Can Reese Elite Hitch Install on Curt Adapter Rails for More Height on a 2021 Ford F-450 Puck System

Question:

Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch - Ford and Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package Item # C88KR I have a Ford 2021 F450 with tow prep package. Im having an issue with clearance with my bed rails and 5th wheel. Im towing with a Reese Elite RE 25k hitch. I came across on the site the Adapter Rails for the Curt 5th wheel hitch. Right now my Reece drops down into the puck holes, can I use these adapter rails with my Reece hitch? It would gain me approximately 2inch of height and alleviate my problem. You guys have always been so much help with questions in the past. From what I think, is that if I use these rails they will drop into my pucks then I believe my Reece will fit into the slots in the Adapter rails. If my Reece will not work is there a good 25k hitch that will work with the rails?

asked by: Bryan M

Reese Elite 25K Hitch
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Bryan, thanks for reaching out!

Your Reese Elite Series Hitch (discontinued part 30143) has a height range of 14-1/2" - 17" and is only able to secure to the OEM puck system on your 2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty, so we either need to get you a taller hitch that mounts directly to the pucks or you can use the Curt Adapter Rails # C88KR with a different hitch to gain more height like what you said.

The first option I recommend exploring is the B&W Companion # BWRVK3305 because it installs directly to your puck system and has a height range of 16-3/4" - 18-3/4" so right away you're really close to that 2" increase in height.

If a full 19" height is what you absolutely need to clear your bed rails then you'll need the Adapter Rails # C88KR along with a standard 5th wheel hitch - and for that I recommend the Curt A25 # C16180 because of the interlocking jaws for a better king pin connection.

Attached are some review videos for you to check out as well!

expert reply by: Jon G

Curt A25 Pieces
(click to enlarge)

Bryan M.

3/13/2024

Jon, thank you so much for your help. Measuring my current hitch I’m really close to 18” from the bed rail. I think I will go with your suggestion of the new curt hitch and rails. I think that’ll give me plenty of height. One last question, my hitch was previously used that I bought, will the new hitch come assembled or will have to be put together? I know the rails will have to be.

Jon G.

3/14/2024

@BryanM The Curt A25 comes partially assembled. I'm attaching a photo of what comes in the packaging for you to check out, and you'll see that pretty much just the legs and the handle for the jaw operation will need to be assembled to the head and body portion of the hitch so it isn't too bad.

Bryan

3/14/2024

@JonG Thank you sir, I will order it today. You have been awesome sir.