an adapter on a gooseneck ball to pull a fifth wheel hitch.

To install the fifth wheel bed rails, we offer two different install kits. The universal kit, part # RP30035 will fit most full sized pick-ups, including yours. The custom install kit, part # RP50082-58 will typically require much less install time.

I will include links to the instructions for both the custom and universal install kits, see the supplied links.