Hitch rails

[Carmel Clown]

After tons of questions and help from forum members, I ordered by new truck. I ordered the 2023 F150 XLT with the 6.5 box/bed length. I have the high-lift option on the 5.0.

Of course I have another question. I want to get the Andersen hitch with the rails. I am wondering about placement of the rails. I've read that rails aren't always installed over the rear axle, depends on the truck manufacturer.

Those of you with a F150 with the 6.5 bed length, please tell me where you mounted the rails for the Andersen hitch. I did download the installation PDF from the Andersen website. Is that enough to tell a truck accessory shop where to install the rails?
As always, thanks so much for your advice. I love you guys! :cheers:

 

[sofmerc]

After tons of questions and help from forum members, I ordered by new truck. I ordered the 2023 F150 XLT with the 6.5 box/bed length. I have the high-lift option on the 5.0.

Of course I have another question. I want to get the Andersen hitch with the rails. I am wondering about placement of the rails. I've read that rails aren't always installed over the rear axle, depends on the truck manufacturer.

Those of you with a F150 with the 6.5 bed length, please tell me where you mounted the rails for the Andersen hitch. I did download the installation PDF from the Andersen website. Is that enough to tell a truck accessory shop where to install the rails?
As always, thanks so much for your advice. I love you guys! :cheers:

I have F150 (2016) with bed rails...I bought the truck used, and rails were already installed when I got it. Aft rail is just slightly behind wheel well (axle). Works very well with 5.0.. I have 6.5' bed as well

 

[occer]

Set the rails as if you were installing a standard king pin hitch.
If you are having a company install the rails they should know the measurements.

The Anderson rail hitch is off set and with a six and a half bed the ball will be more towards the tail gate. But the rails are standard for both.

Here is a video with the measurements from E Trailer.

 

[JimW]

Most rail kits are vehicle specific to match up to holes in the truck frame. The brackets underneath match to those holes and then the rails bolt to them (through the bed). The measurements are already set. There are universal kits that can be mounted in alternate locations if your needs differ. My truck is a 2014 Ford F150 w/6.5 bed. I went with a vehicle specific kit and didn’t see the need to mount in an alternate location.

 

[RF Paul]

Ditto Jwinfrey. I bought the Curt vehicle-specific bracket kit for my 2019 F150. Looking at the installed brackets and how they fit around the frame, you can see that the location is not adjustable. I just returned to Wisconsin from picking up my 5.0 in Chilliwack and am very pleased with the trailer and the hitch.

 

[Carmel Clown]

Ditto Jwinfrey. I bought the Curt vehicle-specific bracket kit for my 2019 F150. Looking at the installed brackets and how they fit around the frame, you can see that the location is not adjustable. I just returned to Wisconsin from picking up my 5.0 in Chilliwack and am very pleased with the trailer and the hitch.

Paul, did you use the Andersen hitch or the Curt fifth wheel hitch?

 

[Perry Butler]

I just measured the rails on our 2019 F150 quad cab, 6.5’ box. From the center of the rear rail to the inside of the tailgate is 31”, +/- 1/8”. When I had the rails installed I asked Truck’in America in Rochester to install the rails 1-1.5” further back (closer to the tailgate). They said they do it all the time, but won’t go over 2” closer. Had no problems pulling our 5.0 the last 24,000 miles. There is some leeway on where they can be mounted, or al least so at Truckin America. We barely cleared the 5.0 with our 2015 F150 with a 6.5’ box. We had about 3” or more of clearance with our 2019 F150 and didn’t have to be perfectly straight to open the tailgate.

The picture below is shows the clearance we had with our 2019 F150. We had less than 1/3rd of that clearance with our 2015.

Enjoy,

Perry

 

[RF Paul]

Paul, did you use the Andersen hitch or the Curt fifth wheel hitch?

I have the Andersen hitch. Curt rails and brackets.

 

[Carmel Clown]

Those of you who have rails and use safety chains, do you attach them to the rails somehow?

 

[Jeremy Kessenich]

Yes, these images are from the Andersen website.

 

[Carmel Clown]

Thanks

 

[RF Paul]

These are the ones I purchased:

 

[iamunique127]

Most rail kits are vehicle specific to match up to holes in the truck frame. The brackets underneath match to those holes and then the rails bolt to them (through the bed). The measurements are already set. There are universal kits that can be mounted in alternate locations if your needs differ. My truck is a 2014 Ford F150 w/6.5 bed. I went with a vehicle specific kit and didn’t see the need to mount in an alternate location.

That is my experience too, altho I don't have a Ford.

When I was looking to get a hitch installed in my truck I spoke with a few instal shops and saw different hitches. Each one was vehicle specific and came with instal instructions for the installers.

 

[iamunique127]

I've been curious when ppl speak of safety chains for fifth wheels. Are they Anderson hitch specific or an option for any fifth hitch?

Neither ETI nor the hitch shop said anything to us about safety chains when we got our trailer or Reese hitch.

 

[Carmel Clown]

I've been curious when ppl speak of safety chains for fifth wheels. Are they Anderson hitch specific or an option for any fifth hitch?

Neither ETI nor the hitch shop said anything to us about safety chains when we got our trailer or Reese hitch.

Not every state requires them. I had them with horse trailer years ago and it just makes me feel more at ease. Especially after seeing this.

https://autowise.com/truck-dangles-from-rv-trailer-safety-chain/

 

[sofmerc]

I've been curious when ppl speak of safety chains for fifth wheels. Are they Anderson hitch specific or an option for any fifth hitch?

Neither ETI nor the hitch shop said anything to us about safety chains when we got our trailer or Reese hitch.

I live in Florida. They are required because your changing a fifth wheel setup to a ball and socket setup. I have them on my Andersen rails. My neighbor has same setup but refuses to use them.
If you use a true 5th wheel hitch, they aren't required (in Florida at least).

 

[C&G in FL]

I've been curious when ppl speak of safety chains for fifth wheels. Are they Anderson hitch specific or an option for any fifth hitch?

Neither ETI nor the hitch shop said anything to us about safety chains when we got our trailer or Reese hitch.

I live in Florida. They are required because your changing a fifth wheel setup to a ball and socket setup. I have them on my Andersen rails. My neighbor has same setup but refuses to use them.
If you use a true 5th wheel hitch, they aren't required (in Florida at least).

No State (including Texas) requires safety chains when towing a 5th Wheel with a true 5th Wheel hitch. As stated, an Andersen hitch is a conversion to a ball and couple and requires safety chains. Also, the Scamp 19 commonly referred to as a 5th Wheel has a coupler rather than a king pin and requires safety chains.

 

[iamunique127]

That clears it up. Thanks