Trailer Hitch - Fifth Wheel: Notes

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Trailer Hitch With Torque Specifications -- Fifth Wheel

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Pickup Bed 

1. Remove the tailgate.
2. Disconnect the rear lighting electrical connector and remove the pushpin retainer.
   Fig 2: Locating Rear Lighting Electrical Connector

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Disconnect the rear trailer lighting electrical connectors and remove the pushpin retainer.
   Fig 3: Locating Rear Trailer Lighting Electrical Connectors

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The pickup bed bolts are a one-time use and are replaced with new bolts whenever the pickup bed is removed.
Fig 4: Locating Pickup Bed Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Remove and discard the pickup bed bolts.
NOTE: Diesel shown in illustration, gas engine similar.
Fig 5: Locating Filler Pipe Retaining Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Remove the filler pipe retaining screws and position the filler pipe(s) aside.
6. Raise and support the pickup bed on 4 inch by 4 inch wooden blocks.

   Fifth Wheel Hitch 

NOTE: Pickup bed removed for clarity.
NOTE: Mark the location of the hitch-to-bracket and bracket-to-frame location to assist in alignment during installation.
Fig 6: Locating Upper Fifth Wheel Hitch Bracket Bolts And Flag Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Remove the upper fifth wheel hitch bracket bolts and flag nuts.
8. Remove the hitch-to-frame bolts and flag nuts.
   Fig 7: Locating Hitch-To-Frame Bolts And Flag Nuts

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Slide the fifth wheel hitch from between the frame and pickup bed and remove.

   Fifth Wheel Hitch Brackets 

NOTE: Left side shown in illustration, right side similar.
NOTE: Pay particular attention to each bracket as there is a slight difference in the RH and LH sides.
Fig 8: Locating Bolts, Flag Nuts And Fifth Wheel Hitch Bracket(s)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Remove the bolts, flag nuts and the fifth wheel hitch bracket(s).