Will a Reese 5th Wheel Slider Trailer Hitch Fit in Curt Above the Bed Rails in a 2004 Ford F-250

Question:

I was able to barter for reese 16k classic slider fifth wheel hitch and it came with a universal L bracket mounts. They appear pretty bare bones. I would like to purchase a mounting kit that has the nicely fabricated inboard or outboard frame mounts. The cost of the curt rail/ mount kit is cheaper than the reese brand thus gaining my favor but appears dramatically sturdier than what I currently have to work with. So basically will curt rails accept a reese slider. Secondly is it safe to assume that if I go with inboard or outboard mounts that the only way to continue to use my BW hideaway gooseneck ball is to have the plate fabricated to fit the fifth wheel frame mounts that I decide to go with. no chance that the fifth wheel rails will mount to my existing goosneck frame mounts? And yes I know they make adapters for interchangeability but I am trying to get the sturdiest, longest lasting configuration for the least investment, They will both be used very seldom. The application is a 2004 ford 250 shortbed 4x4. And lastly is it even possible to have both hitches independently considering over axel weight placement compared to mounting requirements. Thanks

asked by: Russ

Expert Reply:

First, the Curt above the bed rails and installation kit like # C16443-104 for a 2004 Ford F-250 short bed, will accept the Reese slider as long as it is the type of hitch that does fit in above the bed rails.

I recommend that you do not fabricate the gooseneck hitch to work in the 5th wheel install kit because neither component has been tested for this application and that makes the capacity unknown for 5th wheel or gooseneck towing. The solution is to use a gooseneck plate in the above the bed rails like # 16055.

These gooseneck plates are sturdy and are going to last you a long time so I have no worries about that type of set up. The plate that I referenced will fit in the Curt rails and it also can be positioned with the ball more towards the rear of the truck to give you a little offset on the short bed truck.

There are some 5th wheel/gooseneck installation kits that allow you to install a 5th wheel or gooseneck ball depending on what you will be towing that day. From the manufacturers we carry that is the Reese Elite series. This set up is on the high end as far as cost and is not available for all applications.

expert reply by: Michael H