Towing with Ford F-150

[kavm]

There is no such Ford option for 2021 F150. In fact, I am waiting to confirm that underbed fitment for 5th wheel hitch (rail/gooseneck) can be installed on 2021 F150 Power Boost (the new hybrid) before ordering it. So far, there is no mention of 5th wheel towing in the 2021 F150 literature released by Ford.

The one option (new?) that's of interest from Ford is TMPM. I am looking to get the one from Ford rather than ETI as the Ford monitor is integrated in their console.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by ChristineMcD

Hi Donna
Does your truck bed have the puck system , standard rails or a turn over ball? Trying to figure out our best option.... using a company vehicle that we hope to buy out one day.... would love to pick your brain about a few other options please

Reese 16k Fifth Wheel Hitch with baserails. I had Trademasters in Chilliwack do the install. Works as it's supposed to, I'm happy with it. I have zero plans to ever remove the hitch from the truck and so far it's been a-okay in the bed.

[ChristineMcD]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

While Ford (like GM, Ram, and Nissan) offers a "puck" mounting pad system in SuperDuty pickups (F-250 and heavier), I don't think it has ever been available in the F-150 (or corresponding models of other brands) - it would be interesting news if they do now. There are aftermarket puck systems (one of which is compatible with the Ford OEM system), but I don't recall any forum members using one of them in an F-150.

What would they use then, rail system or turn over ball

[ChristineMcD]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Reese 16k Fifth Wheel Hitch with baserails. I had Trademasters in Chilliwack do the install. Works as it's supposed to, I'm happy with it. I have zero plans to ever remove the hitch from the truck and so far it's been a-okay in the bed.

Thanks Donna
Do you have insulation installed underneath or camp in colder climates.... we are from Ontario where it hets pretty cold, not sure if worth it on 5 Th wheel

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by ChristineMcD

What would they use then, rail system or turn over ball

There are satisfied users of both rail mounting systems (with fifth-wheel hitches and with Andersen Ultimate rail-mount hitches) and bed-in-ball mounting systems (usually Turnoverball, but there are other brands; usually with Andersen Ultimate "gooseneck" hitches).

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by kavm

The one option (new?) that's of interest from Ford is TMPM. I am looking to get the one from Ford rather than ETI as the Ford monitor is integrated in their console.

Presumably this was intended to be TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system). It's not really new for the Super Duty trucks (apparently available in model years starting 2017), but may be new to the F-150 - I don't know. For the Super Duty, it comes as an accessory package with support for a trailer-mounted camera, as option order code 653.

Ford "support" video (more of an ad): Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Presumably this was intended to be TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system). It's not really new for the Super Duty trucks (apparently available in model years starting 2017), but may be new to the F-150 - I don't know. For the Super Duty, it comes as an accessory package with support for a trailer-mounted camera, as option order code 653.

Just FYI the Ford OE in-dash Trailer TPMS system is still not available on the F150 as of this date, nor listed as an option for the 2021 F150 in order guides as of this date. As you indicated, it's a SuperDuty (F250+) option only.

Maybe someday ....

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by ChristineMcD

Thanks Donna
Do you have insulation installed underneath or camp in colder climates.... we are from Ontario where it hets pretty cold, not sure if worth it on 5 Th wheel

No, I don't have the underneath insulation. I find it Fugly and would rather be cold . Although I've camped January-November, I live in the Pacific Northwest and the weather is pretty mild.

[Chotch]

Originally Posted by ChristineMcD

Does your F150 have puck system already or did you install rail system or turn over ball in the bed of your truck.... we have a 2020 F150 4x4 eco with club cab and looking for best option.... ty in advance

I have the rail mount that I installed myself. I found it to be the lightest and least intrusive set up. Couldn’t be happier with it.

[Hawkeye Ed]

So here's what I've read here about options for attaching an Anderson Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection to an F-150:

- There are two versions of the Anderson hitch, rail-mounted and gooseneck ball-mounted.
- Ford doesn't offer some options for the F-150 that come on the F-250/Super Duty.
- There is no factory F-150 option for either rail mounts or gooseneck ball mounts.
- There are various aftermarket kits that install either rails or gooseneck mounts in a F-150.
- The steel rail mounted Andersen hitch takes up less space in the truck bed than the aluminum gooseneck ball-mounted version but leaves two rails remain permanently attached to the truck bed, even when the matching Andersen hitch is removed.

Hope I got that right. Anything I missed?

