5th Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 1996 Ford F-250 for Lightweight Trailer

Question:

We want to buy a 5th wheel apparatus for our new RV. We will be using a 1996 F250 XLT, LB diesel p/u that does not have overload springs. What 5th wheel would you advise us to purchase? RV weighs about 11,500lbs.

asked by: Olivia D

Expert Reply:

By apparatus I believe you are asking about a 5th wheel hitch, and we can get your 1996 Ford F-250 (without overload springs) set up with a hitch to pull your light RV. The first thing you will need is a base rail kit in order to mount the hitch, and for that you will need the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP30035.

Then for a 5th wheel hitch, the correct one will depend on if you have an 8 foot bed or a short bed, as a short bed will require a sliding hitch so you can make tight turns without the trailer hitting your cab. For either, I really like the Reese 5th wheel hitch because of its secure jaw system that ensures full contact with your king pin for a better ride, and because it has a pivoting head which makes it much simpler to hook up your trailer than hitches that do not have that.

The options - depending on your F-250's bed size - are the following:

- 8 Foot Bed: Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30047

- Short Bed: Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Square Tube Slider # RP30051

Finally, if you need a 5th wheel wiring harness for your F-250, the correct part is the 7-Way Pre-Wired Car Connector, 7' Lead # 20023.