Trailer Hitch Options for a 2012 Ford F-350 With Factory 5th Wheel Prep Package

Question:

need a hitch and information what to do for goose neck ball mounting on hitch?

asked by: Harold H

Expert Reply:

The fifth wheel prep package that you have on your 2012 Ford F-350 is compatible with the Reese M5 Series fifth wheel hitches. There are two M5 Series fifth wheel hitches that are available, the M5 Series 20K hitch and the M5 Series 27K hitch, # RP30922.

If your fifth wheel trailer weighs more than 18,000 lbs when it is fully loaded, then I recommend the 27K hitch. If you have a short bed truck you'll also need to use a sidewinder pin box to push the pivot point of your trailer back 22" and increase your turning clearance so the nose of your trailer doesn't come into contact with the cab of your truck. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you'll have to match the bolt pattern of your current pin box. For example the # RP34FR will replace a 1621 bolt pattern pin box. You'll also need to use a wedge kit to prevent the king pin from pivoting in the jaws of your hitch. For the hitches listed above you'll need the custom wedge kit # RP44FR.

Your prep package should already have a gooseneck head installed so you simply need to insert a gooseneck ball into the larger hole in the center of your truck bed. For a gooseneck hitch ball that is compatible with your hitch, I recommend using the Elite Series Gooseneck Hitch Ball, # RP19311. This ball is also available with a 1 inch rise as part # RP19315.

I have attached the installation instructions for the fifth wheel hitches that I have mentioned.

expert reply by: John H

Harry R.

12/14/2012

How can I install a Reese Elite series fifthwheel hitch in my 2011 Ford F-250 Series 8 ft bed without the Ford Factory rail system? Is it possible? What are the problems? Time

Patrick B.

12/17/2012

There is a little more time involved in the installation, but there is an aftermarket version of that underbed rail system. The installation rail kit you need is part RP30126. It is very similar to the OEM kit, but it is bolted on instead of being welded/riveted into the frame. You may have to loosen the bed to install the kit. Then you would add the hitch, either RP30142 or RP30143 depending on the capacity needed.