5th Wheel Hitch Recommendation for a 1999 Ford F-250 with 6-1/2 ft Bed

Updated 06/17/2013 | Published 06/14/2013

Question:

We have a 1999 Ford F 250 with a 6.5 Bed. Will this hitch work for our fifth wheel were getting ready to purchase?

asked by: Toni J

Expert Reply:

The Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch, # RP30033, was designed to work with the industry standard 2 inch king pin that comes on fifth wheel trailers. As long as your fifth wheel trailer does not weigh more than 22,000 lbs, this fifth wheel hitch will work with your trailer.

There are a few other factors that you will want to consider before purchasing a fifth wheel hitch. First, we recommend using a sliding fifth wheel hitch if your truck bed is shorter than 8 ft. This is because a fixed fifth wheel hitch, like the Reese 22K Hitch you referenced, will not provide enough clearance between the fifth wheel trailer and the cab of your truck to safely make a 90 degree turn.

I know many people tow without being able to make sharp turns, but to prevent future damage, I recommend a hitch like the Reese 20K Sliding Hitch, # RP30084. At this time Reese does not offer a sliding option for the 22K hitch. If you require a fifth wheel hitch with a weight capacity higher than 20,000 lbs, then I recommend the Husky 26K Fifth Wheel Hitch, # HT31318-32042.

The fifth wheel hitches that I referenced were designed to fit in the industry standard above-bed fifth wheel base rails. If you do not have base rails in your truck, then you can add them with the Reese Universal Base Rail and Install Kit, # RP30035. This kit will fit the Light Duty and Super Duty F-250.

expert reply by: John H