Does Reese Underbed Rail Adapter Work With 2017 Ford F-350 That Does Not Have Prep Package?

Question:

Were about to purchase a 2017 F350 XL Super duty. Unfortunately, it did not come with the factory fifth wheel / gooseneck hitch prep package. We dont want the rails on the bed. The Reese under-bed rail system doesnt list whether it can be installed on the 2017 model of the truck. Do you know if it would work? Thanks!

asked by: Rachel M

Expert Reply:

There are underbed fifth wheel rails that are going to work with your 2017 Ford F-350, though the Reese system # RP30126 is unfortunately not one of them. There is good news, however, because the Custom Underbed Installation Kit # BWGNRK1116-5W works on both the 6-3/4' and 8' four-wheel drive versions of the 2017 F-350; I've added a link to a video showing you these rails being installed in a '17 F-350. The biggest benefit of these rails are that they offer you a chance to use what is considered by some to be the highest-quality fifth wheel hitch available.

That hitch is the B&W Companion # BWRVK3500-5W or if you have a 6-3/4' bed, the sliding version # BWRVK3400-5W. The Companion features dual jaws which are a full 1" thick to provide complete contact with your king pin so you can have faith that your connection is completely secure. I've attached a photo of the jaws so you can see these beasts up close. The Companion is also going to be much quieter than other fifth wheels due to that secure connection, along with the polyurethane bushings it has. It also has a pivoting head to make hooking up easier and limit chucking, offers three different height settings, a cam-action latch to deter binding, and a towing limit of 20,000 lbs.

Apart from the Companion, your other option for underbed fifth wheel rails is the Underbed Rail and Installation Kit for Demco Hijacker # DM8551009, which fits both the 6-3/4' and 8' bed of your 2017 F-350.

If you have a 6-3/4' bed, the Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550037 (21,000 lbs) or # DM8550022 (18,000 lbs) is a completely unique fifth wheel. It allows you to stay in the cab of your F-350 instead of having to get out to operate the slider. The Hijacker's head rotates 90 degrees, which is what creates the force needed to move the slider. The Autoslide uses a single jaw and has a locking bar; it comes with three different height settings and when sliding gives you 14" of front to back travel.

I've added links to video reviews of each of these products for you to take a look at as well.