Recommended Gooseneck And 5th Wheel Hitch For 2001 F-350 With 8 Foot Bed

Question:

I bought a used 2001 F-350 from a dealership several years ago and now that Im looking at buying a 5th wheel RV I’ve discovered that the under bed mounting rails were not made for this truck and that they have been modified to fit and welded into place. Ive been trying to enclose some photos of the installation in hopes that you could help me identify the rail system but your website has been giving me trouble. Hopefully the attached files will go through this time. My hope was that you could tell me what additional parts I need for a safe and complete installation or if should I go through the hassle of removing it and starting all over? My truck doesnt have the gooseneck mount in the bed, but Id like the ability to mount either a BandW Companion or Reese Elite 5th wheel hitch for towing a 5th wheel RV, and something like the Reese Elite Series Above-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for towing a gooseneck trailer. However, youre the experts and Id like your advice. My concern is that when looking down at the tops of the rails thru the truck bed, the receiver holes in the rails are below the surface of the truck bed. Do I need some sort of or will either of these hitches into the cutouts and make solid contact with the rails on their own? If they dont, would the Reese Elite Fifth Wheel Rail Kit Mounting Adapter work, then use a different type 5th wheel hitch? Im at a complete loss. Ive always had tongue trailers, but want to upgrade to 5th wheel RV and gooseneck work trailer. Any help or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Mark D

Expert Reply:

Based on your photos, I can not identify the system you have and it appears that it was a custom job that doesn't work with current options. My recommendation is to remove the customized system and start over so you know that all of your parts are compatible.

For your 2001 Ford F-350 with 8 foot bed, I recommend the Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # BWGNRK1108-5W. This will give you the gooseneck hitch you want. This gooseneck system is also compatible with a specific 5th wheel hitch and works as the underbed rail system for it. I recommend you pair this gooseneck hitch with the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs # BWRVK3500-5W. This combination is confirmed to work for your truck and will give you all the options you need.

I recommend using the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Wiring Harness 7-Pole # C56000 to add a 7-way connection to the bed of your truck for easy access when towing your gooseneck trailer or your 5th wheel.

expert reply by: Jason S