Where to Install 5th Wheel Hitch Install Rails in Truck Bed of 2008 Ford F150 Short Bed

Updated 07/09/2016 | Published 07/08/2016

Question:

Want to put a 5th wheel in the bed of my 2008 f150 supercrew with a 6 1/2foot box, I have no idea where to place it for clearance or where is should be for ride, or weight? Any info would be great...

asked by: Joe

Expert Reply:

The bracket/bed rail kit used will dictate where the hitch will sit in the truck bed. For your 2008 Ford F150, I'd recommend the Reese # RP50081-58. The bracket/rail kit will place the hitch so that the fifth wheel king pin is centered 2-1/4 inches forward of the centerline of the rear truck axle.

The front base rail will be installed so it's rear edge sits exactly 50-15/16 forward of the rear edge of the truck bed (not the rear edge of the tailgate, the rear edge of the truck bed itself.) You'd use the hitch to place the rearmost rail.

Since you have a short bed truck, you'll want to use a sliding fifth wheel hitch to get the proper clearance between the front of the fifth wheel and the rear of the truck cab. The sliding version of the Reese Select plus that you looked at is part # RP30083.

I've linked you to installation instructions and videos for the bracket kit as well as for the wiring harness.

expert reply by: Mike L