Options for Towing Fifth Wheel Trailer with Truck that has 5-1/2 Foot Bed
Question:
Hey, Just bought a ‘96 euro fifth wheel for $4500. As you can see I’m just an entry level rv’er and not looking to spend a lot of money. To my surprise I am finding out that short box’s cannot properly pull 5 wheels. I have 2002 f-150 with a 5.5’ box. What are my cheapest options? Can I get away with a manual slide? Could I do a 45 degree turn without getting out of my truck? What’s the cheapest auto slide that would work? Thanks
asked by: Ryan B
Expert Reply:
Demco designed this 13K Hijacker AutoSlide 5th Wheel Hitch # DM8550040 with the 5-1/2 foot beds in mind. As you turn this hitch will give you an extended distance of 22-1/2 inches, which is crucial to most short bed truck owners when making sharp turns. But it's essential for 5-1/2 foot bed lengths like yours. There isn't a different slider option that will work as most only have half that in slider clearance.
Only other option is a Sidewinder pin box but for a trailer of your age that might not be possible. Sidewinder pin boxes are pin boxes that pivot at the trailer instead of at the hitch so you get additional clearance.
You will need to remove the pin box of the trailer and replace it with a Sidewinder pin box. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.
There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.
Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 13,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 3250 lbs Vertical Load
- 13000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/4 - 18 Inch Tall
- 22-1/2 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
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