Need advice on getting used hitch

[gottular1249]

I have just purchased a Big Horn with GVW of 14,000. In addition, I picked up a 2004 F350 dually 2wd with a 6.0 diesel. Came from a dealer, so no way to talk to previous owner about what brand of hitch he used.
The truck already has bed rails installed (I assume from the previous owner towing a 5th wheel). I don't want to go the expense of reinstalling bed rails if I don't have to. I want to buy a used hitch for $200-300 and not spend the money on a new hitch.
So my questions are this? Is a 15-16K hitch enough for this 5er? I'm estimating a generous pin weight of 2800# (20% of the GVW).
How can I tell what kind of 5th hitch sat on these rails, other then driving the vehicle over to the hitch and seeing if it will pin to the rails? Do Reese have a standard Rail distance (the rails are parallel to the tailgate). I've learned enough to know that I should look for a dual pivot to help with hookups.
This 5er will move very little in the next two years as I'm going to full time, so I'm not concerned about the jerking with towing. When I really get ready to hit the road, if I'm unhappy, I'll get a deluxe hitch.
Thanks for any help you can give. Rod

[Bamaman]

In my thinking, bed rails are somewhat generic. I would certainly want to slide under the truck to make sure the under bed brackets the rails are hooked to are okay, and that the bolts are tight, etc. For that size trailer, 20K hitches would be preferable.

I'm in the market for a fifth wheel hitch. If you're going to be hooking up often, one of the premium hitches would be preferred. I've found a number of hitches on CraigsList.com, however few are in "like new" condition.

Fifth wheel hitches are not that expensive if you have the rails. And safety is very important. I'm going to probably go with a new Curt Q series when I install mine.

[jesilvas]

Bed rails now are Indrusty Standard Rails. Older ones were not. Pictures?

Just get a fifth wheel hitch that fits 'industry standard rails' if those are what you have. It's really not as much of a big deal as you're thinking.

Just buy a hitch that is rated for a little over the GVWR of the trailer. If you find a used Reese 20K, get it. More won't hurt.