Will the Curt Universal Fifth Wheel Instal Kit Fit a 2008 Ford F-350 with Firehawk 5th Wheel Hitch

Question:

will this fit 2008 ford f350 crew cab w/ 6 1/2 ft. box. i have a firehawk fifth wheel hitch that has two types of hitch connections that can be changed for different type trailers.

asked by: Keith B

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Curt Universal Fifth Wheel Base Rails with Installation Kit part # C16100 is listed as a fit for your 2008 Ford F-350 but unless you want to drill into the frame of your truck, the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ford part # C16448-204 is what I recommend you use as there is no frame drilling required.

However, there are a few issues you might run into trying to reuse the Putnam Firehawk 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch. For example, if this hitch is not designed for use with industry standard above bed base rails then it will not work with the above kit as not all above bed 5th wheel hitches are cross compatible. If this is the case then you are going to have a hard time trying to find the correct mounting kit for your truck as Putnam has since went out of business. The other issue you will have with the Putnam Firehawk 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch even if it does fit is that it is a fixed hitch and you have a short bed so you will need a sliding hitch in order to make a sharp turn with a 5th wheel trailer.

Therefore, the best option for you would be to replace the Putnam Firehawk 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with a compatible 5th wheel hitch, the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Roller part # 16516. If you need to tow a gooseneck trailer then you can simply swap the above hitch out for the Curt Above-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails part # 16055.

expert reply by: Conner L