Are Base Rails on 2009 Ford F-250 With Reese 5th Wheel
Updated 03/28/2026 | Published 03/24/2026
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Question:
I am looking to buy a BandW Companion 18,000 pound Fifth wheel hitch. It will replace my 16,000 pound Reese Fifth wheel hitch. My question is this: do I need to replace the brackets bolted to the frame underneath the truck because they went with a 16,000 pound hitch and I’m replacing with an 18,000 pound hitch. My truck is an F250 which requires rails in the bed. If I can get buy without replacing the frame brackets that would be great, but safety is my number one concern. So if they need to be replaced, I will do so.
asked by: Gina D
Expert Reply:
Hey Gina! More than likely the base rail kit you have on there now will be able to handle the higher rated hitch. Those are probably Reese rails which would have been rated higher than the 5th wheel hitch, typically rated for 20,000 lbs. However, without being able to identify them it is hard to say for sure. Are there any part numbers or identifiers stamped into the rails or brackets?
I did see you ordered the custom mounting brackets # BWRVR2400. If you're going to swap them out I would go ahead and use the B&W Universal Base Rails # BWRVR3210 to keep everything the same and updated. If you're wanting the B&W Patriot # BWRVK3255 that has the 18k rating. The Companion # BW52AR is rated for 20k. Both are compatible with these rails and brackets.
What are you towing with your F-250?
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Fixed 5th Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 16 - 19 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
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