Can 5th Wheel Rails Be Installed In A Truck With Rusty Bed?

Updated 04/12/2021 | Published 04/08/2021

Question:

I noticed looking at the bed before I buy and have a hitch installed that the under side bed rails are pretty bad. There is only two that look horrible the others are in ok shape except for the very outside ends of them. So the question is can a hitch be installed or does the whole bed need replaced? Thanks for your time.

asked by: Adam F

Expert Reply:

Based on the pictures you provided, it looks like the bed supports are pretty much rusted through. While surface rust is not an issue, rust to the point of deterioration is and you would want to fix the rust first.

While 5th wheel rails like the Curt Custom 5th Wheel Installation Kit for Ford - Carbide Finish # C16428-204 mount to the frame and then mount to the above bed rails, there are sill a few bolts that go through the bed and bolt to the bed floor itself.

I would not install a 5th wheel rail in this truck with out first addressing the bed supports, as you will need to make sure the bed is secure before using a 5th wheel hitch to avoid any issues.

If you can tell me the Year/Make/Model of your truck I would be happy to recommend the correct 5th wheel rail kit for you as they are specific to the certain trucks to avoid needing to drill into the frame.

I went ahead and included a video of the # C16428-204 being installed to show you how 5th wheel rails install.

expert reply by: Samuel C