Adding 5ver hitch
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 402
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From: Two Harbors, MN
Adding 5ver hitch
Has anyone put a 5th wheel hitch in the bed of a truck.... I had one put in on my 2000 but that was when I bought the camper so, now I have a 04 and the dealer is 200 miles away... thought I might tackle the job myself if its not too difficult... not sure if there are existing holes in the frame for it or if I have to drill/burn holes.... help!!!! 
thanks
slammer
thanks
slammer
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 79
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From: 22 acres of country
Do it yourself. You drill the holes, don't burn them. On my 2002 with a Reese hitch, I was able to use four of the bed bolts and only had to drill through the bed in four spots. Contact the hitch manufacturer for the correct angle brackets for your truck and they will include the three line bolts, shims (for the space between the hitch rails and the corrugated bed) and instructions.
When you are doing the speed limit on a crowded highway with a five ton trailer in tow, you will take comfort in knowing the job was done right because you did it yourself.
Happy camping.
When you are doing the speed limit on a crowded highway with a five ton trailer in tow, you will take comfort in knowing the job was done right because you did it yourself.
Happy camping.
Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,519
Likes: 919
From: Home Base Nebraska
That is the same way I did It Worked great. When you do it use the for existing box bolts to the front lip of the rails if you are using a Reese. It centered the hitch just about right. If you can't get the bolts out go to your Ford dealer and have them use impact wrench on them.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 8
From: OK
Installation instructions can be found on the Internet for various brands of hitches. If the RV techs can do it, so can you. However, many companies recommend that you not re-use the nuts & bolts. New kits (nuts & bolts) can be purchased relatively cheaply. Good luck!
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15
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From: Tampa, FL
I installed mine myself last March, the Reese hitch gives the option of welding to the frame if you have access to a welding machine, would be faster than drilling and bolting. Instructions are fairly thorough. It took about 4 hours, next one will take probally 2 1/2 hours. Plus I know it was done right, its the little things like touching up the paint in the bed after you drill the holes, torquing the bolts correctly that you will know are done correctly.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
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BratsV10,
I thought you were not supposed to weld on the Ford frame. Reese shoud mention that in their instructions.
I thought you were not supposed to weld on the Ford frame. Reese shoud mention that in their instructions.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15
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From: Tampa, FL
I am not sure what Fords position is on it, if choosing welding as an option it is worth some reasearch.It often depends on the metalurgy and tempering of the frame. imo Using a low heat welding process such as TIC or MIG would be no worse than drilling 8 holes in the frame. The installation detail for the hitch frame rail is given by manufacturer and make/model, with different weld details for each, I assumed a reputable company such as Reese had addressed it with Ford. My installation is bolted becuase I did not have access to a welding machine, but if given the choice I would welded mine.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 32
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From: Boones Mill, VA
I mounted a 5th wheel hitch in my old '90 F250 some years ago. I used the brackets that came with the hitch from the previous owner. His installation was in a Dodge pickup. I just drilled the bed to match the mounting rails and then attached the underbed brackets flush against the frame rails. Then drilled the frame rails and bolted everything together. This was an RBW hitch with the rails running front to back. Most newer hitches seem to favor the rails running across the bed. I'm not sure how this would impact the mounting. I now have a 2003 F250 and am preparing to mount the same hitch in it. I'm having a real mental problem drilling those big ol' bolt holes in the bed. I glass beaded the old brackets at work last night and sprayed them with cold galvanize this morning. Hopefull, I'll be ready to mount the rails this weekend if the weather holds up. I'll take a few pictures if it would help.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 191
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I put a Pullrite 5th wheel hitch in my 99 F350 longbed 6 years ago. I made an adapter plate to go between the rear hitch bracket and the frame. The adapter plate bridged the indented area where the shocks attach. I used existing holes in the frame to attach the adapter plate, and the bracket was attached to the adapter plate.
For the front hitch bracket I drilled a new lower hole in the bracket using an existing hole in the frame. It has a little off-center of the bracket, but I didn't see that it was a problem (and it hasn't been). I had to drill a new hole in the frame for the upper bracket bolt.
So in the end, I only had to drill one new hole in the frame. It was a lot more work but it made for a good installation. If there is sufficient interest I will take some pictures.
For the front hitch bracket I drilled a new lower hole in the bracket using an existing hole in the frame. It has a little off-center of the bracket, but I didn't see that it was a problem (and it hasn't been). I had to drill a new hole in the frame for the upper bracket bolt.
So in the end, I only had to drill one new hole in the frame. It was a lot more work but it made for a good installation. If there is sufficient interest I will take some pictures.