5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Kit for a 2004 Ford F250 King Ranch Super Duty
Question:
I need a fifth wheel hitch for the above truck, but their is so many different that I dont which one is the correct one. My trailer weight 12000lbs.
asked by: Roberto M
Expert Reply:
First, lets start with an installation kit. There are basically 2 types of kits: custom and universal. I always recommend a custom kit when available because they install faster and easier and require less drilling. For a 2004 Ford F-250, long or short bed, you can use custom kit # RP50082-58. I have included a link to the instructions and a link to a video showing a typical installation for you.
Next we can look at hitches. Long bed trucks take a fixed hitch while short beds require a slider. When looking at hitches you will need to look at the capacity, the features of the head, and the type of jaw it has as important factors. First for capacity, you will want one with enough capacity for the trailer you plan to tow but also allow a little room should you decide to tow a different trailer in the future.
A 16k capacity would be good for you and your 12k trailer. As for head features, the best heads will tilt forward and back and side to side. And for a jaw, less expensive hitches use a slide bar which will result in some chucking (forward and backward movement of the trailer in the hitch). A double jaw is more secure and a jaw that hooks around is the most secure and tight connection.
For a hitch that meets all these requires, the best option is the Reese 16K hitch, # RP30047. I have included some links on this hitch for you as well.
If you have a short bed then you will need slider hitch. The slider hitch moves back to allow for more clearance when making tight turns so the trailer does not contact the truck cab. Round tube sliders offer the most clearance and are less likely to bind. Again the best option for your needs is the Reese 16K, # RP30075.
The Reese hitch, # RP30051, will also fit the installation kit mentioned above. This is a 16K hitch. It is on a square tube slider which has 10 inches of travel. It uses the dual style jaw. This is an entry level hitch but will not give as good a quality ride as the other hitches listed above.
I have included a link to an FAQ on 5th wheel hitches and installation that should be helpful as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Round Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 11 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 10 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs
- Shop: Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Fifth Wheel Hitch Kit Installation - 2000 Ford F-350 Pickup
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: hitch
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: 5504
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Height Setting for 5th Wheel Hitch
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Search Results: 90160
- Video: B and W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider Installation - 2022 GMC Sierra 2500
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Search Results: 25980ez
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Do all Fifth Wheel Rails have the Same Dimensions
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: 56070
on Fifth Wheel Hitch
