How Difficult Is Installation of Reese RP87FR Elite Under Bed Rail Kit on 2017 Ford F-250

Updated 07/01/2025 | Published 01/18/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(39)

$699.00

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5566)

$1599.00

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5566)

$1099.00

Question:

Looking at under bed kit “RP87FR”. Wondering how installation is? Does the bed have to be removed?

asked by: Brian H

Expert Reply:

The Reese Elite Series under bed puck system, part # RP87FR is compatible with your 2017 Ford F250. The puck spacing is identical to hat of the Ford OEM system, so you'd be able to use any puck mounted hitch designed for the Ford OEM tow/prep package puck system.

As you can see by clicking the provided instruction link, the bed will indeed need to be removed temporarily for the installation of the rail kit. Also, if the inner brackets shown in figure # 4 aren't welded to the truck frame, you'll need part # RP27FR. I'll link to a photo of the installed brackets, so you'll know what to look for. The brackets are circled in the photo.

The installation isn't terribly difficult, but it will take about 4-1/2 hours to install. The bracket kit will bolt up to the frame without drilling, but you'll need to cut holes in the bed for the pucks and for the gooseneck ball as outlined in the instructions.

If you'd rather not have to remove the bed, B&W offers an under-bed mounting option that uses their
# BWGNRK1116-5W Turnover Ball gooseneck hitch as the mounting point for their Companion 5th wheel hitch.

The Companion is NOT compatible with the Reese Revolution/Sidewinder, the Lippert Turning Point or any other rotating pin box. For a short bed truck, you'll want to use the sliding hitch, part # BWRVK3400-5W for for a long bed truck, use the stationary version, part # BWRVK3500-5W.

I've linked to an install video for the B&W Turnover Ball hitch.

expert reply by: Mike L

click to enlarge

Keith M.

6/26/2025

I ordered my 2019 F- with a tow package, but it does not include the puck mounts inside the bed. Looking from the outside under the wheel well, it appears there is a flat bracket mounted to the top inside of the frame where the puck system would attach. Is this the inner bracket that you are referring to as shown in the figure? If yes, does this affect installation of the Reese Elite Series under bed puck system, and does it affect the need to order brackets? Thank you.

Mike L.

6/26/2025

@KeithM Which truck do you have? F150, F250 or F350?

Keith M.

6/26/2025

Keith M.

6/26/2025

My truck is an F250 long-bed FWD. I looked inside the frame today, and the bracket I was seeing from the outside is welded to the frame, corresponding approximately to the puck pattern stamped into the truck bed. Looking again at your figure, I am sure the brackets I am seeing are the welded inside brackets you reference in the figure.