What is the Best 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch or Gooseneck Option to Maximize Space in My Truck Bed  

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Expert Reply:

The best way to maximize the usable space in your truck bed, while still using a 5th wheel, is to use a Signature Series 5th wheel. When not in use, the 5th wheel can be removed leaving 4 mounting feet in the bed that rise only a couple of inches above the bed. I have attached a video below showing installation to give you a better idea of how the Signature Series works.

If you wanted to go with a gooseneck, you could use something like a Hide-A-Goose. With this hitch, the ball can be turned over and covered with a magnet when not in use. I have included a video showing installation of a Hide-A-Goose below.

If the trailer you plan to tow has a gooseneck coupler, all you would need is the proper sized gooseneck hitch installed in your truck. If you had a gooseneck hitch on your truck, but a regular 5th wheel pin box on your trailer, you could use a Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter (like # CAB-C5G).

If you are concerned about the length of your bed and whether or not you have enough clearance to use a 5th wheel, there are some measurements you can make to determine if it will fit. First, if you have a 6 foot bed, you will need a slider. A round tube slider will move the pivot point back by 12 inches, square will move it back 10 inches. To find out if this is enough space, you will measure the distance from the center of the 5th wheel jaw (typically about 2 inches forward of the center of the rear axle) to the back of the cab.

Next, add the length of how far back the slider can go (12 or 10 inches). Then you will dived the width of the trailer by two and subtract that from the first two measurements you added. For example, if the distance from jaw to cab is 48 inches and you add a round slider, you would add 12 inches. That is 60 total. If your trailer is 100 inches wide, divide by 2 to get 50. Subtract 50 from 60; 10 inches total clearance. If you do these measurements and you end with 4 or more inches of clearance then a 5th wheel will work.

If you have an 8 foot bed, a slider will not be needed.

If your bed is less than 6 feet long, you might need a sidewinder. A sidewinder moves the pivot point back away from the cab by 22 inches. You will have to do the measurements to determine if a sidewinder will work. I have included an FAQ on sidewinders below that will give you the formula used above to determine clearance.

expert reply by: Michael H

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