Are Center Bolts Required for 5th Wheel Rails in Curt Installation Kit in a 2001 Ford F-350

Question:

I purchased the curt custom rail kit #16443 and I noticed the instructions for installing it does not call for the center bolts in each of the rails to be included. But after watching several of your rail kit installation videos, most of them said to install the center carriage bolts in each rail. Should I go ahead and install these bolts in my #16443 rail kit also? Or are they not needed for my particular curt rail kit? My truck I installed this rail kit is a 2001 Ford f350 and I purchased the kit from Etrailer. Thanks,

asked by: Walter

Expert Reply:

We do recommend installing the 2 center bolts in Curt 5th wheel installation kit # C16443-204 for your 2001 Ford F-350 though it is not required. The center bolts add additional stability and considering the weights involved with 5th wheel towing it is a good idea to have them especially if towing above 16,000 pounds.

expert reply by: Michael H