Custom 5th Wheel Install Kit Recommended for Use with Air Spring Suspension on 2019 Ford F-150

Published 10/14/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(1824)

$412.18

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle

(1414)

$517.86

Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(617)

$387.12

Sidewinder Wedge for Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(10)

$44.21

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3100)

$428.76

Question:

Hi Carla: Thank you for your feedback. The only reason I an considering the Reese over the Curt is that the Reese 5th wheel hitch is approx 50 lbs lighter, so it will cut down on my payload weight, which is an issue when hauling with a 1/2 pickup. After submitting my inquiry yesterday, I found a previous response to a question about using Reese Custom Install kit RP50082 with Ride-Rite F2550 on e-trailer’s web site. Are you able to confirm that if I enlarge the hole in the Reese brackets as outlined in the other response , is it possible to use the Firestone Ride Rite? The reason I am asking is because the Firestone seems to have much more positive reviews than the AirLift. I just realized the the part number of the Firestone was F2550 and my truck would require the F2582. But maybe the install is the same? Can you check on this?

asked by: James

Helpful Expert Reply:

I appreciate the time you've spent researching all the different products; I'm happy to offer you my expert recommendation to facilitate your purchasing decision.

The Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16115 and the Reese 16K # RP30047 are very similar but I'm going to give the advantage to the Curt because of its autolocking jaw and excellent price point. The Reese Custom Installation Kit # RP50087-58 will pair up nicely with this hitch.

To prevent your king pin from pivoting in Curt A16 hitch, you also need the Sidewinder Wedge # C16991.

Because the Firestone RideRite # F2582 interferes with the mounting locations for the # C16442-204, or any custom bracket kit for that matter, it is incompatible with an in-bed hitch. Therefore, the Air Lift LoadLifter # AL57385, is your only option to improve your ride, level your load and reduce strain on your factory suspension. This kit installs on the bottom of your frame (see photo installed on similar truck with in bed hitch), making it fully compatible with the custom brackets from the Curt kit mentioned above. The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs have a load leveling capacity of 5,000 lbs, are made in the USA and are backed by a lifetime warranty.

Air Lift WirelessONE # AL25980 to easily and conveniently monitor and control air pressure from inside or outside your cab. You have the option to use your smartphone to control the air bags via Bluetooth or you can simply use the included remote.

I've attached a couple videos for you to check out at the bottom of the page as well.

expert reply by: Carla M

click to enlarge

James

10/14/2019

Carla M.

10/14/2019

Unfortunately there is no way to make the # F2582 fit your 2019 F-150 regardless of which 5th wheel installation kit you use. On the 2019 F-150 both the inboard and outboard kits actually install on the outside of the frame with the only difference being the tabs pointing inward or outward. # F2582 also mostly installs on the outside of the frame which is why they are not compatible. The opposite is true for the brackets used in the F2550 kit which mostly mount on the inside of the frame. I reached out to my contact at Airlift and was able to confirm that both the Air Lift LoadLifter # AL57385 and the Air Lift LoadLifter Ultimate # AL88385 are the only two options 100% compatible with an in bed hitch. You'll be happy to know that the ride quality comments you likely came across were from an older version of this kit. I was also able to confirm that this has been addressed entirely in the new kit. Keep in mind that Airlift offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee on all of their products. I've attached a snip of their policy for you.