Recommended Adapter For Towing Fifth Wheel With 1999 Ford F-350 4 X 4 Flatbed Truck

Question:

1999 Ford F350 Dually 4X4 with a CM flat bed, do I need anything special to tow a 5th wheel camper? Is the bed height the same for my bed as a standard pickup bed. I have purchased a Reese 20K model #30120 with #30095 Base Rail Mounting Kit. I am being told by a RV specialist that the head even when mounted in the lowest position will be too high to couple properly with the king pin on the camper. Any comments or solutions?

asked by: JOHN D

Expert Reply:

When we find customers wanting to tow a fifth wheel with a truck that has a flatbed like your 1999 Ford F-350, it can cause real problems trying to solve the issue because flat beds are typically taller than a standard bed. I have a co worker here who has a similar setup and said most fifth wheel hitches will not work for the reason you are saying and also due to the frame of the truck making it impossible to attach the rails as they are designed to be installed.

I recommend using a Curt Gooseneck Flat Plate, part # C65500. This will require cutting a hole in the bed of your truck for the ball and the tie-downs. Most people weld the plate to their truck frame under the bed.

You can then use a gooseneck adapter like part # CAB-C5G. This would attach to the gooseneck ball in the bed of your truck and give you an adjustable adapter to attach to your fifth wheel trailer. Since it adjusts from 12 to 17 inches you may find that will solve your towing issues.

I have attached an installation video for the adapter you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L