Recommended Cost Effective 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Hitch Setup for a 2003 Ford F-250 Short Bed

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Question:

Hi Team, Working with a 2003 Ford F-250 4x4 ext cab short bed diesel. I use the truck for a small hauling business and want to be able to transport fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers when the chance presents itself. Below is what Ive come up with. Im stuck whether I should get the fifth wheel kit or each piece by itself. I like this for the dual jaw being a better unit. https://www.etrailer.com/multi-product.aspx?pc1=RP30051andpc2=RP30035andVehicleID=20035007561andHHYear=2003andHHMake=FordandHHModel=F-250+Super+Duty Or this one. https://www.etrailer.com/multi-product.aspx?pc1=16516andpc2=C16443-204andVehicleID=20035007549andHHYear=2003andHHMake=FordandHHModel=F-250+Super+Duty Or should I go individually: https://www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel-Hitch/CURT/16516.html https://www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel-Installation-Kit/Ford/F-250+Super+Duty/2003/C16443-204.html?vehicleid=2003200320035007550 Adapter plate for gooseneck. https://www.etrailer.com/Gooseneck-and-Fifth-Wheel-Adapters/CURT/16055.html Safety chains: https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Reese/RP50223.html Wiring harness: https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Ford/F-250+Super+Duty/2003/C56000.html?vehicleid=20035007549 Free up some bed space: https://www.etrailer.com/Spare-Tire-Carrier/Buyers-Products/3375201012.html Thank you for your time. Looking to purchase within the next month. -Keith

asked by: Keith C

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you're looking for a budget fifth wheel and gooseneck hitch setup for a 2003 Ford F-250 I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # RP30051 which is one of the most effective dual jaw hitches. The dual jaws will provide a much smoother ride than a slide-bar. In regards to mounting, I'd recommend a custom kit which is going to be much easier to install and would not require drilling into the frame. The Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit part # C16443-204 is a good option for this. Then for a gooseneck adapter plate, the Curt Above-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails part # 16055 would work great. The Curt Safety-Chain Loops for Gooseneck Hitches on 5th Wheel Rails part # C16000 or similar would be required by law when using the gooseneck adapter plate.

Finally, a wiring harness like the Mighty Cord 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Wiring Harness part # A10-7007 would allow you to attach the wiring without having to route the cable over the tailgate.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Answer 1

The Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches #RP50082-58 is a custom bracket kit for your 2004 Ford F-250 and replaced the Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Custom Installation Kit with Brackets and Rails - Ford…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

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Answer 6

Hey Andrew! Yes, Furrion does have a Chill Cube model with a heat pump. This was actually just released for aftermarket sale. You will need a complete system to make the switch, new R32 units aren't backwards compatible with old R410A systems.…

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Answer 7

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 8

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 9

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 10

Hey Bryan, that's a good question. The pricing can definitely be misleading, but I wouldn't use it to judge the quality of the tire. A lot of that comes down to promotions, inventory, and whether you're looking at a tire by itself or…

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Answer 11

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 12

Hey Doug! The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs #F35FV are the right kit for your 2026 Ford F-350 FX4 dually. However, you will need to measure to be sure it fits. The distance from the top of your rear axle to the top of the jounce bump stop…

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Recommended Cost Effective 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Hitch Setup for a 2003 Ford F-250 Short Bed

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