Recommended Fifth Wheel Hitch and Rail Kit for 2018 Ford F-250 4x4 with Airlift Springs

Question:

I have a 2018 F250 4x4 longbed has a camper package and the 6.2 V8 with an airlift load lifter 5000 kit on it. I did not order it with the factory installed fifth wheel prep kit cause I had planned on sticking with my slide in truck camper however not even a year later and the wife says we need more room :. Which fifth wheel hitch and mounting kits do I need assuming the max towing of the truck is 15K lbs. We havent purchased the new camper yet but its coming soon so I need to get the truck capable of pulling it.

asked by: Robert W

Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Ford F-250 long bed with Airlift springs, the good news is the air springs are compatible with either the underbed or above bed 5th wheel rail kits.

If you want a clean bed, I recommend the B&W Gooseneck and Custom Underbed installation Kit # BWGNRK1116-5W along with the Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs # BWRVK3500-5W. This is an excellent 5th wheel hitch designed to work with that gooseneck hitch so you get the best of both worlds. This hitch is a customer favorite because of its strong king pin hold and the gooseneck compatibility.

If you want above bed rails, I recommend the Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP50074-58. This is a custom bracket kit so you won't need to drill into your frame. You of course will drill into the bed to attach the rails to the brackets and bed. I've attached a video to assist. Then you can use any 5th wheel hitch with the industry standard footprint like the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs # RP30047 you asked from. This is a really nice hitch and will tow a trailer up to the capacity of the hitch or the truck itself. It sounds like your truck will limit you to 15K, so this hitch is a great option for you.

I also recommend adding a 7-way to the bed of your truck if you don't already have one using the Hopkins # 41157. This will give you an easy connection access point.

Let me know if you have further questions.