I prefer the B&W turnover ball gooseneck hitch. I have had it in four different trucks now. If you want a fifth wheel later you can add the B&W Companion. It fits into the square hole where your gooseneck ball mounts. It is two pieces and heavy but you can take it out and have a clear bed whereas most fiver hitches stay in the bed.

The Ford hitch is a Reese:

5TH WHEEL/GOOSENECK HITCH PREP PACKAGE -inc: 1 frame under-bed cross member, 5 pickup bed attachment points w/plugs and 1 integrated 7-pin connector on driver's side pickup bed wall, 5th wheel hitch compatibility: the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package (53W) is compatible w/the factory orderable 5th Wheel Hitch Kits (15K and 15L) and dealer-installed Ford custom accessories 5th Wheel Hitch Kit by Reese - part #BC3Z-19D520-A (8ft box only), The prep package is also compatible w/Reese Signature Series 5th wheel hitch kits updated w/a new Leg Service Kit - part #BC3Z-A00A25-A (8ft box only), The 5th Wheel Hitch Kit (15K) and dealer-installed Ford custom accessories 5th Wheel Hitch Kit by Reese - part #BC3Z-19D520-A is not released to the short box (6.75ft box), NOTE: the short pickup box provides less clearance between the cab and 5th wheel trailer compared to long box pickups, The receiver centerline of the hitch should be mounted at least 2" forward from the rear-axle of the truck chassis, When selecting a trailer and tow vehicle, it's critical that this combination provide clearance between the cab and tow vehicle for turns up to and including 90 degrees, Failure to follow this recommendation could result in the trailer contacting the cab of the tow vehicle during tight turns, Gooseneck hitch compatibility: the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package (53W) is compatible only w/the factory orderable Gooseneck Hitch Kit (15J) or dealer-installed Ford customer accessories Gooseneck Hitch by Reese - part #BC3Z-19F503-A (8ft box and 6.75 ft box)

 

Get the 5th wheel/gooseneck prep from ford. It will also leave the bed flat when not in use.

 

How do the rails on the Ford fifth wheel hitch mount? If you have to bolt them on then the B&W is the better option

 

Factory prep.

 

So how does it mount? Bolts, pins or what?

Thanks

 

Reese hitch.

 

Basically the factory system has pucks. The hitch has mouted cams the pass through and then turn to lock into place under the bed in the rails.

the hitch is also light enough one person can manage it.

 

It seems the factory system is pretty nice--especially the fact that it leaves the bed flat when not installed and it has a plug in the bed of the truck. I don't like the fact it is compatible only with hitches you have to get from the dealer but as long as those products are of decent quality that isn't the end of the world. I always think the more versatility you have the better.

So, it sounds like I should get the 5th wheel/gooseneck package from Ford and that I might as well go ahead and get their hitch accessories as well, since that is the only way I can obtain a compatible gooseneck ball or 5th wheel assembly.

 

You don't have to buy the hitch from ford. Many retailers sell hitches compatible with the OEM system. My father in law got hot reese from either amazon or etrailer. Don't recall which one. Dropped it in and worked like a charm.