Recommended 5th Wheel Base Rails and Hitch for 2005 Ford F-250 with Air Lift Air Springs

Updated 03/07/2019 | Published 03/06/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer Hitches

(60)

$554.64

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(1730)

$351.66

Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt

(349)

$239.87

Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(465)

$1033.24

Question:

I have a 2005 F350 Dually with air bags. Since the air bags are mounted to the truck rails will they cause a problem installing a 5th wheel hitch? Load Lifter 5000

asked by: Keith M

Expert Reply:

If your 2005 Ford F-350 Dually is equipped with the Air Lift LoadLIfter 5000 Air Springs # AL57212 then you can install 5th wheel base rails but you just need to use universal brackets since the air springs install on the outside of the frame rails.

For this I recommend the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit # RP30035. This kit includes both the industry-standard base rails along with all the needed brackets and hardware.

For the hitch itself (if you don't already have one) I recommend taking a look at the Reese M5 # RP30928 because of its forged single piece jaw that will wrap completely around the king pin for a secure (and quiet) connection with the trailer. This hitch also features a 9 inch wide funnel that will help a lot when guiding the king pin into the hitch for hookup. It has a 20,000 pound towing weight capacity.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R