[larry_minn]

I have decided from info I have. But another opinion before I order parts...
2002 F350 7.3 stock. 85k miles Has a Brute II rear hitch. Pulled +20k lbs easily under 50 mph (trailer limits) easily handled, stopped (with trailer brakes) just not comfortable at full road speeds. Higher center of gravity so slower on curves, turns...
I found a GN trailer that should change those concerns. Tandem 10k lb dual axles. Brakes...
thing is the GN hitch that came with my truck is wimpy. Similar to https://www.amazon.com/65400-Over-B...ywords=Gooseneck+Plate&qid=1609359922&sr=8-38
with 4 3/8” bolts. Just drilled thru bed, and into frame rails. (Yep stupid but price was right, small holes shouldn’t hurt.)
so if I get this trailer. I will put in real hitch. I was thinking putting in 5th wheel rails, GN plate so IF a I decide to buy a 5th wheel trailer I just need a sliding GN to fit rails. (Plenty used ones cheap as RV folk buy latest, greatest).
But I’m finding those rails are only rated to 20k max. Where a B&W is 30k rated. (Plus install looks easier)
so am I correct In my plan? The GN is the main use. I can get sliding companion for 5th if I ever get a RV. (But likely new, $$$).
So for now I have the hitch designed for the load, overload... of course I bet I will be looking at tuner before too long if I get it.
Another concern on 5th rails. How robust are they? If I put some plywood over can I dump stuff in bed? or do they bend, distort is weight dropped?

 

[bobofthenorth]

I encourage you to scrap any idea of ever using an RV style fifth wheel hitch and installing a heavy duty rollover gooseneck ball. My current truck came with one installed and I love it. Roll it down and I have a completely clean factory bed. Roll it up and I have a gooseneck ball as close as is physically possible to the axle. That is actually a consideration - every piece of metal that you install underneath the gooseneck ball increases the lever that the trailer applies to the truck suspension. We pull an RV with ours as well as a couple of dedicated gooseneck trailers. For the RV I bought a heavy duty (Mumby) conversion adapter and then I added some reinforcement back to the trailer frame. I've towed all my life and only came to this setup in my late 50s but I wish I had discovered it sooner.

The answer to your question about the fifth wheel rails is that they are substantial enough to lay a sheet of plywood over them without concern about damage. The real problem with the fifth wheel hitch is taking it in and out of the truck. Despite your best intentions now, you will quickly lose interest in dragging it in and out of the truck. They're heavy - they were heavy when I was a lot younger than I am now and now they're really heavy. So the real question is "Do you like hauling sheets of plywood and lumber piled in and around a fifth wheel hitch?" Effectively you lose your truck bed more or less permanently.

 

[larry_minn]

I ment the plywood to protect 5th rails. When sharp, heavy stuff (not so gently) dropped in.

 

[Steve83]

Have you considered the B&W Turnover Ball GN (which has NOTHING in the bed) and its 5er Companion? No rails.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KO77C5A

There's also a slider version:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H7SC9VU

 

[larry_minn]

Have you considered the B&W Turnover Ball GN (which has NOTHING in the bed) and its 5er Companion? No rails.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KO77C5A

There's also a slider version:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H7SC9VU

Yep that was what I ment. Getting B&W but a 5th hitch is $1700. Where if rails I see nice sliders under $450. The lack of strength In 5th wheel rails (plus I don’t have a 5th wheel camper). I’m going B&W.

 

[Steve83]

Unfortunately, mine already had a crappy DrawTite that requires a giant hole in the bed, so I'm stuck with it. Not that I have or ever pull a GN or 5er.

(click this text)

 

[larry_minn]

Unfortunately, mine already had a crappy DrawTite that requires a giant hole in the bed, so I'm stuck with it. Not I have or ever pull a GN or 5er.

(click this text)

You could put a rubber mat in bed. Or even a plastic bed liner.

 

[Stroking it]

When I gotmy NEW 15 F250 I had to cut the hole in my bed. I measured so many times. you cant be off with a 4" hole. No way to come back from that.
I did purchase the B&W turnover ball and its the best hitch out there. Nice and sturdy. It comes apart into two pieces. Mine is 18,000 hitch. I wouldnt get the rails. I only have1 hole in my bed. If you use the gooseneck than you need the chains and mine came with the things to hook up the chains but I dont use the ball. You can buy the Anderson but I dont like light wimpy hitches. I also have a SB and with my B&W there is enough adjustment in the hitch I dont need a slider.

 

[Steve83]

You could put a rubber mat in bed. Or even a plastic bed liner.

It has a drop-in bedliner with a giant hole for the giant GN plate.

(click this text)