How to tell if 5th Wheel Rails in Bed of 2008 F250 Short Bed are Compatible with Curt E16 Hitch

Updated 06/25/2016 | Published 06/24/2016

Question:

I currently have the rails in the bed of my truck but I need a hitch that sits in the correct grooves in the rails and the distance between the grooves is 20 inches will this hitch work for my truck. It is a 2008 ford F-250 6 3/4 bed

asked by: Dalton H

Expert Reply:

The Curt E16 fifth wheel hitch # C16115 uses industry standard fifth wheel rails. The slots in the rails that the E16 would use are 21-1/2 inches center to center when measured side to side and 22 inches center to center when measured front to back. I've showed these dimensions on the diagram I've edited for you.

For a short bed truck, in order to prevent the rear of the cab from colliding with the front corner of the fifth wheel during turns, you'll need to use a sliding fifth wheel hitch. The sliding version of the E16 is part # 16516. The E16 uses a slide bar jaw system, which doesn't grip the king pin very tightly. It holds it tightly enough that it won't come loose, but it's loose enough to allow the king pin to move about in the jaw a little bit. This movement will cause banging and rattling each time the truck brakes or accelerates. I'd recommend going with a dual jaw set up, like the Curt A Series, part # C16521 which would provide a much more comfortable ride.

If you don't already have the 7-way trailer connector installed in your truck bed, you can install one using part # 41157.

expert reply by: Mike L