Can Demco FWH24PA 5th Wheel Hitch Be Cut and Welded to Fit ISR Base Rails on 2008 F-350

Updated 05/30/2023 | Published 05/27/2023

Question:

I have a FWH24PA Demco hitch that is 30 wide at the pins can you get a saddle thats 1 inch shorter so it fits standard rails or could I have it cut in half and rewelded and drilled to be 29 inches.

asked by: Rob S

Expert Reply:

Your Demco FWH24PA 5th wheel hitch is an older model that required specialized rails to be installed on the tow vehicle.

Unfortunately these rails aren't made anymore and I can't recommend cutting and re-welding the tabs on your 5th wheel hitch to align with industry standard rails as that introduces an unknown variable in the weight capacity.

For a setup that works with your 2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty I recommend the following:

- Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit # C16448-204
- Curt Q25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R20 Slider # C16566 (short bed truck)
- Curt Q20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16130 (long bed truck)

I know this isn't the answer you wanted to get, but it is definitely the best option since those rails don't exist anymore and you don't want to be using a hitch with an unknown weight capacity.

expert reply by: Jon G