Best Fifth Wheel Towing Setup for a 2005 Ford F250 with a Short Bed 6-1/2 feet

Question:

Im looking for a 16k 5th wheel hitch for my 2005 f250 6 1/2ft bed so I think I will need a slider hitch. Ive read online and they said not to get the universal rail kit and get the one made for my truck. Any recommendations for everything I would need-hitch and rail and brackets? Thanks

asked by: Zach B

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are on the right track. Since you have a short bed truck you will want a fifth wheel hitch with a slider so that you would be able to make sharp turns.

Also, custom install rail kits are a much better option that universal kits. They minimize drilling and often times install in about half the time or less when compared to a universal kit.

For a custom install kit you would want the Reese Custom Install kit part # RP50082-58. I attached an install video for this kit for you to check out as well.

For a hitch the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider # RP30051 that you referenced would be a great option. But for a better option that will provide you with a smoother ride quality I would recommend the Reese Hitch part # RP30075. The jaw system of this hitch provides 360 degrees of contact to minimize movement and this hitch has a round tube slider which will operate much smoother than a square tube slider and be much less prone to binding.

Check out the review video I attached for this hitch.