Let’s Dive into Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10
For those of us who rely on our Ford Super Duty trucks for serious towing, the fifth wheel hitch is an indispensable tool. The Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10 promises a swift and secure way to get your truck ready for the big hauls. This kit from Reese offers a custom fit for specific Ford models, boasting a quicker installation than universal options.
I needed to upgrade my 2004 F-250’s towing capacity for a new, larger RV. The old setup was showing its age, and I wanted something I could install myself without too much fuss. The Reese kit’s claim of easy installation was a major selling point.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the heft and appearance of the components. The metal was thick, coated in a durable-looking finish, and the brackets appeared robust. The packaging was well-organized, with parts clearly labeled, suggesting a thoughtful design.
I considered a universal kit from Curt and a similar custom kit from B&W. I ultimately chose the Reese option because of its competitive price and the positive reviews specifically mentioning the ease of installation on my truck model. I was hopeful that the custom fit would minimize drilling and modifications.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The parts looked solid and well-made, but I remained skeptical about the “quick” install claim. Anyone who’s worked on a truck knows that “easy” rarely means easy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10 to the Test
First Use Experience
The installation took place in my garage over a weekend. While not exactly quick, the instructions were clear and the custom brackets significantly reduced the amount of drilling required. I appreciated that Reese designed this kit to utilize existing frame holes as much as possible.
I tested the kit by towing a 30-foot travel trailer over a 500-mile trip through varying terrain. The weather ranged from sunny and dry to a brief but heavy rain shower. The hitch felt solid and secure, with no noticeable sway or instability.
The installation process, while involving some wrenching, was manageable with basic tools. I did need an extra set of hands for lifting the heavier components into place. The finished setup felt incredibly sturdy.
There was a minor issue: one of the bolt holes on the bracket didn’t quite align perfectly, requiring a bit of persuasion with a pry bar. Otherwise, the process was smooth.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and thousands of miles of towing, the Reese kit has performed flawlessly. There are no signs of loosening or wear, and the finish is holding up well against road grime and weather. I continue to tow the 30-foot travel trailer with total confidence.
The kit shows no signs of rust or fatigue despite exposure to rain, sun, and gravel roads. I periodically check the torque on the bolts, but they’ve remained secure. A quick spray with rust inhibitor after washing the truck keeps things looking good.
I previously used a universal fifth-wheel hitch on a different truck, and the difference in stability and ease of use is remarkable. The Reese custom kit provides a much more confident and comfortable towing experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10
Specifications
The Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10 includes two main components: the base rails (#50082) and the custom mounting brackets (#58058). The kit is specifically designed to fit Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty trucks from 1999 to 2010. It is made from heavy-duty steel with a durable powder coat finish.
The base rails provide the mounting platform for the fifth-wheel hitch itself. The custom brackets attach to the truck’s frame, providing a secure and stable connection point. The precise fit to the specified Ford models is crucial for maximizing strength and minimizing installation time.
These specifications translate to a secure and reliable towing platform. The heavy-duty steel construction ensures that the hitch can handle the stresses of towing heavy loads. The custom fit reduces the need for drilling and modifications, making installation easier and faster.
Performance & Functionality
The Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10 performs its job admirably. It provides a solid and secure mounting point for the fifth-wheel hitch. The custom fit ensures that the hitch is properly aligned, resulting in smooth and stable towing.
The kit’s strength is its ease of installation and secure fit. The potential weakness lies in the precision required for the initial bracket alignment; a slight misjudgment can complicate the bolting process. However, with careful measurement and a little patience, the installation is manageable for the average DIYer.
The kit exceeds expectations in terms of stability and ease of use. The custom fit eliminates much of the guesswork and modification typically associated with universal fifth-wheel hitch installations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Reese kit is designed for functionality and durability. The heavy-duty steel construction gives it a substantial weight, but this is reassuring given the loads it’s designed to handle. The powder coat finish provides excellent protection against corrosion and wear.
The kit is relatively user-friendly, although some mechanical aptitude is required for installation. The instructions are clear and well-illustrated. However, having a helper to lift and position the heavier components is highly recommended.
Durability & Maintenance
The Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10 is built to last. The heavy-duty steel construction and durable powder coat finish should provide years of reliable service. Regular inspection and tightening of the bolts are the only maintenance required.
Maintenance is simple: check the bolt torque periodically and apply a rust inhibitor to protect the finish. The robust construction ensures that repairs are unlikely under normal use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10 primarily provides the base for a fifth-wheel hitch. The actual fifth-wheel hitch itself is a separate purchase. However, the Reese rails are compatible with most industry-standard fifth-wheel hitches.
You can customize your towing setup with different fifth-wheel hitch models depending on your specific needs. Consider features such as a sliding hitch for short-bed trucks or a premium hitch with enhanced dampening for a smoother ride. The Reese rails will readily accept these upgrades.
Pros and Cons of Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10
Pros
- Custom Fit: Designed specifically for Ford Super Duty trucks (1999-2010), minimizing drilling and modifications. This ensures proper alignment and maximizes strength.
- Easy Installation: The custom brackets and clear instructions make installation manageable for DIYers with basic mechanical skills.
- Durable Construction: Made from heavy-duty steel with a powder coat finish, ensuring years of reliable service.
- Enhanced Stability: Provides a solid and secure mounting point for the fifth-wheel hitch, resulting in smooth and stable towing.
- Cost-Effective: Offers a good balance of quality and price compared to other custom fifth-wheel hitch installation kits.
Cons
- Bracket Alignment: Precise bracket alignment is crucial; slight misjudgments can complicate installation.
- Weight: The heavy-duty steel construction adds significant weight, requiring assistance during installation.
Who Should Buy Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10?
This kit is perfect for RV owners, horse trailer users, and anyone who regularly tows heavy loads with a 1999-2010 Ford F-250, F-350, or F-450 Super Duty truck. DIY enthusiasts with some mechanical experience will appreciate the relatively straightforward installation process. This is also ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their existing towing setup with a more secure and stable fifth-wheel hitch.
If you are uncomfortable working on your own vehicle or lack the necessary tools, you should skip this product and opt for professional installation. Those with trucks outside the specified model years will need to find a different kit.
A torque wrench is a must-have accessory for proper installation. A helper to lift and position the heavier components will make the job much easier. Consider a fifth-wheel hitch with features tailored to your specific towing needs, such as a sliding hitch for short-bed trucks.
Conclusion on Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10
The Reese 50082-58 5Th Wheel Custom Quick Install Kit Ford F 250 / F 350 Super Duty ’99 ’10 is a solid investment for anyone looking to safely and reliably tow heavy loads with their Ford Super Duty truck. The custom fit simplifies installation and provides a secure and stable towing platform. While bracket alignment requires some care, the overall process is manageable for the average DIYer.
The price is justified by the quality of the components, the ease of installation, and the enhanced towing experience. The peace of mind knowing that your fifth-wheel hitch is securely mounted is invaluable.
I would personally recommend this kit to anyone with a compatible Ford Super Duty truck. It’s a well-designed and well-made product that delivers on its promise of a quick and easy fifth-wheel hitch installation. Upgrade your towing experience today!