Comparing Above Bed 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Install Kits for a 2008 Ford F-350 Long Bed

Question:

What above bed rail kit do I need for my Reese 16K hitch in a 2008 F350 with an eight foot bed. What is the difference between the options listed? thanks

asked by: Donald M

Expert Reply:

For above the bed 5th wheel rail kits for your 2008 Ford F-350 long bed it boils down to 3 possible categories: custom, semi-custom, and universal. The main difference between these is the amount of drilling into the truck frame required for installation.

Custom kits generally require no frame drilling at all. Semi-custom kits will require some drilling. And universal kits require the most drilling.

Because custom kits do not require drilling into the frame (for most options) they also install easier and quicker than the other options and it is what I recommend. As far as the differences amongst the different brands there isn't a whole lot of differences at all. They all have industry standard rails and will accept your Reese 16K hitch.

For a custom kit I recommend Reese kit # RP50082-58 or # RP56005-53. The difference between these 2 kits is that the -53 kit has longer rails meaning it is easier to bolt the rails to the frame brackets making installation even easier than a standard custom kit. But in either case there is no frame drilling required. I have linked videos showing example installations of both kits for you.

If you'd rather go with a semi-custom kit then the only option is # DM8552001-71. Some frame drilling is required for installation.

And for a universal kit that will require drilling as well the most popular option is from Reese # RP30035.