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Includes mounting hardware (base rails sold separately)
Includes mounting hardware (base rails sold separately)
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Color: Black
Finish: A-COAT
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 0
When you purchase a 5th wheel trailer hitch, you expect it to be capable of towing your RV, flatbed or whatever other 5th wheel trailer you own. While a 5th wheel hitch does offer an impressive amount of towing strength, it cannot get far without the proper installation equipment. Engineered for specific makes and models, CURT custom 5th wheel brackets provide the ideal solution for complementing the power of your 5th wheel trailer hitch. A custom 5th wheel bracket features a shape that contours to the frame of your truck and uses pre-drilled holes in the frame wherever possible to make installation quick and easy. Depending on your model of pickup truck, they also reduce or eliminate the need for drilling. These particular custom 5th wheel brackets offer a custom fit for certain model years of the Ford F-150 and F-250 (see application info to verify fitment). Finished in a durable liquid A-coat, CURT custom 5th wheel brackets are made to last. They include all necessary mounting hardware and are designed to be used in conjunction with CURT industry-standard 5th wheel base rails #16104 or #16204 (base rails sold separately).

CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
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3 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 - 2003 | Ford F-150 | No Drilling Required Installation Time - |
| 2004 | Ford F-150 Heritage | No Drilling Required Installation Time - |
| 1997 - 1999 | Ford F-250 | No Drilling Required Installation Time - |
The CURT Custom 5th Wheel Brackets, Select Ford F-150, F-250 Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Bracket (Part #BKDK16437) fits 1997-2003 Ford F-150 models. The 2004 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the CURT Custom 5th Wheel Brackets, Select Ford F-150, F-250 Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Bracket (Part #BKDK16437) is designed to fit the 1997-2003 Ford F-150.
The CURT Custom 5th Wheel Brackets, Select Ford F-150, F-250 Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Bracket (Part #BKDK16437) fits the following vehicles: 1997-2003 Ford F-150; 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage; 1997-1999 Ford F-250. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The CURT Custom 5th Wheel Brackets, Select Ford F-150, F-250 Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Bracket (Part #BKDK16437) Drilling is not required for installation. Typical installation time is . Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the Curt 16437 is designed for Ford Light Duty Full Size pickups including F-150 and F-250 Light Duty models, in both short and long bed configurations. However, the system may not work with 2003 and earlier competitor products if you plan to use those with these rails.
No, you cannot install the mounting rails directly over plastic bed liners. Plastic liners must be trimmed to expose the truck bed floor for metal-to-metal contact. The rails may be installed on spray-in liners without trimming.
No, the 5th wheel hitch is sold separately. The Curt 16437 provides only the mounting rails and side plates. You will need to purchase a compatible 5th wheel hitch, roller, or gooseneck hitch separately.
Lower and remove the spare tire. Remove the exhaust heat shield. On the passenger side, temporarily remove the exhaust hanger from the frame. On some models, the brake line hanger mounted on the driver side will also require temporary removal. If you have a plastic bed liner, it must be trimmed to expose the truck bed floor for metal-to-metal contact.
Yes, drilling is required. You will drill 1/8" pilot holes first using a center punch to mark positions, then enlarge those holes to 9/16" using a step drill. Drilling is performed on the truck bed floor where the mounting rails attach.
When drilling the front hole on the driver side, be very careful not to drill into fuel lines. To prevent drilling into fuel tank, filler tubes, brake lines, or wire harness, place a piece of metal between the truck bed floor and these components on the driver side before drilling. This will protect them from the drill bit.
The kit includes: two 3/4-10 UNC hex head cap screws (1-1/2" long), four 3/4" flat washers, two 3/4-10 UNC serrated flange nuts, ten 1/2-13 UNC serrated flange nuts, six .250 x 1.50 x 2.00" square hole spacers, two 1/2-13 UNC carriage bolts (1-1/2" long), four .250 x 1.00 x 2.00" square hole spacers, eight .313" x 1.00 x 2.00" U-shape spacers, eight 1/2-13 UNC carriage bolts (2" long), one M8x1.25 hex head cap screw (20mm long), and one 3/8" S-con washer. Use only these supplied fasteners for installation.
You will need a tape measure to center the mounting rails, a center punch to mark drilling positions, a 1/8" drill bit for pilot holes, a step drill to enlarge holes to 9/16", and wrenches or sockets to tighten the supplied fasteners. A piece of metal is also needed to protect fuel lines and other components while drilling.
