New (to me) 08 F-450 - question on frame in bed (pic)

[CodyLX450]

I picked up an 08 F-450 this month that has all the beefed up towing upgrades, camper package, stablizer package etc - that pretty much make it an F-550 with full Lariat options and a pickup bed.

It came with these rails/brackets whatever in the bed...



Are these specific to a Goose Neck or 5th wheel hitch?

Are they used for both....a specific brand only?

Is there any advantage to this hitch type over the gooseneck type that mounts directly to the frame and requires you to holesaw your bed?

[JSchuricht]

Those are rails for a gooseneck or fifthwheel hitch. The advantage over a gooseneck that mounts through the bed is you can change the hitch out to a fifthwheel. I run a gooseneck hitch that comes up through the bed and the advantage is it flips over so I can use the bed without having to remove a large platform from the rails. Both styles will attach directly to the frame, if you look underneath the bed you will find matching brackets under the rails. Some rails are universal some are specific to a particular brand, your going to need to search for a brand or model number to find out what works with it.

[CodyLX450]

I've seen pictures like this:



...which made me wonder if it is, or can be used for both GN or 5W types?

Is that really as sturdy as a direct frame mount?

I would really prefer the flip over GN style so I can slide stuff in and out of the bed without those brackets in the way.

[terryknight]

Originally Posted by CodyLX450

I've seen pictures like this:



...which made me wonder if it is, or can be used for both GN or 5W types?

Is that really as sturdy as a direct frame mount?

I would really prefer the flip over GN style so I can slide stuff in and out of the bed without those brackets in the way.

yes and yes. if you would prefer the other then get the flip over style. my father using the rail system I have a reg GN I prefer mine he prefers his

[CodyLX450]

What would you attach the 2 safety chains to on the "above the bed" style rail hitches? Does it just attach to those little "wings" facing each wheel well in the above photo?

[CodyLX450]

Turns out they are "VALLEY" rails. Found them and it says "Works with Valley, Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch 5th-wheel hitches".

I have a couple nearby that is willing to trade me their hitch in exchange for moving their 5th wheel trailer.

My only other question would be if where the rails are mounted in my F-450 bed - is that pretty universal as far as where they are spaced apart?

I'd hate to agree to the deal and then find out that their Reese 20k hitch requires the rails to be closer together or farther apart...

[jtk27]

If you don't stay hooked to a 5th wheel camper you're gonna wish you would've dumped those rails and got a B&W gooseneck hitch. Ball flips over for flat bed and if you're trailer has a 5th wheel hitch you can always get a "cody" hitch for it which converts its kingpin to a gooseneck ball receiver. IMHO this would be your best option if you still want to have the use of your bed a lot.

[CodyLX450]

Yeah, I plan on going that route eventually, just have to move a 5th wheel trailer first.