Replacement 3 Inch Goosneck Ball for Unknown Gooseneck Hitch on 2008 Ford F-350 Long Bed

Question:

Hello. Looking for a gooseneck to 5th wheel hitch. I have a 2008 F350, 8 bed, with a 3 ball diameter. I recently acquired this truck, and have been looking for a ball with no luck and trying not to replace the under the bed hitch. The alignment bar for the ball sets 90 degrees from where the locking bar goes through the bar. Any help with the ball and if the hitch adapters will work...or suggestions on a complete kit. Thank you

asked by: Terry D

Expert Reply:

Gooseneck hitches typically use a 2-5/16 inch ball, but occasionally you'll see a 3 inch. Without knowing the manufacturer and model or part number of your gooseneck hitch, I wouldn't be able to speculate on a replacement ball. You can look at the underside of the hitch and see if there are any part numbers or manufacturer info, and reply with any info you can find and I'd be happy to see if anything we offer would be compatible.

Lacking that information, my best recommendation for you would be to replace the hitch, as much as it pains me to say it.

If all you're needing to tow is a fifth wheel, I'd recommend the Curt A series 5th wheel hitch. Use part # C16120 for a 16K capacity, # C16140 for a 20K capacity or # C16180 for a 25K capacity. This would be a better choice than the Curt Q25 # C16265 you'd looked at, as the A series uses an interlocking jaw system that holds the king pin super-tight for superior ride quality. You'll also need the # C16448-204 install bracket/rail kit. If you need to tow a gooseneck trailer now or at some time in the future, you can easily add an adapter plate like # 16055. The adapter plate will pin to the rails and would take only seconds to install.

I've linked to product description videos for the hitches I mentioned above, as well as to an install video for the bracket/rail kit.