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye Ed

So here's what I've read here about options for attaching an Anderson Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection to an F-150:

- There are two versions of the Anderson hitch, rail-mounted and gooseneck ball-mounted.
- Ford doesn't offer some options for the F-150 that come on the F-250/Super Duty.
- There is no factory F-150 option for either rail mounts or gooseneck ball mounts.
- There are various aftermarket kits that install either rails or gooseneck mounts in a F-150.
- The steel rail mounted Andersen hitch takes up less space in the truck bed than the aluminum gooseneck ball-mounted version but leaves two rails remain permanently attached to the truck bed, even when the matching Andersen hitch is removed.

Hope I got that right. Anything I missed?

Looks like a correct, concise, and complete summary of the facts to me

[kavm]

Originally Posted by Centex

Just FYI the Ford OE in-dash Trailer TPMS system is still not available on the F150 as of this date, nor listed as an option for the 2021 F150 in order guides as of this date. As you indicated, it's a SuperDuty (F250+) option only.

Maybe someday ....

The trailer tire pressure monitoring system for 2021 F150 I was referring to is shown as an option in the snippets attached.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by kavm

The trailer tire pressure monitoring system for 2021 F150 I was referring to is shown as an option in the snippets attached.

Very cool, I stand corrected, looks like "someday" has arrived!

[Shearwater]

“I have the rail mount that I installed myself. I found it to be the lightest and least intrusive set up. Couldn’t be happier with it.”

This is my plan. We’ll be buying a slightly used F150 in the spring and I plan to do my own Andersen rail mount install. For those who have DIY’d their rails in an F150, which rail kit did you go with and were you satisfied with the results?

[nepaweb]

This is my plan. We’ll be buying a slightly used F150 in the spring and I plan to do my own Andersen rail mount install. For those who have DIY’d their rails in an F150, which rail kit did you go with and were you satisfied with the results?[/QUOTE]


I used the Reese semi custom rail kit # RP30035-31 from etrailer for my f-150.
Since my truck has the 5 1/2' bed, I offset the rails 5 1/2" towards the tailgate from the standard mounting location. This should allow for more clearance to the cab as well as more space for opening the tailgate when hooked up.

I ordered a second set of long brackets along with the kit. This helped me line up the brackets with some existing holes in the frame. I still had to drill a couple of holes in the frame to make it all work.

If you have the aluminum body truck note that this kit does not come with galvanic isolators.
I painted all my drilled holes and spacers and taped anything that comes in contact with the aluminum.

If you have a longer bed truck or are happy with the standard mounting location there are full custom kits that may be better suited to your specific situation.

Note that due to supply chain shortages my 5.0ta is still at ETI awaiting completion. There are others on this forum that have installed these rails but I have no first hand experience towing with this setup.

[Ronn]

Originally Posted by Shearwater

“I have the rail mount that I installed myself. I found it to be the lightest and least intrusive set up. Couldn’t be happier with it.”

This is my plan. We’ll be buying a slightly used F150 in the spring and I plan to do my own Andersen rail mount install. For those who have DIY’d their rails in an F150, which rail kit did you go with and were you satisfied with the results?

Hi Rich, I sent you a private message regarding looking at our rail mount in an F150.

[Chotch]

Originally Posted by Shearwater

“I have the rail mount that I installed myself. I found it to be the lightest and least intrusive set up. Couldn’t be happier with it.”

This is my plan. We’ll be buying a slightly used F150 in the spring and I plan to do my own Andersen rail mount install. For those who have DIY’d their rails in an F150, which rail kit did you go with and were you satisfied with the results?

Look into Etrailer.com . I got everything I needed, Reese custom mount with no frame drilling required, the rail kit, the in bed 7 pin wiring, the safety chains and brackets and the actual Anderson hitch. Think I spent a day doing it, if I had to do again could probably do it in 1/2 the time. It’s not too complicated, basic tools, torque wrench, drill and a little sweat.

[cpaharley2008]

Cliff,
Those pictures of your truck bed makes it look almost new, hardly any scratches.....

[Chotch]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Cliff,
Those pictures of your truck bed makes it look almost new, hardly any scratches.....

I bought the truck specifically as a tow. Trailer was already ordered and I was driving an Outback. It turns out it’s an awesome tow vehicle as well as a daily driver. Carrying building supplies and occasionally furniture or junk to the dump, usually as favor for someone else, is all that goes back there. If I need to carry anything like a motorcycle or mulch, firewood I have a utility trailer. I have the original bed liner which will probably go back in if I ever sell the truck.

[ChristineMcD]

Originally Posted by Chotch

I have the rail mount that I installed myself. I found it to be the lightest and least intrusive set up. Couldn’t be happier with it.

Looks awesome and still lots of room for a tailgater grill ��... ty for sharing pics