Recommendation For a Fifth Wheel Slider Hitch and Base Rails on 2005 Ford F-250

Updated 02/06/2012 | Published 02/02/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Universal Fifth Wheel Base Rails - Gloss Finish

(31)

$124.95

Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Bracket Kit

(23)

$166.78

Reese Quick-Install Custom Bracket Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(50)

$222.00

Question:

I have an 05 F250 with custom rail kit already installed. I need a 5th wheel hitch slider and bed rails. Needs to be 16k rated. What do you suggest?

asked by: Shane N

Expert Reply:

Since you are asking about a slider hitch it probably means your 2005 Ford F-250 has the 6-1/2 foot bed.

My recommendation for a 16K slider hitch would be the Reese 16K Round Tube Slider Hitch, part # RP30075. I really like the round tube slider, as sometimes the square tube model sliders can bind, making the hitch difficult to slide back and forth. The round tube slider hitch will also give you 12 inches of travel towards the tailgate, compared to the 10 inches with a square tube slider hitch.

The Reese slider hitch will attach to either Reese, Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, Curt, or Valley base rails.

If you have the custom mounting brackets on your vehicle now you will want to get the above-bed base rails that will match the brand of your mounting brackets. If you have the Reese Custom Brackets, part # RP50082, you will use the Reese 10 Bolt Base Rails, part # RP58058. The Curt Custom Brackets, part # C16448, will use the Curt Base Rails, part # C16104. I am including links to the installation instructions on all of the base rail kits mentioned above. Also, I am including a video link to the Reese installation kit, including base rails, being installed on a 2008 Ford F-250.

expert reply by: Jeff D