Fully boxed frame and 5th wheel hitch-bolts or weld?
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Temecula, CA
Fully boxed frame and 5th wheel hitch-bolts or weld?
I have a 2004 F150 Supercab FX4 with a 6 1/2 bed, and I want to attach a 5th wheel hitch. Some want to bolt the brackets to the boxed frame and others want to weld the bracket to the frame.
Any thoughts on which is better? The RV shops want $1200 to $1500 for the bold on version, while the welder wants about half of that. The RV shops insist that I have a slider on the hitch while the welder would rather see the trailer and truck together, and then decide. Any ideas?
Any thoughts on which is better? The RV shops want $1200 to $1500 for the bold on version, while the welder wants about half of that. The RV shops insist that I have a slider on the hitch while the welder would rather see the trailer and truck together, and then decide. Any ideas?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 6
From: Puyallup, WA
Don't the new F150's have "hydo formed" frame rails?? I didn't think you were supposed to weld those are you??
I'm sure your welder knows more then me, but that's just what I've "heard".......
I'd check out some of the RV forums or even the Diesel forums to see what those guys are doing with their boxed, hydo formed frame rails......
Good luck!
Mitch
I'm sure your welder knows more then me, but that's just what I've "heard".......
I'd check out some of the RV forums or even the Diesel forums to see what those guys are doing with their boxed, hydo formed frame rails......
Good luck!
Mitch
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,550
Likes: 2
From: Mount Airy,MD
Timba999, how much are you planning to tow. Also, it would be better to have a sliding hitch with the short bed. Otherwise you will have to be VERY careful on turns, especially when you have to cut it tight for getting into slots. Without the sliding hitch, you can easily dent the back of the cab and front of the trailer.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Sudbury On Can
If I were you I would check out some of the hitch websites and see what they recommend. I was just on the Hijacker website as that is the type of 5'ver hitch I use and the instructions show the hitch being bolted on. When I had my hitch installed I printed out a copy of the instructions and measurements from the hitch website and brought it with me to the installers. They wanted to put my hitch 48" from the back of the cab which would have put it about a foot behind the axle 
. After showing them the paperwork we installed it per the manufacturer and it worked out well. I can't help you on the prices but it only takes at most a couple hours to install so add a couple hours labor to the price of the hitch. Check out the prices for hitches on the web then you'll know if your installer is in the ballpark or not. Have fun.
. After showing them the paperwork we installed it per the manufacturer and it worked out well. I can't help you on the prices but it only takes at most a couple hours to install so add a couple hours labor to the price of the hitch. Check out the prices for hitches on the web then you'll know if your installer is in the ballpark or not. Have fun.
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
I put a Pullrite on my 04 super crew. It slides automatically this allows me not to worry about making tight turns going forward or reverse. Yes the frame is hydro formed but only the front. I still prefer to bolt on. dont know anyone that has welded one on.Cost of a regular hitch installed woth electric brakes is 1300 canadian. the pullrite is 3000 us but worth every penny. Checkk out their web site.
