5th Wheel and Installation Kit for a 2008 Ford F-350, 8 Foot Bed

Expert Reply:

The 22K Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch, # RP30033, is the correct hitch for your 2008 Ford F-350. To complete installation,you will also need either the custom installation kit, # RP50082-58, or the universal kit, # RP30035. I would recommend using the custom install kit, # RP50082-58, because it will be easier and save you some time. I have included links to the instructions for both kits.

The biggest aspect to be concerned about is your vehicles gross combined vehicle weight rating or GCVWR. The GCVWR includes the vehicle itself, everything in it, fluids, tongue weight, and everything you are towing. The hitch is rated for 22,000 pounds, but both installation kits are rated for only 20,000 pounds in a truck with a sheet metal bed. The Ford F-350 is not rated to tow over 20,000 pounds.

The main issue with the tool box is the clearance above it. You will need at least 6 inches of clearance between the top of the tool box and the bottom of the trailer. Most likely, if you have a fairly standard tool box, you only have about 4 inches of clearance. What could happen is when turning, and the trailer is over the tool box, if you were to go into a dip, you will tear up your tool box and the trailer. So that minimum 6 inch clearance is very important. The hitch itself can be adjusted 14-1/4 to 18-1/4 inches above the floor of the bed which might help with clearance as well.

We do have tool boxes for your truck that will work with a 5th wheel and trailer. The DeWalt Contractor Toolbox, # DCSD70LP, is a low profile, cross over toolbox that will provide you with more clearance above the tool box.

expert reply by: Michael H