Cost Effective 5th Wheel Hitch and Rail Kit for a 1999 Ford F-250

Question:

I have a 1999 F250 Super Duty and a Reese 30047 fifth wheel hitch with what I believe to be the original bed rails. Id like to add a mounting kit to tie hitch to the truck frame. I am concerned that the bolt hole spacing on my older rails is not the same as the newer rails/hitches. Is it possible to get the bolt hole spacing on the newer frame brackets and a recommended kit part number? Thank you.

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Reese regarding your Reese 30004 5th wheel hitch and they stated that this is an older model that used unique base rails specific to the hitch. Unfortunately, this particular unit is not compatible with industry-standard, above-bed base rails and the specific rails it needs are no longer available.

Therefore, the only option I have for you to tow a 5th wheel trailer with your 1999 Ford F-250 would involve purchasing a new 5th wheel hitch and base rail kit. For this, I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # RP30047 for 8' beds or part # RP30075 for 6-3/4' beds. In order to install either hitch you will want to use the Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches part # RP50082-58 or the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches part # RP30035 for a more cost effective alternative. The custom base rails will require less drilling and measuring in comparison to the universal base rails.

I have attached a review video on both the sliding and fixed Pro Series 5th wheel hitch for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L