Fifth Wheel Hitch & Firestone Air Bag Question - Diesel Forum

64frdpwr · 03-13-2006, 07:03 PM

Hey Guys
i have the air bags installed on my 99 F250 short bed 4x4. I am looking to get a fifth wheel camper.My question is what fifth wheel hitch installs and will not interfere with the already installed air bags?
thanks in advance
FordPwer..

64frdpwr · 03-14-2006, 07:12 AM

Fishhook · 03-14-2006, 08:15 AM

Drawtite doesn't interfere with mine but I got an OBS and yours is a newer one.

edmguy69 · 03-14-2006, 08:28 AM

I think it is the other way around.

I believe you order the bag kit for the hitch equipped truck instead of the hitch for a bag equipped truck. Don't know for sure????

Firestone should be able to tell you but it seems that the kits(bags) say "Reese" on them.

Edmguy

64frdpwr · 03-14-2006, 11:02 AM

thanks guys

64frdpwr · 03-14-2006, 05:57 PM

Called tech support at Firestone ride rite...they were absolutly no help; the guy said he did not know and did not even offer to look into it. Gee this is the kind of service you can get anywhere...

PerryB · 03-14-2006, 08:35 PM

I've never had a problem with any of the rail mounted 5th wheel systems ( Valley, Reese, Drawtite ) interfereing with an airbag installation on a newer Ford truck. This is assuming you're going to use the standard "L" brackets to tie the hitch to the frame. You won't be able to use the pre-fabbed mounting plates that most hitch makers offer these days, as they go right across where the airbags are mounted, but this is no big deal. Hitch installers have been using L brackets for years and just drilling the required holes themselves.

desertsands · 03-15-2006, 11:24 AM

I also called Firestone tech support about Ride-Rite air bag spacers for my lifted truck and got the wrong advise and the wrong part number and ended up fabing up my own spacers out of alum. and eating the cost of the advised ones. Restocking and shipping almost cost as much as the spacers themselves. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

RTRF350 · 03-15-2006, 05:29 PM

I think the b&w turnover ball and companion fifth wheel will work with air bags. Although unless you have a long bed truck then the companion 5ver hitch will not work because it doesn't slide.

StuMas · 03-15-2006, 10:42 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Although unless you have a long bed truck then the companion 5ver hitch will not work because it doesn't slide.

[/ QUOTE ] You mean shortbed, right?? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

red3171 · 03-15-2006, 11:10 PM

64frdpwr,
If you have the outboard mounted airbags, it might interfere with the fifth wheel hitch. The ones I bought go inboard of the frame, and are made specifically for 5th wheel applications. I ended up not using them since I have an '06 with the staggered shocks, and one of the axle mounts for the airbag need a little grinding, I decided to go with the Timbren SES system.

Red

444turbodiesel · 03-16-2006, 12:56 AM

I use the Companion in my SB all the time.