Adding a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch to a Flatbed on a 1990 Ford F-350

Updated 05/19/2017 | Published 05/18/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter w/8" Offset for Short-Bed Trucks

(227)

$667.16

Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12" to 16" Tall

(997)

$817.05

Question:

First time hitch buyer, this one looks great, and I like its features, will this fit my 1990 F350 flatbed truck? The truck already has a built in gooseneck hitch Thanks, p.s. will i need rails or can i just bolt to bed?

asked by: Mr. C

Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for your flatbed 1990 Ford F-350 but the Curt hitch # C16265 won't work for a couple of reasons (flat bed height and lack of installation kits that work with flatbed trucks). What you can use is the Reese low-profile hitch # RP30054. It was made for flatbed trucks but will require a custom installation.

Basically, one the hitch is assembled you will do the following:

Using the 4 square holes in the base as template, mark, pilot drill and finish drill to 5/8” dia. The drilled holes must go through the deck and through the 1/2” steel plate underneath. The 1/2” plate must be welded to brackets and bolted to the truck chassis.

Bolt the base assembly in place with the four grade 5 or higher 5/8” carriage bolts, locking nuts, and flat washers. The nuts and washers should be below the 1/2” plate. (5/8” carriage bolts, locking nuts, flat washers are not supplied.)

Torque 5/8" bolts to 115 lb. ft. & 3/4” bolts to 200 lb. ft.

Another option is to use a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter such as # CAB-C5GX1216 or # AM3139. That way you won't have to make modifications or add anything to the truck.