Differences Between Above and Under Bed Fifth Wheel Hitch Mounts for 2020 Ford F350
Published 01/15/2020
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I don't understand the difference between under bed and above bed fifth wheel installation rails for a 2020 Ford F350, would you please explain?
asked by: Jack D
Expert Reply:
There are two ways to install a fifth wheel hitch on a pick up truck. One would be to use standard bed-mounted rails. Brackets are mounted to the truck frame with the bed rails sitting directly above. Holes are drilled down through the truck bed to correspond with holes in the brackets bolted to the frame, allowing the bed rails to be securely bolted down. The rails have slots in them that allow the hitch to be installed and removed pretty conveniently. The problem here is that once the hitch is removed, the rails remain in the truck bed which can be an inconvenience if you use your truck bed a lot, especially for loads that need to be shoveled or raked out like rock or mulch.
There are also options that bolt to the frame, but allow a hitch installed in the bed to be pretty easily removed without leaving any obstructions behind in the truck bed. One alternative would be the B&W Companion, part # BWRVK3500-5W. This hitch installs into a B&W Turnover Ball gooseneck hitch as the mount, part # BWGNRK1116-5W. B&W makes an awesome product, and this option gives you the ability to tow either a gooseneck or a fifth wheel trailer while leaving your bed free of obstructions when you're not towing. It only involves one hole being cut into your truck bed. Another option like the mounts available from Reese or Demco use pucks mounted flush in the truck bed kind of like the factory tow prep package. The Reese # RP87FR would allow you to use any fifth wheel hitch that's compatible with the Ford factory tow/prep package. Another alternative is the Demco underbed mount system, part # DM8551009. Demco under bed mounts are only compatible with Demco UMS compatible hitches like # DM8550032.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: How to Install Your B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Head Assembly Replacement Review
- Shop: Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector and Cover Plate - 7' Long
- Shop: B&W Companion Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Turnoverball for Chevy/GMC - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Shop: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Video: B&W Companion Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch Step-By-Step Installation - 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Video: Fifth Wheel Towing Made Simple with Daniel
- Video: Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Wiring Harness - 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Video: B and W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Chevy/GMC Spec Review
- Video: Maintaining Your B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider
- Shop: Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Semi-Custom Install Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Chevy/GMC - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ S20 Slider for Chevy/GMC - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch rails
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: generator rack
- Search Results: gooseneck hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: fifth wheel hitch
- Search Results: bedrails
- Search Results: generator exhaust
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Search Results: rv air conditioners
- Q&A: Installation Instructions Link and Replacement Hardware for Curt Trailer Hitch # 13548, Jeep Patriot
- Q&A: Does B&W Make An Auto-Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Best Underbed Rail System Fifth Wheel Hitch Available For 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 Short Bed
- Q&A: Would the Curt Gooseneck to Fifth Wheel Adapter part # 16055 Fit Husky Fifth Wheel Rails
on 5th Wheel Hitch
