So I've finally decided to just buy a plasma cutter, the bed is 12 feet long and needs to be trimmed a little (or a lot depending on what I decide).

​​But as far as the hitch goes, I'm planning a drop in gooseneck and I'm not really sure how they would go about installing it. I figuire though that if I have a plasma cutter I can at least cut the access panel save some labor cost? What/where should I cut this thing? Can someone explain the process of installing one of these Reese frame welded gooseneck drop in plates?

Goal is to take goosenecks and 5th wheels with or without the use of any percentage of the flatbed. Thinking of just cutting it off or making the bed "lighter".

99.5 7.3 f450 chassis cab 150k
8x12ft flatbed 1/4" thick steel
2wd DRW w/ HD springs and airbags

 

So you are taking the flatbed off of the truck and putting it on wheels?

 

Do I have to? Well I mean trimming the back I don't see why I would need to.

But for the access plate or. Whatever else? Would the hitch install guys have to do that? Or do they just go under to access it?

Can i just put the 5th hitch on top of the flat bed? I really have no idea how it works, sorry.. But I'm mechanically inclined so no need for simple terms.

 

with that type of flatbed they would probably recommend hitch rails for the 5th wheel due to the thickness.

a Gooseneck they would need to cut a hole in the bed.

Whether or not the bed itself is too long, I doubt it. Some simple measurements from where the 5th hitch is to be placed to the rear of the bed and then from the pin box or gooseneck will give you an idea

 

Probably cut the back corners on an angle to give you turning clearance for the trailer while keeping as much of the length as possible.

 

Yeah shortening it shouldn't be an issues I measured that all up going to dog ear it clearance shouldn't be an issue after that.

I kind of want to lose the extra weight, taking it off would be nice. Also a drop in hitch gets me back to a flat bed in no time, bolting on the hitch on top kinda gets in the way.