Towing Capacity and 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Kit for 2008 Ford F-250 4x4 Diesel

Updated 03/02/2016 | Published 03/01/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(146)

$321.74

Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug

(864)

$83.56

Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(477)

$999.95

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs

(679)

$1725.00

Question:

We have a 2008 Ford F-250 6.4L Diesel 4x4. Trying to determine if it can pull a fifth wheel with following specs: dry weight 9922 GVWR 14999, but with all our stuff we would be closer to 14000 hitch weight 2362 33 ft total length ~36. Really dont want to buy a new truck, but if necessary considering the 350 dually. Thoughts?

asked by: Joanna

Expert Reply:

I checked with Ford and according to the diesel supplemental manual for your 2008 Ford F-250 6.4 liter diesel the truck is rated for 23,000 pounds gross combined weight rating. This is the most that both the truck and trailer can weigh when loaded and ready to tow (including cargo, passengers, fuel, and so on).

Check the sticker in the door jamb and it will list the gross vehicle weight rating which is the most that the truck itself can weigh. If you subtract that weight from the 23,000 pound gross combined weight rating the difference is how much the trailer can weigh. So if the trailer weighs 14,000 pounds then the most the truck can weigh is 9,000 pounds.

For a 5th wheel trailer hitch installation kit that will fit your 2008 F-250 I recommend # RP50082-58. This kit fits short and long bed models and it is a custom kit which means less drilling and a faster install time.

For a hitch it will depend on if you have a long or short bed. For a long bed I recommend the Curt A20 # C16140 because it offers a cushioned head for improved ride quality.

If you have a short bed truck I recommend Demco HiJacker # DM8550034 because it offers the most amount of travel, 14 inches, and it slides automatically so you won't have to get in and out of the truck to slide the hitch back.

And last, I recommend installing a 7-Way connector in the truck bed using # 41157 to make hooking up the 5th wheel trailer easier.