Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch and Rails for 1999 Ford F-250 with Air Bags

Question:

I have a 1999 ford f-250 superduty longvbed that the previous owner installed airbags on. I am now setting the truck up to tow a 2013 wildcat fifth wheel with a gvwr of 11,700 lbs. The already installed airbags are on the outside of the frame where the custom frame to bed rail brackets would need to be mounted, which eliminates them as an option. I believe Ive narrowed my options down to using a universal mounting system that I think will clear the airbag mounting bracket. Does my research make sense up to this point? My next question is whether or not it is possible or cost effective to add under bed puck system that would be compatible with the hitch that I received with my trailer when I bought it? The hitch is a BandW Companion that fits the ford factory installed prep package. Is there a reasonably priced system to make my truck work with this hitch, or will I be better off getting a different hitch and above bed rail system?

asked by: Shane B

Helpful Expert Reply:

With the existing air bags on your 1999 Ford F-250 that mount to the outside of the frame you will indeed need to go with a universal base rail bracket kit to avoid interference. For this the Reese Base Rails and Installation Kit # RP30035 will work well and will provide you with above-bed, industry standard base rails that are compatible with most 5th wheel hitches.

Your existing OEM B&W Companion, which is likely the part # BWRVK3300, will fit with the Reese Under-Bed Rail Installation Kit # RP30073 for your F-250 but the needed brackets for this kit won't be compatible with your air bags. This is the only rail kit that would work with your Companion so unless you want to remove the air bags your only option will be to switch to a standard above-bed mount hitch. You should be able to sell the Companion (it's a really nice hitch) for enough, or close to it, to pay for a brand new unit.

I really like the Curt A25 5th Wheel Hitch # C16180 because of its interlocking 2-jaw system that creates an extremely secure connection with the trailer for a smooth and quiet ride, along with its fully articulating torsion head that both eases hookup on unlevel ground and helps to suppress any road shock during travel. It features a 25,000 pound towing weight capacity.

I have attached a couple video demonstrations that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R