5th wheel
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New User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: USA
5th wheel
I am new to this and am sure I will be repeating someone. I am interested in putting a 5th wheel hitch in a 2000 F150 4x4. #1 How hard is it for a do-it-yourselfer and #2 I have a tool box and will it have to be removed before towing, say a camper. Thanks for any info.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
From: Northern Va
5th wheel
most 5th wheels are bolt in afairs, not weld in..
That being the case, I guess it should be fairly easy.
New User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: OKC USA
5th wheel
>
>
>I admit I have only see a few 5th wheel installations, but
>all of them had the brackets that mount to the frame welded
>to the frame, including mine. I looked at the Reese web
>site and indeed their instructions indicate a bolt in
>installation.
>
>That being the case, I guess it should be fairly easy.
Now -- about the toolbox: you'll have to remove if it is an above the bed type and if you pull a 5th wheel, no if you pull a camper.
most 5th wheels are bolt in afairs, not weld in..
>
>
>I admit I have only see a few 5th wheel installations, but
>all of them had the brackets that mount to the frame welded
>to the frame, including mine. I looked at the Reese web
>site and indeed their instructions indicate a bolt in
>installation.
>
>That being the case, I guess it should be fairly easy.
Now -- about the toolbox: you'll have to remove if it is an above the bed type and if you pull a 5th wheel, no if you pull a camper.
Senior User
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: wi
5th wheel
do not weld to your frame!!look and see if ford welded anything on the frame.it is all rivited and bolted.installing a hitch is pretty easy.if you need to give me a call and i will help you out.most people are not that good of welders,you can undercut the weld,get no penatration,trap slag ect...and most of all ruin the metalurgy of the frame itself.i do a little welding and am certified in many weld procedures.just bolt it.jack k
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 3
From: Lincoln USA
5th wheel
>do not weld to your frame!!look and see if ford welded
>anything on the frame.it is all rivited and
>bolted.installing a hitch is pretty easy.if you need to give
>me a call and i will help you out.most people are not that
>good of welders,you can undercut the weld,get no
>penatration,trap slag ect...and most of all ruin the
>metalurgy of the frame itself.i do a little welding and am
>certified in many weld procedures.just bolt it.jack k
Agreed. Do NOT weld to the frame! You will destroy the temper of the steel. If you look at the frame of a class 8 truck you will see a label warning against welding to it.
If you feel you must have your hitch welded, have it done at a certified frame shop.
>anything on the frame.it is all rivited and
>bolted.installing a hitch is pretty easy.if you need to give
>me a call and i will help you out.most people are not that
>good of welders,you can undercut the weld,get no
>penatration,trap slag ect...and most of all ruin the
>metalurgy of the frame itself.i do a little welding and am
>certified in many weld procedures.just bolt it.jack k
Agreed. Do NOT weld to the frame! You will destroy the temper of the steel. If you look at the frame of a class 8 truck you will see a label warning against welding to it.
If you feel you must have your hitch welded, have it done at a certified frame shop.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: PENSACOLA USA
5th wheel
My son & I installed a 5th wheel hitch in a 97 F150 4x4, wasn't very hard. Drilled 4 holes per side, in frame and bed. Total of 8 in frame and 8 in bed. Make sure you measure at least twice and then twice again. Some cross-bed tool boxes can be used with 5th wheel depends on height of box, approx 6" needed for clearance between bed rails and bottom of trailer. Toolbox comes into play when making extremely sharp turn.
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