th wheel rails

[onetonduelly]

Hi everyone, I have a question.....I just recieved my 2008 F-350 diesel Nov.16/07 and so far I am very impressed I am going to be towing a 43' 5th wheel toyhauler. My question is....in the bedliner of the box are four bolts going through the box and into the frame of the truck.They are perfectly centered over the rear axle and line up with my rails dead nuts. So the question is are these bolts and or holes for the fifth wheel rails? Did Ford do this on purpose and this is just another example of good thinking on Fords part or do I need to use the brackets that came with the rails and drill extra holes in my box and frame ?........Thanks onetonduelly

[onetonduelly]

Hi everyone, I have a question.....I just recieved my 2008 F-350 diesel Nov.16/07 and so far I am very impressed I am going to be towing a 43' 5th wheel toyhauler. My question is....in the bedliner of the box are four bolts going through the box and into the frame of the truck.They are perfectly centered over the rear axle and line up with my rails dead nuts. So the question is are these bolts and or holes for the fifth wheel rails? Did Ford do this on purpose and this is just another example of good thinking on Fords part or do I need to use the brackets that came with the rails and drill extra holes in my box and frame ?........Thanks onetonduelly

[K-Star]

First - Welcome to iRV2.com. We're glad you joined us and we hope you continue to share your adventures with us.

Second - Congratulations on your new F-350. I got my `08 F-450 about 2 months ago. It tows like a dream. I am sure you will continue to be impressed with it.

Now to your question. You need to get the installation kit for your 5th Wheel hitch, unless it comes with it. The hitch must be bolted to the frame using the "L" brackets that come with the kit. The frame on my `08 Ford had pre-drilled holes in the frame where I needed them. You will need to drill new holes thru the bed to line up with the mounting brackets.

[Ray,IN]

Hello, welcome to irv2.com! No those bolts are only for holding the bed onto the frame. A fifth wheel hitch must directly bolt to the frame. Most use "rails" permanently mounted in the bed. The actual hitch attaches to the rails. Reese products now has an "underbed" mounting system that only requires 4 rectangular holes in the bed for the hitch to pass through. Then pins are used to secure the hitch to the mounting system.

[onetonduelly]

Thanks guys for your quick responses. I am going to have a professional install it.
I guess what is baffeling me is the fact that the bed bolts go right through the frame, so I can't figure out why it wouldn't be strong enough? I figured if I used bigger bolts and put spacers in so I didn't crush the box or the sheet metal cross members it would be just has stong has the L-brackets.Better safe then sorry I guess ....I don't want that trailer up front with me at the 1st stop sign....lol