5th Wheel Hitch for 2016 Ford F250 Short Bed w/ Factory Tow Prep Package; Proper Hitch Height
Question:
I just ordered a new 2016 Ford F250 Super Duty short bed with the 5th wheel prep package. What exactly do instill need to buy to tow my 5th wheel? Also, how do I know or determine what height hitch I need, so when the 5th wheel is attached it is level?
asked by: Cameron
Expert Reply:
The fact that you have the factory tow/prep package means that you have many options for fifth wheel towing. If you want a hitch that would drop directly into the pucks, which is the simplest application, I'd recommend the Curt Sliding Q16 fifth wheel hitch, part # C16520-16020.
If you wanted to use something that's a bit less expensive, the Reese # RP30051 would work, but you'd need the # RP30156 adapter in order to install the hitch. The adapter would install into the pucks sunk into the truck bed, and the hitch would pin to the adapter.
To determine the hitch height you need, jack the fifth wheel so it's level. Measure from the bottom of the pin box to the ground (not the bottom of the king pin). Then, with the truck on level ground measure up from the ground to the floor of the bed. The difference between these two measurements is the hitch height you'll need. The Curt hitch I recommended, part # C16520-16020 is height adjustable from 17-1/2 to 21-1/2 inches. The Reese # RP30051 is height adjustable from 16 to 18 inches in height. Keep in mind that the # RP30156 adds almost 2 inches in height, so it it's used with the Reese RP30051, the height will actually be adjustable from 18-20 inches.
If you need to add a 7-way trailer connector to your truck bed, you can do so using part # DM8555002.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Demco 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug - 10' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 10 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Demco
more information >
Reese Elite Series Underbed Rail Adapter for Standard 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 20,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Adapters
- Rail Adapter
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 10 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
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