Trailer Hitch - Fifth Wheel: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If adding the fifth wheel hitch as a dealer installed accessory, follow the steps below to install the hitch on the frame. The instructions for modifying the pickup bed floor are outlined in the Fifth Wheel Hitch instruction sheet.

Fifth Wheel Hitch Brackets

Install fifth wheel hitch brackets (align to the locating marks) and install the fifth wheel hitch bracket-to-frame bolts and nuts.
- Tighten to 133 NM (98 lb-ft)
  
  Fig 1: Locating Fifth Wheel Hitch Bracket Mounting Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fifth Wheel Hitch
Slide the fifth wheel hitch between the frame and pickup bed (align to the locating marks) and install the fifth wheel hitch-to-frame bolts and nuts.
- Tighten to 215 Nm (159 lb-ft)
  
  Fig 2: Locating Fifth Wheel Hitch-To-Frame Bolts And Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the fifth wheel hitch-to-bracket bolts and nuts.
- Tighten to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
  
  Fig 3: Locating Fifth Wheel Hitch-To-Bracket Bolts And Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Pickup Bed
Remove and discard the pickup bed-to-frame j-nuts and install new fasteners.
NOTE: The fifth wheel hitch as well as the fifth wheel brackets are fully adjustable. Height can be adjusted at the frame-to-bracket bolts, front-to-rear can be adjusted at the hitch-to-bracket bolts and left-to-right can be adjusted at the hitch-to-frame bolts.

Remove the 4 inch by 4 inch wooden blocks and install the pickup bed and new pick up bed bolts.
- Tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft)
  
  Fig 4: Locating Pickup Bed Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Diesel shown, gas engines similar.

Install the filler pipe and screws.

Fig 5: Locating Filler Pipe Retaining Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the rear lighting electrical connector and install the pushpin retainer.

Fig 6: Locating Pickup Bed Rear Lighting Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the rear trailer lighting electrical connectors and install the pushpin retainer.

Fig 7: Locating Rear Lighting Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the tailgate.