Recommended 5th Wheel Rail Kit and Hitch for 2015 Ford F-350 Diesel

Question:

Oh boy…..I have one more question just to make sure…they should be paying you overtime with the number of my questions…. My rig is going to be about 11,600 pounds loaded. I was looking at the 16000 pound hitches. Is this what I should be looking for…does that give enough of a cushion?? Thanks again for your help, Jason…have a good week

asked by: John W

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2015 Ford F-350 Diesel, I recommend starting with the Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP50026-58. These rails and brackets are compatible with the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank on your truck. These custom brackets require no drilling into your truck frame. You won't have any issue with the hitch height and your bed rail height.

Then if your have a short bed truck, I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Round Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs # RP30075 which will provide you with non-binding movement between the locking points. It is adjustable between 15 and 18 inches tall and provides 11 inches of travel front to back for turning clearance. If you want an autosliding hitch so you don't need to worry about clearances while driving, I recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550034. The hitch will slide as you drive to provide the best clearances so you don't need to make adjustments to maneuver at the campsite or around gas pumps.This removes the need to jump in and out of your truck to move a manual slider between the two locking points.

If you have a long bed, then I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs # RP30047. This is the same hitch head as the slider but has the fixed mounting points. It is adjustable between 14-1/2 and 18 inches tall.

You may also want to consider adding a second 7-way like # 41157 to the bed of your truck for easy connection access and a clean look.

Let me know if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jason S

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John

2/13/2019

Thanks for your thorough response to my first question regarding a fifth wheel hitch for my 2015 F350 Diesel. Only other question I had was about the short bed that I have. You recommended a slider...which seems like a good idea..but as I scanned the instructions for the 50026 mounting kit....the schematics doesnt differentiate the distance from the rear of the bed to the first rail....it shows 32 1/4 inches to that rail. Is the distance the same for the short bed and the long bed?? Does that place the hitch over the axel for both length beds?? Any advice? Thanks again

Jason S.

2/13/2019

The Reese Quick-Install Custom Bracket Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP50026 is a fit for both the 6-1/2 foot bed and the 8 foot bed. Both options will put the rear rail in the same location from the rear of the box with the 32-1/4 inch measurement you referenced. This centers over the rear axle. The difference is in the distance from the front of the box. I've attached a photo of the installation instructions to show this.

John

2/25/2019

Soo sorry to hit you up again…but I have one more question regarding the hitch /rail kit you have referenced for me. My F350 Diesel has the 20 inch wheel option (so I am traveling a little higher than normal ? ) I noticed the hitch you recommended is 15” to 18” adjustable. I notice others are 17” to 21” adjustable. Do you think I need the higher one’s for my truck/fifth wheel application…because I am higher to begin with so that the trailer wont hit my bed rails or tailgate? Or will the 15 to 18” height be enough? Thanks so much for all the help you guys give us on your site.. You do provide a vital service and that sets e-trailer apart.

Jason S.

2/25/2019

Thank you for your kind words. I don't think you need a hitch that is above 18 inches tall for your truck to directly answer your question. The height of your 5th wheel hitch adjustment won't be dependent on the wheel size on your truck. The bed rails and tailgate height from the bed of your truck will not change. The height of the hitch and the pin box adjustment up or down will be dictated by what is needed to have your trailer travel as level as possible. I've attached a photo to help as there should be at least 6 inches between your bed rails and the underside of your 5th wheel trailer. This accounts for uneven ground and turns while going uphill.