I've tried searching for this info but not finding a whole lot. Trying to choose a fifth wheel hitch and looking for advice. The truck is a 2001 F250 4X4, PSD, 8 foot box, basically stock. My fifth is pretty light compared to some of you (7000lb GVWR, estimated 4800lb dry) and I will be setting it up to tow my small boat behind the fiver (maybe 1000lbs). Seems like everyone is trying to sell me some pretty expensive hitches that I don't think I need. So here are my criteria.
1) Don't need a slider since 8 foot box (no intention to keep the hitch if I do buy a 6 foot).
2) Would like double pivot head.
3) Rails in the bed are OK, under is nice but don't think I can justify the extra money.
4) Something I can install myself.
The advice I need, what brand, what weight rating, where is the best place to buy online? Trying not to break the bank, but not looking for cheap quality either. Just a good hitch that fits my needs at a reasonable price. Thanks in advance.
Note that you also must order the #RS30035 "install kit" which is the bedrails and mounting hardware. It cost another $95 if you buy it at the same time as you buy the hitch.
Shipping on mine was about $100. That stuff is heavy!
And the "lube plate" is optional too. Get one. Beats the heck out of a greasy fifth-wheel. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]
Note that you also must order the #RS30035 "install kit" which is the bedrails and mounting hardware. It cost another $95 if you buy it at the same time as you buy the hitch.
And the "lube plate" is optional too. Get one. Beats the heck out of a greasy fifth-wheel. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]
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Thanks for the info.
How hard was the instal? I have wrenches, drills, etc., but no welder so looking for a drill and bolt intall. Also something that doesn't require me to fab anything. Is this something a decent do it yourselfer can handle, or is professional install required?
Reese sell plates that bolt on to the frame. These take the guess work out. Just need to drill 4 holes in the box and enlarge one on the frame. The hitch bolts to these plates. Custom Installation Brackets
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Here is most of what you need to know on getting your 7.3L started and how to operate it in the cold winter months. These posts use to readily available, but they've been hid in a subforum top of the 7.3 Power Stroke Engine and Drivetrain forum. Winter Operation (How I Do It) Hard/No Start? Check here first
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How hard was the instal? I have wrenches, drills, etc., but no welder so looking for a drill and bolt intall. Also something that doesn't require me to fab anything.
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The stock bedrail kit requires only careful measurements, then drilling some holes in metal, and inserting and tightening some bolts. If you get the additional install kit Cool_Canuck mentioned, then it's really easy, but that kit's not cheap. Without that high-priced kit, you may have to drill holes in the side of the frame as well as into the bed. The bed is like drilling in butter, but drilling into the frame sides will determine if you've grown up into a real man or not. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] You will definitely need some really-sharp drill bits. That's where a Drill-Doctor bit sharpener comes in handy. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]
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Is this something a decent do it yourselfer can handle, or is professional install required?
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You must drill the holes in exactly the right place, so it requires careful measurement before you drill. The rest of the install just requires muscle to drill the holes. I'll bet you can do it.
Dick Cutting installed his using those fancy install brackets he calls "Hidden Hitch" brackets. I suspect they are the same as those shown on the ReeseHitch website. But his was so easy to install he was amazed at himself. Since then he's drug his big 5er from New Hampshire to Las Vegas and all over the West, then stored it in southern Utah until his next trip out west. So if you don't look forward to drilling into the side of the frame, then get those install brackets too.
Calgarypsd, Here's another option u might want to look at. These fiver's are made for the superduty. You take out your bed bolts and mount your rails over those holes not sure if they supply new bolts or you use the existing ones? But here's the address www.bolthitch. bolthitch
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Calgarypsd, Here's another option u might want to look at. These fiver's are made for the superduty. You take out your bed bolts and mount your rails over those holes not sure if they supply new bolts or you use the existing ones? But here's the address www.bolthitch. bolthitch
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That's definitely new to me, although with rails running the full length of the box drilling the frame seems like a better idea (for using the bed otherwise). Anybody own one? Likes, dislikes?
I Just installed a Reese "Signature Series" 18k hitch. Took about 4 hours and six holes (2 in the frame and 4 in the bed) The unit looks real sharp. One word to the wise though, when drilling through the bed be careful you dont drill through the bed and into the frame rails with the 2 1/2" hole saw. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]
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2003 F-250SD 6.0, 5 Speed Auto, SRW, 3.73's Crewcab,Long Bed,FX4 Dark Shadow Grey, Lariat trim with a 6" superlift, 35" Toyo AT's, MBRP Single Turbo back, AFE Magnum Force, 3 Guage Pillar from City Muffler & Performance, Line-X, Prodigy, Tuff Country ladder bars. Gotta be the best wakeboard boat hauling machine ever made
2002 Ford F-150 (work truck)
2004 Calabria Pro-V (for my sanity)
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