Place one rail in the truck bed and use a tape measure to center it on the truck bed floor at the proper distance from the rear edge of the truck box, as shown in the Rail Location Diagram. The diagram indicates the hitch center line is 51.094 inches from the axle center line, and 2.500 inches from the rear edge of the bed (for both short and long box).
1. Lower and remove spare tire, remove exhaust heat shield, and temporarily remove exhaust hanger and brake line hanger as needed. 2. Position first rail and mark holes with center punch. 3. Drill 1/8" pilot holes, then enlarge to 9/16". 4. Temporarily position side plate to verify hole alignment. 5. Fasten side plates to frame hand-tight. 6. Reposition mounting rail and fasten to side plates hand-tight using spacers for metal-to-metal contact. 7. Position second rail with 5th wheel hitch in place, ensuring it is centered. 8. Repeat drilling and fastening steps for second rail. 9. Torque all fasteners to specification. 10. Remount exhaust hanger and brake line hanger. 11. Reinstall heat shield and spare tire.
Spacers ensure metal-to-metal contact between the side plate or mounting rails and the truck bed. This is critical for proper load distribution and structural integrity of the installation. The kit includes .250 x 1.50 x 2.00" square hole spacers, .250 x 1.00 x 2.00" square hole spacers, and .313" x 1.00 x 2.00" U-shape spacers for this purpose.
Place the unassembled 5th wheel, roller, or gooseneck hitch into the already-installed first mounting rail. Position the second mounting rail by inserting its tabs into the mounting rail and pushing it tight toward the first rail. Ensure the second rail is centered on the truck bed floor. If you plan to use more than one hitch product with the rails, install both at the same time to ensure proper alignment and fit.
Torque all 1/2" hardware to 110 lb-ft and all 3/4" hardware to 380 lb-ft. This applies to the carriage bolts fastening the mounting rails to the side plates and the fasteners securing the side plates to the frame.
Using existing hardware, remount the exhaust hanger on the passenger side to the new mounting holes on the bracket. For vehicles that require removal of the brake line hanger, remount it using the supplied longer M8 flange bolt (part 10-10409) through the side plate.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. The Curt 16437 is designed to work within the limits set by Ford for your specific truck model and year.
Yes, before installing the hitch, measure to ensure there will be enough clearance between the truck and trailer to allow for turns. This prevents interference during towing.
Fasten the side plates to the frame hand-tight in step 6. Fasten the mounting rails to the side plates hand-tight in step 7. Only after both rails are positioned and aligned should you torque all fasteners to final specification: 1/2" hardware to 110 lb-ft and 3/4" hardware to 380 lb-ft in step 10.
No, the system may not work with 2003 and earlier competitor products. If you plan to use older competitor hitch equipment, consult with Curt Manufacturing or the competitor product manufacturer before installation.
You do not need to remove the entire exhaust system, but you must remove the exhaust heat shield and temporarily remove the exhaust hanger from the passenger side of the frame. Some models may also require temporary removal of the brake line hanger on the driver side.
The manual does not specify whether professional installation is required. The approximate installation time is listed as 120 minutes. Given the drilling requirements and need to protect fuel lines and other components, you may want to consult with a professional installer if you are not experienced with this type of work.
Yes, the Curt 16437 is designed for Ford Light Duty Full Size F-150 and F-250 Light Duty pickups in short and long bed configurations. It may not work with 2003 and earlier competitor products.
Yes, drilling is required. You will drill 1/8" pilot holes and enlarge them to 9/16" using a step drill. When drilling the driver side front hole, protect fuel lines by placing metal between the bed floor and fuel components.
The kit includes hex head cap screws, carriage bolts, washers, serrated flange nuts, and spacers in various sizes. Use only supplied fasteners for installation.
Torque all 1/2" hardware to 110 lb-ft and all 3/4" hardware to 380 lb-ft.
Lower and remove the spare tire, remove the exhaust heat shield, temporarily remove the passenger side exhaust hanger, and remove the driver side brake line hanger if required. If you have a plastic bed liner, it must be trimmed for metal-to-metal contact.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
No, the 5th wheel hitch is sold separately. The Curt 16437 provides only the mounting rails and side plates.
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