Where do the Spacers Install, Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit # C16443-204 2003 Ford F-350

Published 11/18/2010

Question:

03 F350 the Worthless instruction do not include the bed floor in the schematic when illustrating the bolt, spacers and nut assembly for the floor rails. I want to know where to put the C shaped spacers. Also I would really recomend that if you include or inform people that if their vehicle has a spray in bed liner the carriage bolts need to be about 1/4 longer. I am very nervous about the lack of thread engagment on initial tightening and final torquing. Thank you!!

asked by: Mark B

Expert Reply:

The square spacers go between the rails and the truck bed where the bolts go through that attach to the nuts on the under side of the bed. They should be placed in the lower corrugation in the bed. Sometimes, a hole for the bolt has to be drilled in the side of one of the raised corrugations. In this case, you can use an angle grinder and trim the spacer at a 45 degree angle so that it will fit.

So you would have a bolt going through the rail, then the spacer (which is between the rail and bed), then through the hole drilled in the bed. For an example, I have included a video below. Look at about the 1 minute and 30 second mark. Our installer places the spacers on the bed.

I spoke with my contact at Curt about the spray in bed liner. He stated that as long as the nut can cover the threads, it is far enough on the bolt. We usually suggest two threads beyond the end of the nut and that will be sufficient.

expert reply by: Michael H