Recommendations For Installing a Lightweight 5TH Wheel Hitch In a 2016 Ford F-250 Long Bed

Published 07/15/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Custom 5th Wheel Installation Kit for Ford - Carbide Finish

(185)

$264.43

Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug

(895)

$77.31

Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 20,000 lbs

(99)

$840.00

Replacement Base for B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ford Super Duty

(207)

$700.00

Replacement Head Assembly for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 25,000 lbs

(272)

$499.00

B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5032)

$1199.00

Reese Elite Series Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Ford Super Duty - 25,000 lbs

(93)

$848.48

Question:

2 questions 1. How can I tell if the used 2016 F-250 has or needs the under bed rails installed? Yeah, I’m new to trucks. 2. I’d like to purchase a fifth wheel hitch that I can lift out and easily get back to a flat 8’ bed. What do you recommend for a 65 year old with occasional back issues.

asked by: Pete L

Expert Reply:

You are going to need to add rails for your 2016 Ford F-250. Your truck did not come with the factory under bed prep/puck system. I have a couple different options you can consider for carrying a 5th wheel hitch.

First is the Curt Custom 5th Wheel Installation Kit # C16424-204 which will install above bed rails. These are the rails which were traditionally used with most 5th wheels installed in trucks. The above bed rails are always mounted inside the truck but they will allow you to use a lightweight 5th wheel hitch like the Andersen Ultimate # AM3200. I feel this is a great option when towing a lightweight 5th wheel frequently on short trips. The hitch only weighs 40lbs making it very easy to remove and install in the truck.

Next we have the Reese Elite Series Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch # RP30138-26 which gives you the same system mounts you get from the factory hitch. These do not sit as high as the rails listed above in your bed. It will require a heavier hitch like the B&W Companion # BWRVK3300 which weighs 155lbs. The 70lb Head # BWRVC3006 is removable from the Base # BWRVB3300 making it easier to remove when not needed.

The Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness # 41157 will allow you to install a 7-way connector in your bed. This will protect you from damaging your wiring by running it over the tailgate to the bumper connection.