Parts Needed to Install Curt A20 Fifth Wheel Hitch in 2012 Ford F-250 Short Bed with Aux Fuel Tank

Question:

I own. 2012 Ford F-250 diesel , 4x4, KR 6.75 foot bed. The truck came with Tow package. However I put a 50 gal transfer-flow auxiliary tank in the bed next t cab below rails. The tank extends 18” into the bed.. To complicate matters I put in a Rhino bed liner and can not tell where my bed mount holes are. I don’t think 2012 model firms had the puck holes and necessitated using rail mounts. If I measure center point between wheel shells in the bed to the edge of the tank it is 18.5-19”. I would assume this would be center point for the fifth wheel hitch head? Do you think think the Curt slider 20k would fit.?

asked by: Mike R

Helpful Expert Reply:

The 2012 models of the Ford F-250 short bed could have came with the OEM pucks so there's a chance your truck has them. If you put in a Rhino Liner spray bed liner though you would know if you had them as you'd be able to still see them so I would assume you do not have it.

So what that means is that you can still use the Curt A20 fifth wheel hitch part # C16541 that you referenced but you would need to install above bed rails that fit your truck like the Curt Custom rail kit part # C16424-204 that fits your truck. This won't require drilling into the truck frame so it would provide a much easier install compared to a universal kit. This would not interfere with your auxiliary tank that is 18 inches wide either.

The rails will be centered from left to right like you mentioned between the bed rails but front to back the rails would be centered right over the rear axle.

expert reply by: Jameson C