F350 rail installation

[GlobalDouglas]

I have an '07 F350 CC Long bed, 4x4. My brother is getting ready to install Reese hitch rails for me, then a trailer saver hitch. He says the directions specific for this truck state that the hitch will be 4 inches forward of the axel. This seems a bit much and I am worried about clearence issues. My brother went up under the bed and says that the only place for the rail brace to attach to the frame on the forward driver's side is real tight and will require the fuel tank be removed (the other 3 locations are fine). If anyone has this exact truck can you please let me know where your hitch is centered and if the tank was dropped for install. THANKS!!

[nailbender]

I have a Ford 2006 F-250 (same frame as yours). The center of the hitch is about 1 1/2" ahead of the center line of the axle. The brackets for the hitch rails are against the cross members and are welded to the frame. The fuel tank was not removed and is in the original position.
If your hitch is installed 4" ahead of the axle, you will have raise the tailgate to hook up, which will become a real pain.

[dieselguy]

I'd contact Reese about your specific application and your concerns. I may have been informed incorrectly, but I think Reese was bought out by Draw Tite last fall. This isn't the actual Draw Tite company, but 1-877-448-2448 will get you to an authorized dealer that may have your answer.

[William H. Collier]

The directions he is talking about also say to mount the rear floor rail 32 1/2 inches from the rear of the bed. This will put the pin about 0 to 1 inch ahead of the center of the rear axel. I have a copy of the instructions the dealer used on mine and I can see where he got the 4 inches from(they are a little confusing) but the dealer used the 32 1/2 measurement from the rear of the bed to the rear of the rail. The pin on mine is just ahead of the center of the rear axel.
Bill

[Wrenchtraveller]

I put my hitch rails on myself on my last 3 trucks. My 05 should be the same frame as your 07 and fuel tank removal is not required. When you drill the holes through the frame near the fuel tank, use a scrap piece of sheet metal to prevent your drill from hitting the tank when it drives through the frame. Also, the shock bracket rivet on one side of the truck requires an angle bracket that I bought from Hijacker.com.
Reese should also have a bracket for the newer Ford frames.

[Fordzilla]

I don't have a Reese hitch but thought I would throw in that mine is 1" ahead of the axle.

[Jim Jarvis]

I haven't measured mine yet but it looks a couple of inches over centre. They did not have to remove the gas tank. On another board there was a big discussion on this and most recommended anywhere from 2 to 6 inches past centre.

[Bob Pasternak]

A lot of the "Experts" say the 5th wheel should be 1/2 the width of the trailer plus 4" behind the cab. That, on a Monty would make it 52" back.

[Cat320]

quote:Originally posted by dieselguy

I'd contact Reese about your specific application and your concerns. I may have been informed incorrectly, but I think Reese was bought out by Draw Tite last fall. This isn't the actual Draw Tite company, but 1-877-448-2448 will get you to an authorized dealer that may have your answer.

Reese/Drawtite/Hidden are all the same company. As are Valley/Husky/and some RBW.